8 Respectful Chinese Idioms for Condolences & Sympathy

Learn new through studying old

Literal meaning: Review old know new

This idiom comes directly from Confucius's teaching that by reviewing (温) the old (故), one can understand (知) the new (新). The metaphor originally referred to warming up old food to make it fresh again, suggesting that knowledge requires regular review to remain vital. During the Tang Dynasty, it be...

Think thrice before acting

Literal meaning: Think three times then act

First recorded in the Analects of Confucius, where the Master responded to Zengzi's interpretation of reflection (思) three times (三) before action (行). The number three held significance in Confucian thought, representing completeness. During the Song Dynasty, philosophers expanded this concept into...

Gather wisdom from many

Literal meaning: Gather thoughts wide benefit

Emerging from the Eastern Han Dynasty's governmental practices, this idiom advocates gathering (集) thoughts (思) to broaden (广) benefits (益). It was institutionalized during the Tang Dynasty through the imperial court's practice of soliciting diverse opinions before making major decisions. The phrase...

Stay humble and open

Literal meaning: Empty heart like valley

Derived from Daoist philosophy, this phrase advocates maintaining an empty (虚) heart/mind (怀) like (若) a valley (谷). The valley metaphor was particularly significant in Daoist thought - like a valley that receives all waters without preference, one should remain open to all ideas without prejudice. ...

Instant friendship

Literal meaning: Tilt hat like old friends

Dating to the Spring and Autumn period, this elegant idiom describes the instant rapport between kindred spirits, comparing it to tilting (倾) carriage covers (盖) while greeting as if (如) old (故) friends. The image comes from ancient Chinese road etiquette, where travelers would tilt their carriage c...

Remember your roots

Literal meaning: Drink water think source

This reflection on gratitude emerged during the Tang Dynasty, using the everyday act of drinking (饮) water (水) to remind one to think (思) of its source (源). The idiom gained prominence through Buddhist texts that emphasized mindful appreciation of life's foundations. It was particularly meaningful i...

Learn from the worthy

Literal meaning: See worthy wish equal

Derived from Confucius's Analects, this phrase encourages people who see (见) the worthy (贤) to wish (思) to equal (齐) them. It embodied the Confucian ideal of self-improvement through positive example. During the Han Dynasty, it became a cornerstone of educational philosophy, promoting active emulati...

Maintain perfect integrity despite temptation

Literal meaning: Sit in lap not disorderly

This idiom refers to maintaining propriety (不乱) even when a woman sits (坐) in one's lap (怀), originating from a story about Confucian scholar Liuxia Hui during the Spring and Autumn period. Historical texts recount how he once held a freezing woman in his arms to save her life, yet maintained perfec...