老马识途
老马识途 (lǎo mǎ shí tú) literally means “old horse knows way” and expresses “experience brings wisdom”. 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: lao ma shi tu, lao ma shi tu,老马识途 meaning, 老马识途 in english
Experience brings wisdom
Pronunciation: lǎo mǎ shí tú
Literal meaning: Old horse knows way
Origin & Usage
Dating back to the Zhou Dynasty, this idiom comes from the story of Duke Mu of Qin who, lost in unfamiliar territory, relied on an old horse (老马) to find their way (识途) home through a snowstorm. The horse, having traversed these paths in its youth, remembered the safe routes despite years passing. Originally documented in 'Hanfeizi', it reflected ancient Chinese military wisdom about valuing experienced guides. In modern usage, it celebrates the irreplaceable value of experience, particularly in navigating complex situations. The metaphor resonates in professional mentorship, where seasoned veterans guide younger colleagues through challenging terrain, highlighting how certain knowledge can only be acquired through years of practical experience.
Examples
English: "The veteran guide easily found the path in difficult terrain"
Chinese: 经验丰富的向导在困难地形中轻松找到道路
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 老马识途 mean in English?
老马识途 (lǎo mǎ shí tú) literally translates to “Old horse knows way” and is used to express “Experience brings wisdom”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Wisdom & Learning category.
When is 老马识途 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving experience brings wisdom.
What is the pinyin for 老马识途?
The pinyin pronunciation for 老马识途 is “lǎo mǎ shí tú”.