10 Chinese Idioms About Gratitude & Appreciation
Heartfelt Chinese idioms about thankfulness, repaying kindness, and appreciating those who help us.
Gratitude is deeply valued in Chinese culture, with strong traditions of remembering and repaying kindness. These idioms express the many dimensions of thankfulness and appreciation.
饮水思源
yǐn shuǐ sī yuánRemember your roots
Literal: Drink water think source
This reflection on gratitude emerged during the Tang Dynasty, using the everyday act of drinking (饮) water (水) to remind one to think (思) of its source (源). The idiom gained prominence through Buddhist texts that emphasized mindful appreciation of life's foundations. It was particularly meaningful i...
Example
After achieving success, she created a scholarship at her old school
在成功之后，她在母校设立了奖学金
夸夸其谈
kuā kuā qí tánAll talk no substance
Literal: Talk big and empty
This critical idiom emerged during the Warring States period when advisors would boast (夸) excessively (夸) in their (其) speeches (谈). Historical accounts describe how certain ministers would make grand promises but deliver little results. The repetition of '夸' emphasizes the emptiness of such speech...
Example
The consultant made grand promises but delivered little results
这位顾问说得天花乱坠，但几乎没有实际成果
曲高和寡
qǔ gāo hè guǎSophisticated work appreciated by few
Literal: Tune high harmony few
This cultural idiom observes that when a tune is too sophisticated (曲高), few can harmonize (和寡) with it. It originates from the 'Book of Han' biography of music master Li Yannian, whose complex compositions impressed Emperor Wu but remained inaccessible to ordinary listeners. During the Tang Dynasty...
Example
The experimental film received critical acclaim but struggled to find a mainstream audience
这部实验电影获得了评论界的赞誉，但难以吸引主流观众
爱毛反裘
ài máo fǎn qiúHonor one's teachers or humble origins
Literal: Love fur turn inside-out fur coat
The Warring States period text 'Lü's Spring and Autumn Annals' introduces this image of loving fur (爱毛) so much that one turns a fur coat inside out (反裘) to examine its foundation. Han Dynasty scholars transformed it into a metaphor for valuing origins over appearances. In northern China, where fur ...
Example
Despite his formal training, he respected the folk traditions of his hometown artisans
尽管受过正规训练，他仍尊重家乡民间工匠的传统
乐于助人
lè yú zhù rénFind genuine pleasure in helping others
Literal: Happy to help people
This phrase originated from Confucian ethical teachings in the Analects compiled around 500 BCE. The concept appears in Confucius' discussions of different motivations for virtuous action, with internal happiness representing the highest form. During the Han Dynasty, it became central to official as...
Example
The volunteer spent weekends helping elderly neighbors with home repairs
这位志愿者利用周末帮助年长邻居修缮房屋
风和日丽
fēng hé rì lìPerfect weather; favorable conditions
Literal: Wind gentle and sun beautiful
This idiom describes ideal weather conditions with gentle (和) wind (风) and beautiful (丽) sunshine (日). It first appeared in Tang Dynasty poetry celebrating perfect spring days. The phrase captures the Chinese aesthetic appreciation for harmonious natural conditions, where elements are balanced rathe...
Example
It was a perfect day for the outdoor wedding ceremony.
风和日丽的天气非常适合户外婚礼。
不言而喻
bù yán ér yùSelf-evident; goes without saying
Literal: Without speaking yet understood
This idiom expresses that something is so obvious it doesn't need (不) words (言) yet (而) is understood (喻). It appears in the Confucian classic 'Mencius,' emphasizing truths so fundamental they require no explanation. The phrase reflects the Chinese philosophical tradition valuing implicit understand...
Example
The importance of education is self-evident in today's world.
在当今世界，教育的重要性不言而喻。
一视同仁
yī shì tóng rénTreat everyone equally without discrimination
Literal: One view same benevolence
This idiom describes viewing (视) everyone with the same (一同) benevolence (仁). The Confucian concept of 'ren' (仁, benevolence) is extended equally to all without discrimination. The phrase appeared in texts discussing ideal governance and moral conduct. It represents the virtue of impartiality in tre...
Example
The teacher treats all students equally regardless of background.
老师对所有学生一视同仁，不论背景。
闻过则喜
wén guò zé xǐWelcome criticism; embrace feedback
Literal: Hear faults, then rejoice
This idiom describes hearing (闻) faults (过) and then (则) rejoicing (喜). It comes from Mencius praising Yu the Great who welcomed criticism as opportunities for improvement. The phrase embodies the ideal attitude toward feedback. Modern usage praises those who genuinely appreciate criticism, understa...
Example
A good leader welcomes constructive criticism.
好的领导者闻过则喜，欢迎建设性批评。
一帆风顺
yī fān fēng shùnPlain sailing; everything going smoothly
Literal: One sail, wind favorable
This idiom describes one (一) sail (帆) with favorable (顺) wind (风). It depicts a sailing voyage blessed with perfect winds requiring no struggle. The phrase is a common blessing wishing smooth progress. Modern usage wishes someone easy success, a life or endeavor free from obstacles, where everything...
Example
May your journey through life be smooth and successful.
愿你的人生一帆风顺。
Quick Reference
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