宁为玉碎

Pronunciation: nìng wéi yù suì Literal meaning: Rather be shattered like jade

Origin & Usage

The idiom 宁为玉碎 (nìng wéi yù suì) is commonly used in classical Chinese literature to express a preference for maintaining one's integrity even at the cost of destruction. The phrase translates to 'rather be shattered like jade than be intact like tile.' The imagery of jade (玉, yù), a precious and beautiful stone, being shattered (碎, suì) conveys the idea of choosing honor and dignity over a compromised existence. In contrast, tile (瓦, wǎ), though intact, is considered less valuable. This idiom is often invoked in situations where individuals face moral dilemmas, emphasizing the importance of character and principles over mere survival. It encourages people to uphold their values, even in the face of adversity or potential ruin.

Examples

English: "He chose to stand by his principles, even if it meant losing everything."

Chinese: 他宁愿为自己的原则而玉碎，也不愿意妥协。