The origins of Ten Chinese Proverbs--Feb. 9, 2014
1.不三不四
古人稱天為一、地為二。所以天、地、人相加為三，三即成為整體的代表，比如：三部曲、三省、三思、三人行等等；而對於四則稱之"周全"，亦有稱心如意的意思，比如四大金剛、四大家、四體、四藝、四書等等。所以把"美好事物"之外的，行為不端的人統稱為"不三不四"。
2.二百五
蘇秦一直努力說服六國聯合抗秦，史稱"六國封相"。但蘇秦在齊國的時候被刺客殺了，齊王為了抓出刺客，特貼出告示，聲稱蘇秦為大內奸，刺殺蘇秦者賞金千兩。告示一出，立刻有四個上鉤，聲稱是自己所為。齊王正恨刺客牙癢，怒：千兩黃金每人二百五，順便把這四個二百五推出去砍了！
3.犬子
"犬子"本是司馬相如小名，《史記》記載，司馬相如"少時好讀書，學擊劍，故其親名之曰犬子"。他長大後，也覺得名字不好聽，加上又仰慕藺相如的為人，自己便更名為相如。但司馬相如的成名，"犬子"也不斷為人所知。人們便爭相效仿，謙稱自家兒郎，用上了"犬子"一詞。
4.黃臉婆
古代女性所用的化妝品落後，一般所用的搽臉粉含鉛，有毒性，長期使用會導致臉色變黃。所以年紀愈大的女性，受害時間愈長，受害愈深。故年長一些的女性就會呈現"黃臉婆"的症狀。
5.哪壺不開提哪壺
早年，有父子倆開了一個小茶館。知縣白老爺是一個貪財好利的主兒，經常來白吃白喝。雖然父子倆受不了，有氣，但也沒辦法。有一段時間老掌櫃病了，小掌櫃司爐掌壺。等老掌櫃病好以後，發現縣太爺再沒來了。問其緣由，小掌櫃一笑說："我給他沏茶，是哪壺不開提哪壺！"
6.亂七八糟
發生在西漢時期的同姓王聯合大叛亂"七國之亂"和西晉時晉朝皇室內宮爭權奪利的"八王之亂"。給當時的百姓帶來了深重的災難，社會生活被搞得一團糟。後來人們便將這兩次叛亂聯繫起來，構成了"亂七八糟"這句成語！
7.吹牛
從前宰羊時放完血，屠夫會在羊的腿上割開一個小口，把嘴湊上去使勁往裡吹氣，直到羊全身都膨脹起來，用刀輕輕一拉，皮就會自己裂開。這叫吹豬或吹羊。如果誰要說可以把牛皮吹起來，那就是說大話了，因為牛皮很大，而且非常堅韌，根本吹不起來。所以"吹牛"就是說大話的代名詞！
8.替罪羊
聖經《舊約》：挪亞後有個叫亞伯拉罕的閃族人，他99歲得一子。一天，耶和華突然降臨，要他殺子以撒獻祭。以撒不知自己是祭品，跟隨父親上山，亞伯拉罕準備好一切，正將兒子放上祭壇欲動刀時，天使飛來拉住其手，不准他殺子，告訴他只是耶和華的考驗，並改用羊來做為祭品，這就是替罪羊的來歷。
9.拍馬屁
有三種說法。一說是元代蒙古人有個習慣，兩人牽馬相遇，要在對方馬屁股上拍一下，表示尊敬。二是蒙古族好騎手遇到烈性馬便拍拍馬屁股，使馬感到舒服，隨即乘勢躍身上馬，縱馬而去。三是蒙古人愛馬，如果馬肥，兩股必然隆起，所以見到駿馬，總喜歡拍著馬屁股稱讚一番。
10.跳槽
"跳槽"原是青樓語，在明清時代，這句話卻含有狎邪之意。最早這個詞是說妓女的。一個妓女和一個嫖客纏綿了一段之後，又發現了更有錢的主，於是丟棄舊愛，另就新歡，如同馬從一個槽換到了另外一個槽吃草，這種另攀高枝的做法被形象地稱為"跳槽"。如今"跳槽"被當成變換工作的代語。
古人稱天為一、地為二。所以天、地、人相加為三，三即成為整體的代表，比如：三部曲、三省、三思、三人行等等；而對於四則稱之"周全"，亦有稱心如意的意思，比如四大金剛、四大家、四體、四藝、四書等等。所以把"美好事物"之外的，行為不端的人統稱為"不三不四"。
2.二百五
