天下无难事

Pronunciation: tiān xià wú nán shì Literal meaning: Nothing in the world is difficult

Origin & Usage

The idiom 天下无难事 (tiān xià wú nán shì) is commonly used in classical Chinese literature to express the idea that nothing in the world is inherently difficult if one is determined to overcome it. The full expression is 天下无难事，只怕有心人, which translates to 'Nothing in the world is difficult, only afraid of those with determination.' This idiom emphasizes the power of human will and perseverance in overcoming obstacles. It first appeared in the Ming dynasty work 《韩夫人题红记·花阴私祝》 by Wang Jide and gained popularity through its inclusion in the Qing dynasty novel 《红楼梦》 (Dream of the Red Chamber) by Cao Xueqin. The idiom is often used in motivational contexts to encourage persistence and resolve in the face of challenges.

Examples

English: "With determination and hard work, he believes that nothing is impossible."

Chinese: 他相信，只要努力，就天下无难事。