Chinese Lessons on Learning

Chinese Lessons on Learning

The importance of learning, nicely packaged in Chinese idioms

Photo by 2y.kang from Unsplash

In Chinese, idioms are a common form of expression. Made up of four words, these summarise concepts or descriptions ranging from something simple like weather to deeper ones like love. This extends to learning, with several idioms depicting its various forms, signalling its importance in Chinese culture.

Here are a few that showcase the value of learning from a Chinese perspective, especially from lessons drawn from life experiences rather than from the classroom.

百年树人 (baǐ nián shù rén)

Literally translated as “hundred years tree man”, this idiom means “it takes a long time for good education to yield results or cultivate people”. This refers to the importance of a good education and that it will ultimately bear fruit. Similar to planting trees today for future shade, education is the foundation for our growth tomorrow.

不耻下问 (bù chǐ xìa wèn)

Literally translated as “not ashamed down asking”, this idiom means “not being shy to learn or ask from one’s subordinates”. This refers to having the humility to seek clarity from someone perceived as having a lower social status or rank. Everyone we meet can still impart lessons onto us, even if they aren’t our superiors.

班门弄斧 (bān mén nòng fǔ)

Literally translated as “Ban’s (the name of a legendary carpenter) door playing axe”, this idiom means “showing off in front of a master”. This refers to understanding that there are others more skilled than us and we should treat them as teachers rather than an audience. Instead of trying to show off, this could be a learning opportunity to improve our skills.

不自量力 (bù zì liàng lì)

Literally translated as “not oneself measuring strength”, this idiom means “not knowing one’s limitations”. This refers to overestimating our capabilities, due to ignorance or arrogance, not knowing that certain tasks might be beyond us. Regardless, it’s important to learn from our experiences and be aware of our strengths and weaknesses.

学无止境 (xué wú zhǐ jìng)

Literally translated as “studying no stop point”, this idiom means “learning is limitless”. This refers to learning and the accumulation of knowledge as a lifelong journey for consistent self-improvement. Every day is full of lessons; we just have to be open to identifying, learning, and growing from them.

Overall, these display a variety of situations that add extra perspective to the concept of learning. Although similar phrases exist in English, they don't encapsulate the concept as well as these Chinese idioms.