乘风破浪
乘风破浪 (chéng fēng pò làng) literally means “ride wind break waves” and expresses “boldly forge ahead through adversity”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving strategy and action. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
Also searched as: cheng feng po lang, cheng feng po lang,乘风破浪 meaning, 乘风破浪 in english
Boldly forge ahead through adversity
Pronunciation: chéng fēng pò làng Literal meaning: Ride wind break waves
Origin & Usage
Li Bai's bold verse from the Tang Dynasty - 'Straight ahead, ride the wind (乘风) and break through waves (破浪)' - gave us this dynamic image of progress through adversity. Originally maritime terminology, Song Dynasty writers transformed it into a broader metaphor for advancement through challenges. The nautical imagery perfectly captures the dual nature of progress - both harnessing favorable forces while actively overcoming resistance. Today it inspires entrepreneurs and innovators facing their own metaphorical seas.
When to Use
Situation: The startup boldly expanded during economic turbulence while competitors retreated
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Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about strategy & action
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shì bù kě dǎng
Unstoppable; irresistible momentum
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争分夺秒
zhēng fēn duó miǎo
Race against time; make every second count
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四通八达
sì tōng bā dá
Extending in all directions; well-connected
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后顾之忧
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Concerns about hidden vulnerabilities
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chàng kōng chéng jì
Use bold confidence to mask vulnerability
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bù yuē ér tóng
Arrive at same point without coordination
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小心翼翼
xiǎo xīn yì yì
Act with extreme caution and care
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七手八脚
qī shǒu bā jiǎo
Many people busily working together in disorder
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 乘风破浪 mean in English?
乘风破浪 (chéng fēng pò làng) literally translates to “Ride wind break waves” and is used to express “Boldly forge ahead through adversity”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Strategy & Action category.
When is 乘风破浪 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving boldly forge ahead through adversity.
What is the pinyin for 乘风破浪?
The pinyin pronunciation for 乘风破浪 is “chéng fēng pò làng”.