读万卷书
读万卷书 (dú wàn juǎn shū) literally means “read ten thousand scrolls” and expresses “read extensively for knowledge”. 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: du wan juan shu, du wan juan shu,读万卷书 meaning, 读万卷书 in english
Read extensively for knowledge
Pronunciation: dú wàn juǎn shū
Literal meaning: Read ten thousand scrolls
Origin & Usage
Originating from a longer saying by the Tang Dynasty scholar Du Fu: '读万卷书，行万里路' (Read ten thousand scrolls, walk ten thousand li). The specific number wasn't meant literally - 'ten thousand' in Classical Chinese often represented an exhaustive quantity. The scroll measurement was significant, as classical texts were stored on bamboo or silk scrolls, each requiring careful unrolling and dedicated study. During the Song Dynasty, it became a cornerstone of scholarly preparation for the imperial examinations. Modern usage emphasizes the value of broad, deep reading in an age of superficial digital consumption. It suggests that true wisdom comes not just from reading many books, but from lived experience aswell - an especially relevant message in today's world where digital learning often substitutes for real-world experience.
Examples
English: "She broadened her perspective through extensive reading"
Chinese: 她通过广泛阅读拓宽了视野
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 读万卷书 mean in English?
读万卷书 (dú wàn juǎn shū) literally translates to “Read ten thousand scrolls” and is used to express “Read extensively for knowledge”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Wisdom & Learning category.
When is 读万卷书 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving read extensively for knowledge.
What is the pinyin for 读万卷书?
The pinyin pronunciation for 读万卷书 is “dú wàn juǎn shū”.