蘇秦一直努力說服六國聯合抗秦，史稱"六國封相"。但蘇秦在齊國的時候被刺客殺了，齊王為了抓出刺客，特貼出告示，聲稱蘇秦為大內奸，刺殺蘇秦者賞金千兩。告示一出，立刻有四個上鉤，聲稱是自己所為。齊王正恨刺客牙癢，怒：千兩黃金每人二百五，順便把這四個二百五推出去砍了！
3.犬子
"犬子"本是司馬相如小名，《史記》記載，司馬相如"少時好讀書，學擊劍，故其親名之曰犬子"。他長大後，也覺得名字不好聽，加上又仰慕藺相如的為人，自己便更名為相如。但司馬相如的成名，"犬子"也不斷為人所知。人們便爭相效仿，謙稱自家兒郎，用上了"犬子"一詞。
4.黃臉婆
古代女性所用的化妝品落後，一般所用的搽臉粉含鉛，有毒性，長期使用會導致臉色變黃。所以年紀愈大的女性，受害時間愈長，受害愈深。故年長一些的女性就會呈現"黃臉婆"的症狀。
5.哪壺不開提哪壺
早年，有父子倆開了一個小茶館。知縣白老爺是一個貪財好利的主兒，經常來白吃白喝。雖然父子倆受不了，有氣，但也沒辦法。有一段時間老掌櫃病了，小掌櫃司爐掌壺。等老掌櫃病好以後，發現縣太爺再沒來了。問其緣由，小掌櫃一笑說："我給他沏茶，是哪壺不開提哪壺！"
6.亂七八糟
發生在西漢時期的同姓王聯合大叛亂"七國之亂"和西晉時晉朝皇室內宮爭權奪利的"八王之亂"。給當時的百姓帶來了深重的災難，社會生活被搞得一團糟。後來人們便將這兩次叛亂聯繫起來，構成了"亂七八糟"這句成語！
7.吹牛
從前宰羊時放完血，屠夫會在羊的腿上割開一個小口，把嘴湊上去使勁往裡吹氣，直到羊全身都膨脹起來，用刀輕輕一拉，皮就會自己裂開。這叫吹豬或吹羊。如果誰要說可以把牛皮吹起來，那就是說大話了，因為牛皮很大，而且非常堅韌，根本吹不起來。所以"吹牛"就是說大話的代名詞！
8.替罪羊
聖經《舊約》：挪亞後有個叫亞伯拉罕的閃族人，他99歲得一子。一天，耶和華突然降臨，要他殺子以撒獻祭。以撒不知自己是祭品，跟隨父親上山，亞伯拉罕準備好一切，正將兒子放上祭壇欲動刀時，天使飛來拉住其手，不准他殺子，告訴他只是耶和華的考驗，並改用羊來做為祭品，這就是替罪羊的來歷。
9.拍馬屁
有三種說法。一說是元代蒙古人有個習慣，兩人牽馬相遇，要在對方馬屁股上拍一下，表示尊敬。二是蒙古族好騎手遇到烈性馬便拍拍馬屁股，使馬感到舒服，隨即乘勢躍身上馬，縱馬而去。三是蒙古人愛馬，如果馬肥，兩股必然隆起，所以見到駿馬，總喜歡拍著馬屁股稱讚一番。
10.跳槽
"跳槽"原是青樓語，在明清時代，這句話卻含有狎邪之意。最早這個詞是說妓女的。一個妓女和一個嫖客纏綿了一段之後，又發現了更有錢的主，於是丟棄舊愛，另就新歡，如同馬從一個槽換到了另外一個槽吃草，這種另攀高枝的做法被形象地稱為"跳槽"。如今"跳槽"被當成變換工作的代語。
Chinese Proverbs ~ from HanBan
Chinese Proverbs on Characteristics A proverb is a simple and concrete saying popularly known and repeated, which expresses a truth, based on common sense or the practical experience of humanity. They are often metaphorical. A proverb that describes a basic rule of conduct may also be known as a maxim. If a proverb is distinguished by particularly good phrasing, it may be known as an aphorism.
1. Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without one. 宁做有瑕玉,不做无瑕石
2. Better do a good deed near at home than go far away to burn incense. 与其千里之外去烧香，不如在家门口行点善
3. Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness. 与其诅咒黑暗，不如燃起蜡烛
4. Clear conscience never fears midnight knocking. 平生不做亏心事，夜半敲门心不惊
5. A crane standing amidst a flock of chickens. 鹤立鸡群
6. Crows everywhere are equally black.天下乌鸦一般黑
7. A dog won't forsake his master because of his poverty; a son never deserts his mother for her homely appearance. 狗不嫌家贫，儿不嫌娘丑
8. Dream different dreams while on the same bed.同床异梦
9. Your fingers can't be of the same length. 十个指头不一般齐
10. Have a mouth as sharp as a dagger but a heart as soft as tofu.豆子嘴豆腐心
11. How can you expect to find ivory in a dog's mouth?狗嘴里吐不出象牙
12. Lift a stone only to drop on your own feet.搬起石头砸自己的脚
13. Once bitten by a snake, he/she is scared all his/her life at the mere sight of a rope.一朝被蛇咬十年怕井绳
14. Pick up a sesame seed but lose sight of a watermelon.捡起一粒芝麻掉了一个西瓜
15. Play a harp before a cow.对牛弹琴
16. Shed no tears until seeing the coffin.不见棺材不落泪
17. A smile will gain you ten more years of life.笑一笑，十年少
18. If you do not study hard when young you'll end up bewailing your failures as you grow up. 少小不努力，老大徒伤悲
19. Three humble shoemakers brainstorming will make a great statesman.三个臭皮匠赛过诸葛亮
20. You can't catch a cub without going into the tiger's den.不入虎穴焉得虎子
21. You think you lost your horse? Who knows, he may bring a whole herd back to you someday.塞翁失马焉知非福
22. Trees have already been made into a boat. Chinese original: 木已成舟
23. Age and time do not wait for people.岁月不留人
24. Old habits die hard.本性难移
25. A good medicine tastes bitter.良药苦口
26. The body of a starved camel is still bigger than a living horse. 瘦死的骆驼比马大
27. Three humble shoemakers brainstorming make a great statesman.三个臭皮匠，凑个诸葛亮
1. Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without one. 宁做有瑕玉,不做无瑕石
2. Better do a good deed near at home than go far away to burn incense. 与其千里之外去烧香，不如在家门口行点善
3. Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness. 与其诅咒黑暗，不如燃起蜡烛
4. Clear conscience never fears midnight knocking. 平生不做亏心事，夜半敲门心不惊
5. A crane standing amidst a flock of chickens. 鹤立鸡群
6. Crows everywhere are equally black.天下乌鸦一般黑
7. A dog won't forsake his master because of his poverty; a son never deserts his mother for her homely appearance. 狗不嫌家贫，儿不嫌娘丑
8. Dream different dreams while on the same bed.同床异梦
9. Your fingers can't be of the same length. 十个指头不一般齐
10. Have a mouth as sharp as a dagger but a heart as soft as tofu.豆子嘴豆腐心
11. How can you expect to find ivory in a dog's mouth?狗嘴里吐不出象牙
12. Lift a stone only to drop on your own feet.搬起石头砸自己的脚
13. Once bitten by a snake, he/she is scared all his/her life at the mere sight of a rope.一朝被蛇咬十年怕井绳
14. Pick up a sesame seed but lose sight of a watermelon.捡起一粒芝麻掉了一个西瓜
15. Play a harp before a cow.对牛弹琴
16. Shed no tears until seeing the coffin.不见棺材不落泪
17. A smile will gain you ten more years of life.笑一笑，十年少
18. If you do not study hard when young you'll end up bewailing your failures as you grow up. 少小不努力，老大徒伤悲
19. Three humble shoemakers brainstorming will make a great statesman.三个臭皮匠赛过诸葛亮
20. You can't catch a cub without going into the tiger's den.不入虎穴焉得虎子
21. You think you lost your horse? Who knows, he may bring a whole herd back to you someday.塞翁失马焉知非福
22. Trees have already been made into a boat. Chinese original: 木已成舟
23. Age and time do not wait for people.岁月不留人
24. Old habits die hard.本性难移
25. A good medicine tastes bitter.良药苦口
26. The body of a starved camel is still bigger than a living horse. 瘦死的骆驼比马大
27. Three humble shoemakers brainstorming make a great statesman.三个臭皮匠，凑个诸葛亮
Chinese New Year Wishs and Proverbs
Chinese New Year includes two weeks of celebration with most activities taking place the day before, the first day and the last day. On the Chinese New Year, observers worldwide celebrate by feasting with their families, letting go of grudges and wishing their loved ones happiness, longevity, wealth, and good fortune. Many people enjoy writing riddles or wishes on the lanterns before sending them airborne. Read the following Chinese Proverbs and wishes that capture the spirit of the New Year.
