守时如金
守时如金 (shǒu shí rú jīn) literally means “value time like gold” and expresses “value time preciously”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving success and perseverance. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
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Value time preciously
Pronunciation: shǒu shí rú jīn
Literal meaning: Value time like gold
Origin & Usage
This idiom, emerging during the Song Dynasty's growing commercial culture, equates valuing (如) time (时) with gold (金). It gained prominence as mechanical water clocks improved timekeeping precision, making punctuality increasingly important in civil service and commerce. The comparison was particularly meaningful as gold was not just precious but also finite and irreplaceable, like time itself. During the Ming Dynasty, the concept became central to merchant ethics and official conduct. Modern usage emphasizes professional reliability and time management, particularly in business contexts where punctuality indicates respect and professionalism. It reflects a universal truth that time, unlike most resources, can never be recovered once lost.
Examples
English: "She always arrived early for meetings, respecting everyone's time"
Chinese: 她总是提前到达会议，尊重每个人的时间
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 守时如金 mean in English?
守时如金 (shǒu shí rú jīn) literally translates to “Value time like gold” and is used to express “Value time preciously”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Success & Perseverance category.
When is 守时如金 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving value time preciously.
What is the pinyin for 守时如金?
The pinyin pronunciation for 守时如金 is “shǒu shí rú jīn”.