10 Chinese Idioms Perfect for New Year Resolutions
Motivational Chinese idioms to inspire your New Year resolutions about self-improvement, goals, and fresh starts.
Need inspiration for your New Year resolutions? These Chinese idioms capture the spirit of self-improvement, goal-setting, and making meaningful changes - the perfect companions for your fresh start.
百折不挠
bǎi zhé bù náoUnshakeable despite adversity
Literal: Bend hundred times never yield
Dating to the Warring States period, this idiom describes bamboo that bends a hundred (百) times (折) but never (不) yields (挠). The imagery comes from ancient observations of bamboo groves surviving severe storms by bending rather than breaking. The metaphor gained particular significance during the T...
Example
Despite numerous rejections, she never gave up on her dreams
尽管屡次被拒绝，她从未放弃梦想
知行合一
zhī xíng hé yīPractice what you know
Literal: Knowledge and action unite as one
Popularized by Neo-Confucian philosopher Wang Yangming in the Ming Dynasty, this idiom unites knowledge (知) and action (行) as one (合一). Wang challenged the traditional separation between theoretical understanding and practical application, arguing that true knowledge inherently manifests in action. ...
Example
He doesn't just talk about environmental protection, he lives it
他不仅谈论环保，更是身体力行
水滴石穿
shuǐ dī shí chuānPersistence achieves anything
Literal: Water drops pierce stone
This idiom captures the power of persistence through the image of water (水) drops (滴) piercing (穿) stone (石). First documented in Han Dynasty texts, it was inspired by observations of natural cave formations created by centuries of dripping water. The imagery gained prominence during the Tang Dynast...
Example
With consistent practice, she finally mastered the difficult skill
通过持续练习，她终于掌握了这项难度很大的技能
天道酬勤
tiān dào chóu qínHeaven rewards diligence
Literal: Heaven's way rewards diligence
This idiom encapsulates the belief that Heaven's way (天道) rewards (酬) diligence (勤). Emerging from Song Dynasty Neo-Confucian teachings, it reflects the synthesis of cosmic order with human effort. The concept challenged both fatalistic acceptance and the belief in pure luck, suggesting instead that...
Example
Her years of hard work finally paid off with a major breakthrough
她多年的努力终于带来了重大突破
逆水行舟
nì shuǐ xíng zhōuProgress needs constant effort
Literal: Boat moving against current
This idiom describes a boat (舟) moving (行) against (逆) the current (水), originally appearing in Tang Dynasty texts discussing persistence in difficult endeavors. The metaphor draws from the experience of river traders who understood that stopping meant drifting backward. During the Song Dynasty, it ...
Example
In this competitive industry, you must keep improving or fall behind
在这个竞争激烈的行业，你必须不断进步，否则就会落后
见微知著
jiàn wēi zhī zhùForesee big from small signs
Literal: See small know large
First appearing in the Book of Changes, this idiom describes the ability to see (见) subtle signs (微) to understand (知) significant developments (著). During the Warring States period, strategist Sun Bin emphasized this principle in military observation. The concept gained broader application during t...
Example
The experienced investor recognized the market trend from early indicators
有经验的投资者从早期指标认识到市场趋势
时来运转
shí lái yùn zhuǎnFortune's wheel will turn.
Literal: Time comes and fortune turns
This optimistic idiom describes the moment when time arrives (时来) and fortune turns (运转). It emerged from the practice of divination during the Zhou Dynasty, where fortune was seen as cyclical rather than fixed. The concept gained particular resonance during the Tang Dynasty, as stories spread of sc...
Example
After years of struggle, his business finally found its market opportunity
经过多年的奋斗，他的企业终于找到了市场机会
推陈出新
tuī chén chū xīnCreate new from old
Literal: Push old produce new
Originating in the Classic of Changes (I Ching), this phrase combines the actions of pushing away (推) the old or stale (陈) to bring forth (出) the new (新). During the Spring and Autumn period, it became a principle of scholarly innovation - respecting traditional knowledge while advancing new interpr...
Example
The designer combined traditional elements with modern technology
设计师将传统元素与现代技术相结合
厚积薄发
hòu jī bó fāSuccess after long preparation
Literal: Thick accumulation thin launch
This idiom compares patient accumulation (积) of deep (厚) knowledge with the eventual release (发) that requires minimal (薄) effort. It emerged during the Tang Dynasty literary circles, where scholars emphasized sustained preparation over hasty creation. Historical accounts describe how poet Du Fu spe...
Example
After years of quiet research, her breakthrough theory revolutionized the field
经过多年的默默研究，她的突破性理论彻底革新了这个领域
承前启后
chéng qián qǐ hòuLinking tradition with innovation
Literal: Receive past, initiate future
First appearing in Song Dynasty scholarly texts, this idiom describes receiving (承) what came before (前) while initiating (启) what follows (后). It gained prominence during the Neo-Confucian revival, where thinkers sought to adapt classical wisdom to contemporary challenges. The phrase perfectly capt...
Example
The architect's design brilliantly incorporated historical elements while introducing modern functionality
这位建筑师的设计巧妙地融合了历史元素，同时引入了现代功能
Quick Reference
More Chinese Idiom Lists
10 Powerful Chinese Idioms for Business Success
Master these essential Chinese idioms (chengyu) to impress in business meetings, negotiations, and professional settings.
8 Beautiful Chinese Idioms About Love & Romance
Discover romantic Chinese idioms that express love, devotion, and relationships in poetic ways.
10 Chinese Idioms Every Student Should Know
Essential Chinese idioms about learning, education, and academic success that will inspire your studies.
8 Meaningful Chinese Idioms About Friendship
Celebrate the bonds of friendship with these heartfelt Chinese idioms about loyalty, trust, and companionship.
Learn Chinese Idioms Daily
Get a new Chinese idiom delivered to your home screen every day with our free iOS app. Features pinyin pronunciation, meanings, and cultural context.
Download Free App