白手起家

النطق: bái shǒu qǐ jiā المعنى الحرفي: White hands start a family/business

الأصل والاستخدام

This idiom describes starting a family or business with white/empty (白) hands (手) - meaning no inherited wealth or resources. The phrase celebrates self-made success achieved through one's own efforts without external help or initial capital. It appeared in texts describing merchants and officials who rose from humble origins. Modern usage particularly resonates with entrepreneurial narratives, praising those who build success without the advantage of inherited wealth or connections.

أمثلة

الإنجليزية: "He built his business empire from nothing through hard work."

الصينية: 他白手起家，通过努力建立了自己的商业帝国。