驷马难追
驷马难追 (sì mǎ nán zhuī) literally means “four horses can't catch” and expresses “cannot undo what's done”. 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: si ma nan zhui, si ma nan zhui,驷马难追 meaning, 驷马难追 in english
Cannot undo what's done
Pronunciation: sì mǎ nán zhuī
Literal meaning: Four horses can't catch
Origin & Usage
Originally from the Spring and Autumn period, this phrase describes how even four (驷) horses (马) cannot catch (难追) spoken words once uttered. The image of a four-horse chariot - the fastest vehicle of ancient China - emphasizes the irreversible nature of speech. The idiom gained particular significance during the Warring States period, where diplomatic communications could determine the fate of kingdoms. Today, it serves as a reminder about the power and permanence of words, particularly relevant in our age of instant digital communication.
Examples
English: "He carefully considered his public statement, knowing its impact would be irreversible"
Chinese: 他仔细考虑自己的公开声明，知道其影响将不可逆转
Discover a new Chinese idiom every day with our iOS app.
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about wisdom & learning
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 驷马难追 mean in English?
驷马难追 (sì mǎ nán zhuī) literally translates to “Four horses can't catch” and is used to express “Cannot undo what's done”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Wisdom & Learning category.
When is 驷马难追 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving cannot undo what's done.
What is the pinyin for 驷马难追?
The pinyin pronunciation for 驷马难追 is “sì mǎ nán zhuī”.