The Wishes:
步步高昇 (bù bù gāoshēng): Onward and upward
身體健康 (shēntǐ jiànkāng): Good Health
心想事成 (xīn xiǎng shì chéng): All wishes come true)
笑口常開 (xiào kǒu cháng kāi): Be happy and carry laughter all the time
事業蒸蒸日上開 (shìyè zhēng zhēngrì shàngkāi): Business will grow and get better
萬事大吉 (wànshìdàjí): Everything will be lucky and go smoothly
事事如意、心想事成 (shì shì rúyì, xīn xiǎng shì chéng)： Things will happen as you wish
金榜題名 (jīnbǎng tímíng): Pass an entrance exam and get enrolled in a school
家和萬事興 (jiā hé wànshì xīng): Harmonous family and prosperous life
工作順利 (gōngzuò shùnlì)： Work smoothly,
早日找到如意郎君 (zǎorì zhǎodào rúyì láng jūn): Quickly find Mr. Right
賺錢發大財 (zhuànqián fā dà cái): Make a fortune
The Proverbs:
1. “A good fortune may forbode a bad luck, which may in turn disguise a good fortune."
2. "He who hurries can not walk with dignity."
3. "If you want 1 year of prosperity, grow grain. If you want 10 years of prosperity, grow trees. If you want 100 years of prosperity, grow people."
4. "The longer the night lasts, the more our dreams will be."
5. "A single conversation with a wise man is better than ten years of study."
6. "Enjoy yourself. It's later than you think."
7. Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.
8. A smiling face is half the meal.
9. Spring is the time of the year, when it is summer in the sun and winter in the shade.
10. Every year, if not every day, we have to wager our salvation upon some prophecy based upon imperfect knowledge.
The Wishes:
步步高昇 (bù bù gāoshēng): Onward and upward
身體健康 (shēntǐ jiànkāng): Good Health
心想事成 (xīn xiǎng shì chéng): All wishes come true)
笑口常開 (xiào kǒu cháng kāi): Be happy and carry laughter all the time
事業蒸蒸日上開 (shìyè zhēng zhēngrì shàngkāi): Business will grow and get better
萬事大吉 (wànshìdàjí): Everything will be lucky and go smoothly
事事如意、心想事成 (shì shì rúyì, xīn xiǎng shì chéng)： Things will happen as you wish
金榜題名 (jīnbǎng tímíng): Pass an entrance exam and get enrolled in a school
家和萬事興 (jiā hé wànshì xīng): Harmonous family and prosperous life
工作順利 (gōngzuò shùnlì)： Work smoothly,
早日找到如意郎君 (zǎorì zhǎodào rúyì láng jūn): Quickly find Mr. Right
賺錢發大財 (zhuànqián fā dà cái): Make a fortune
The Proverbs:
1. “A good fortune may forbode a bad luck, which may in turn disguise a good fortune."
2. "He who hurries can not walk with dignity."
3. "If you want 1 year of prosperity, grow grain. If you want 10 years of prosperity, grow trees. If you want 100 years of prosperity, grow people."
4. "The longer the night lasts, the more our dreams will be."
5. "A single conversation with a wise man is better than ten years of study."
6. "Enjoy yourself. It's later than you think."
7. Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.
