海纳百川
海纳百川 (hǎi nà bǎi chuān) literally means “sea accepts hundred rivers” and expresses “accept all with open mind”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving relationships and character. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
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Accept all with open mind
Pronunciation: hǎi nà bǎi chuān
Literal meaning: Sea accepts hundred rivers
Origin & Usage
This idiom describes how the sea (海) accepts (纳) a hundred (百) rivers (川), celebrating inclusivity and breadth of mind. It first gained prominence during the Tang Dynasty, reflecting China's cosmopolitan golden age when the capital Chang'an welcomed influences from across Asia. The metaphor draws power from the observation that the sea maintains its nature while accepting countless streams. During the Song Dynasty, Neo-Confucian scholars used it to advocate for intellectual openness while maintaining core principles. Modern usage promotes diversity and open-mindedness in organizational culture, suggesting that true greatness comes from embracing multiple perspectives while maintaining coherent identity.
Examples
English: "The company welcomed diverse perspectives and ideas"
Chinese: 公司欢迎不同的观点和想法
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 海纳百川 mean in English?
海纳百川 (hǎi nà bǎi chuān) literally translates to “Sea accepts hundred rivers” and is used to express “Accept all with open mind”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 海纳百川 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving accept all with open mind.
What is the pinyin for 海纳百川?
The pinyin pronunciation for 海纳百川 is “hǎi nà bǎi chuān”.