十年寒窗
十年寒窗 (shí nián hán chuāng) literally means “ten years of cold windows” and expresses “diligent study”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving wisdom and learning.
Also searched as: shi nian han chuang, shi nian han chuang,十年寒窗 meaning, 十年寒窗 in english
Diligent study
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。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about wisdom & learning
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 十年寒窗 mean in English?
十年寒窗 (shí nián hán chuāng) literally translates to “Ten years of cold windows” and is used to express “Diligent study”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Wisdom & Learning category.
When is 十年寒窗 used?
Situation: He studied diligently for a decade, only to achieve great success in his exams.
What is the pinyin for 十年寒窗?
The pinyin pronunciation for 十年寒窗 is “shí nián hán chuāng”.
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