知难而进
知难而进 (zhī nán ér jìn) literally means “know difficulty yet advance” and expresses “press on despite awareness of challenges”. 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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Press on despite awareness of challenges
Pronunciation: zhī nán ér jìn
Literal meaning: Know difficulty yet advance
Origin & Usage
This idiom describes the courage to recognize (知) difficulties (难) and still move forward (进), originating from Warring States military strategy texts. It first gained prominence through the story of General Wu Qi, who famously told his king that understanding battlefield challenges before engaging showed true courage. The concept gained renewed significance during the Northern Song Dynasty when reformer Wang Anshi used it to justify ambitious governmental changes. Unlike blind optimism, it celebrates clear-eyed determination that acknowledges obstacles while committing to overcome them. Modern applications span from entrepreneurship to personal development, emphasizing how informed perseverance differs from naive enthusiasm or reckless bravery.
Examples
English: "Despite understanding the challenges, she accepted the complex international assignment"
Chinese: 尽管了解其中的挑战，她还是接受了这个复杂的国际任务
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Related Chinese Idioms
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 知难而进 mean in English?
知难而进 (zhī nán ér jìn) literally translates to “Know difficulty yet advance” and is used to express “Press on despite awareness of challenges”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Success & Perseverance category.
When is 知难而进 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving press on despite awareness of challenges.
What is the pinyin for 知难而进?
The pinyin pronunciation for 知难而进 is “zhī nán ér jìn”.