温故知新
温故知新 (wēn gù zhī xīn) literally means “review old know new” and expresses “learn new through studying old”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving wisdom and learning. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
Also searched as: wen gu zhi xin, wen gu zhi xin,温故知新 meaning, 温故知新 in english
Learn new through studying old
Pronunciation: wēn gù zhī xīn
Literal meaning: Review old know new
Origin & Usage
This idiom comes directly from Confucius's teaching that by reviewing (温) the old (故), one can understand (知) the new (新). The metaphor originally referred to warming up old food to make it fresh again, suggesting that knowledge requires regular review to remain vital. During the Tang Dynasty, it became a fundamental principle of classical education, emphasizing that true learning combines respect for tradition with openness to new insights. The concept gained particular significance during the Song Dynasty renaissance, when scholars reinterpreted classical texts for contemporary challenges. Modern usage emphasizes the value of using historical knowledge to understand present situations, particularly relevant in fields like policy-making, business strategy, and cultural studies.
Examples
English: "By reviewing past projects, she found solutions for current challenges"
Chinese: 通过回顾过去的项目，她找到了解决当前挑战的方法
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 温故知新 mean in English?
温故知新 (wēn gù zhī xīn) literally translates to “Review old know new” and is used to express “Learn new through studying old”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Wisdom & Learning category.
When is 温故知新 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving learn new through studying old.
What is the pinyin for 温故知新?
The pinyin pronunciation for 温故知新 is “wēn gù zhī xīn”.