水到渠成
水到渠成 (shuǐ dào qú chéng) literally means “water comes channel forms” and expresses “success comes naturally”. 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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Success comes naturally
Pronunciation: shuǐ dào qú chéng
Literal meaning: Water comes channel forms
Origin & Usage
Drawing from ancient Chinese irrigation practices, this idiom captures how water (水) flowing consistently will naturally create its channel (渠). First appearing in Tang Dynasty agricultural texts, it reflected the observation that steady water flow would eventually carve its path through even the hardest terrain. The metaphor resonated deeply with Daoist philosophy about natural progression and minimal intervention. In contemporary usage, it describes how persistent effort, like flowing water, naturally creates pathways to success. The idiom particularly gained relevance during China's massive irrigation projects, reinforcing how patient, consistent action accomplishes more than forceful intervention.
Examples
English: "Once the market was ready, their product gained popularity effortlessly"
Chinese: 一旦市场成熟，他们的产品自然获得了欢迎
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Related Chinese Idioms
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 水到渠成 mean in English?
水到渠成 (shuǐ dào qú chéng) literally translates to “Water comes channel forms” and is used to express “Success comes naturally”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Success & Perseverance category.
When is 水到渠成 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving success comes naturally.
What is the pinyin for 水到渠成?
The pinyin pronunciation for 水到渠成 is “shuǐ dào qú chéng”.