人定胜天
人定胜天 (rén dìng shèng tiān) literally means “human will conquers nature” and expresses “perseverance triumphs”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving success and perseverance.
Also searched as: ren ding sheng tian, ren ding sheng tian,人定胜天 meaning, 人定胜天 in english
Perseverance triumphs
Pronunciation: rén dìng shèng tiān Literal meaning: Human will conquers nature
Origin & Usage
Commonly used in classical Chinese literature, the idiom 人定胜天 (rén dìng shèng tiān) conveys the belief that human willpower (人, rén) and determination (定, dìng) can overcome (胜, shèng) the forces of nature or fate (天, tiān). The phrase is rooted in ancient texts like the 《逸周书》 (Yì Zhōu Shū), where similar expressions highlight the power of human agency. Over time, the idiom evolved to emphasize the modern notion that human effort can triumph over natural challenges. In contemporary usage, it encourages perseverance and the belief that through determination, people can shape their destinies and achieve success against seemingly insurmountable odds.
Examples
English: "With sheer determination, he overcame all obstacles that stood in his way."
Chinese: 凭借坚定的意志，人定胜天，他克服了所有的困难。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about success & perseverance
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 人定胜天 mean in English?
人定胜天 (rén dìng shèng tiān) literally translates to “Human will conquers nature” and is used to express “Perseverance triumphs”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Success & Perseverance category.
When is 人定胜天 used?
Situation: With sheer determination, he overcame all obstacles that stood in his way.
What is the pinyin for 人定胜天?
The pinyin pronunciation for 人定胜天 is “rén dìng shèng tiān”.