Chinese sayings and proverbs

Welcome to the largest Chinese proverbs colection. You will find here ancient Chinese proverbs, wise sayings, Chinese phrases and even funny Chinese proverbs. Click on the title to read it, think about it and then read it again. Chinese sayings have layer upon layer of wisdom, so don't hesitate to comment - share your opinion on the sayings, give some real life examples and even ask when you feel puzzled. And if you know some proverb that isn't listed here, don't hesitate to share it!

Happy reading!

A fallen lighthouse is more dangerous than a reef

A false report rides post

A flea on top of a bald head

A flower cannot blossom without sunshine nor a garden without love

A fly before his own eye is bigger than an elephant in the next field

A frog in a well-shaft seeing the sky

A fu purse never lacks freends

A fu’ sack will tak a clout o’ the side

A gem is not polished without rubbing, nor a man made perfect without trials

A good dog does not block the road

A good neighbor is a found treasure

A hasty man drinks his tea with a fork

A hasty man never wants woe

A hundred men may make an encampment, but it takes a woman to make a home

A jade stone is useless before it is processed; a man is good-for-nothing until he is educated

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step

A maker of idols is never an idolater

A man must despise himself before others will

A man must make himself despicable before he is despised by others

A man must plough with such oxen as he hath

A man need never revenge himself; the body of his enemy will be brought to his own door

A man’s conversation is the mirror of his thoughts

A man’s discontent is his worst evil

A nation’s treasure

A person who say it cannot be done should not interrupt the man doing it