玉汝于成
玉汝于成 (yù rǔ yú chéng) literally means “jade becomes perfect” and expresses “perfect through careful work”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving success and perseverance. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
Also searched as: yu ru yu cheng, yu ru yu cheng,玉汝于成 meaning, 玉汝于成 in english
Perfect through careful work
Pronunciation: yù rǔ yú chéng
Literal meaning: Jade becomes perfect
Origin & Usage
Originally appearing in the Classic of Poetry, this idiom references the painstaking process of jade (玉) craftsmanship, where the stone becomes (成) perfected through careful work (汝). Ancient craftsmen observed that jade's true beauty emerged only through patient, deliberate cultivation. During the Song Dynasty, Neo-Confucian scholars adopted it as a metaphor for character development. Modern usage applies to any process requiring patience and dedication to reveal inherent potential, whether in education, personal growth, or artistic development. It emphasizes how excellence emerges through persistent refinement rather than sudden transformation.
Examples
English: "The artisan spent years perfecting his craftsmanship"
Chinese: 这位工匠花了多年时间完善他的工艺
Discover a new Chinese idiom every day with our iOS app.
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about success & perseverance
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 玉汝于成 mean in English?
玉汝于成 (yù rǔ yú chéng) literally translates to “Jade becomes perfect” and is used to express “Perfect through careful work”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Success & Perseverance category.
When is 玉汝于成 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving perfect through careful work.
What is the pinyin for 玉汝于成?
The pinyin pronunciation for 玉汝于成 is “yù rǔ yú chéng”.