8. A smiling face is half the meal.
9. Spring is the time of the year, when it is summer in the sun and winter in the shade.
10. Every year, if not every day, we have to wager our salvation upon some prophecy based upon imperfect knowledge.
The Ancient Wisdom in Chinese Proverbs
Here are some Chinese proverbs whichis really insightful. Chinese proverbs did notinfluence early English literature. But with the standardization and interpretation of the Chinese character set, these proverbs became available to the rest of the world. Especially it also shows the ancient wisdom in these Chinese proverbs.
1. The soldier who retreated 50 paces jeered at the one who retreated 100 paces.
Chinese meaning: 五十步笑百步
2. Good luck seldom comes in pairs but bad things never walk alone.
Chinese meaning: 祸不单行
3. Fight poison with poison.
Chinese meaning: 以毒攻毒
4. Tiger father begets tiger son.
Chinese meaning: 虎父虎子
5. Man's schemes are inferior to those made by heaven.
Chinese meaning: 人算不如天算
6. If you have money you can make the ghosts and devils turn your grind stone.
Chinese meaning: 有钱能使鬼推磨
7. You want your horse to look good but you also want it not to have to eat grass.
Chinese meaning: 又想马儿跑得快，又想马儿不吃草
8. There is no wave without wind.
Chinese meaning: 无风不起浪
9. You cannot push a cow's head down unless it is drinking water by it's own will.
Chinese meaning: 牛不飲水 , 不能按牛頭低
10. The arrogant army will lose the battle for sure.
Chinese meaning: 骄兵必败
11. Tens of thousands of bones will become ashes when one general achieves his fame.
Chinese meaning: 一将功成万骨枯
12. If you are in a hurry you will never get there.
Chinese meaning: 欲速则不达
13. The crafty rabbit has three different entrances to its lair.
Chinese meaning: 狡兔有三窟
14. Use attack as the tactic of defense.
Chinese meaning: 以攻为守
15. Set yourself as the standard.
Chinese meaning: 以身作则
16. When you have musk, you will automatically have fragrance.
Chinese meaning: 有麝自然香
17. You cannot fight a fire with water from far away.
Chinese meaning: 远水救不了近火
18. Paper cannot wrap up a fire.
Chinese meaning: 纸包不住火
19. Men should worry about fame just as pigs about being fat.
Chinese meaning:人怕出名猪怕壮
20. Even the most resourceful housewife cannot create miracles from a rice less pantry.
Chinese meaning: 巧妇难为无米灶
1. The soldier who retreated 50 paces jeered at the one who retreated 100 paces.
Chinese meaning: 五十步笑百步
2. Good luck seldom comes in pairs but bad things never walk alone.
Chinese meaning: 祸不单行
3. Fight poison with poison.
Chinese meaning: 以毒攻毒
4. Tiger father begets tiger son.
Chinese meaning: 虎父虎子
5. Man's schemes are inferior to those made by heaven.
Chinese meaning: 人算不如天算
6. If you have money you can make the ghosts and devils turn your grind stone.
Chinese meaning: 有钱能使鬼推磨
7. You want your horse to look good but you also want it not to have to eat grass.
Chinese meaning: 又想马儿跑得快，又想马儿不吃草
8. There is no wave without wind.
Chinese meaning: 无风不起浪
9. You cannot push a cow's head down unless it is drinking water by it's own will.
Chinese meaning: 牛不飲水 , 不能按牛頭低
10. The arrogant army will lose the battle for sure.
Chinese meaning: 骄兵必败
11. Tens of thousands of bones will become ashes when one general achieves his fame.
Chinese meaning: 一将功成万骨枯
12. If you are in a hurry you will never get there.
Chinese meaning: 欲速则不达
13. The crafty rabbit has three different entrances to its lair.
Chinese meaning: 狡兔有三窟
14. Use attack as the tactic of defense.
Chinese meaning: 以攻为守
15. Set yourself as the standard.
Chinese meaning: 以身作则
16. When you have musk, you will automatically have fragrance.
Chinese meaning: 有麝自然香
17. You cannot fight a fire with water from far away.
Chinese meaning: 远水救不了近火
18. Paper cannot wrap up a fire.
Chinese meaning: 纸包不住火
19. Men should worry about fame just as pigs about being fat.
Chinese meaning:人怕出名猪怕壮
20. Even the most resourceful housewife cannot create miracles from a rice less pantry.
Chinese meaning: 巧妇难为无米灶