言传身教

Pronunciation: yán chuán shēn jiào Literal meaning: Teach by words and personal example

Origin & Usage

Passing it on in words (言传) and teaching by the person (身教). The two halves are not equal partners, and Chinese treats the second as the stronger: 身 is the body, one's own conduct, and the argument carried is that what is demonstrated outweighs what is stated wherever the two disagree. That is why it attaches so heavily to parents. It is used to remind somebody that the instruction they are giving is being checked against the example they are setting.

Examples

English: "The best parents teach not just through words but through their actions."

Chinese: 最好的父母言传身教，不仅用言语更用行动教导孩子。