十年寒窗

Pronunciation: shí nián hán chuāng Literal meaning: Ten years of cold windows

Origin & Usage

The idiom 十年寒窗 (shí nián hán chuāng) is commonly used in classical Chinese literature to describe the arduous and persistent effort required for scholarly success. Literally translating to 'ten years of cold windows,' it evokes the image of a dedicated scholar enduring long, cold nights of study by a dimly lit window. This phrase captures the essence of perseverance and dedication necessary for mastering knowledge and achieving academic excellence. In modern usage, it highlights the importance of hard work and resilience in the pursuit of education and wisdom.

Examples

English: "He studied diligently for a decade, only to achieve great success in his exams."

Chinese: 他在寒窗十年后终于考上了大学。