破釜沉舟
破釜沉舟 (pò fǔ chén zhōu) literally means “break pots sink boats” and expresses “commit with no retreat”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving success and perseverance.
Also searched as: po fu chen zhou, po fu chen zhou,破釜沉舟 meaning, 破釜沉舟 in english
Commit with no retreat
Pronunciation: pò fǔ chén zhōu Literal meaning: Break pots sink boats
Origin & Usage
Originating from a famous historical event in 207 BCE, this idiom recounts how general Xiang Yu ordered his troops to break (破) their cooking pots (釜) and sink (沉) their boats (舟) before battling the Qin army. By eliminating the possibility of retreat, he created absolute commitment to victory. During the Three Kingdoms period, this story became a classic example of decisive leadership and psychological warfare. The four characters create a powerful image of burning bridges to ensure total dedication. In modern contexts, it describes situations where success requires eliminating backup plans - from entrepreneurs investing all their resources to career changers making irreversible decisions. It teaches that certain achievements become possible only when retreat is no longer an option.
Examples
English: "He quit his job to start a business, fully committed to success"
Chinese: 他辞去工作创业，全身心投入追求成功
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about success & perseverance
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 破釜沉舟 mean in English?
破釜沉舟 (pò fǔ chén zhōu) literally translates to “Break pots sink boats” and is used to express “Commit with no retreat”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Success & Perseverance category.
When is 破釜沉舟 used?
Situation: He quit his job to start a business, fully committed to success
What is the pinyin for 破釜沉舟?
The pinyin pronunciation for 破釜沉舟 is “pò fǔ chén zhōu”.
Curated Lists Featuring 破釜沉舟
10 Powerful Chinese Idioms for Business Success
Master these essential Chinese idioms (chengyu) to impress in business meetings, negotiations, and professional settings.
10 Inspiring Chinese Idioms About Success
Motivational Chinese idioms about achieving success, overcoming obstacles, and reaching your goals.
8 Chinese Idioms About Hard Work — Why China Values 勤奋
Powerful Chinese idioms that celebrate diligence, persistence, and the value of hard work.