闻过则喜
闻过则喜 (wén guò zé xǐ) literally means “hear faults, then rejoice” and expresses “welcome criticism; embrace feedback”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving wisdom and learning. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
Also searched as: wen guo ze xi, wen guo ze xi,闻过则喜 meaning, 闻过则喜 in english
Welcome criticism; embrace feedback
Pronunciation: wén guò zé xǐ
Literal meaning: Hear faults, then rejoice
Origin & Usage
This idiom describes hearing (闻) faults (过) and then (则) rejoicing (喜). It comes from Mencius praising Yu the Great who welcomed criticism as opportunities for improvement. The phrase embodies the ideal attitude toward feedback. Modern usage praises those who genuinely appreciate criticism, understanding that identifying faults is the first step to self-improvement.
Examples
English: "A good leader welcomes constructive criticism."
Chinese: 好的领导者闻过则喜，欢迎建设性批评。
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Work with great ease; have complete mastery
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Be very familiar with; handle with expertise
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Handle with ease; have skill to spare
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Have a well-thought-out plan; be confident
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恰如其分
qià rú qí fèn
Perfectly appropriate; fitting exactly
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恰到好处
qià dào hǎo chù
Just right; perfectly appropriate
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适可而止
shì kě ér zhǐ
Stop at the right point; practice moderation
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 闻过则喜 mean in English?
闻过则喜 (wén guò zé xǐ) literally translates to “Hear faults, then rejoice” and is used to express “Welcome criticism; embrace feedback”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Wisdom & Learning category.
When is 闻过则喜 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving welcome criticism; embrace feedback.
What is the pinyin for 闻过则喜?
The pinyin pronunciation for 闻过则喜 is “wén guò zé xǐ”.