闻过则喜(聞過則喜)
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 & learning.
Also searched as: wen guo ze xi, wen guo ze xi,闻过则喜 meaning, 闻过则喜 in english
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.
When to Use
Situation: A good leader welcomes constructive criticism.
Discover a new Chinese idiom every day with our iOS app.
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about wisdom & learning
得心应手
dé xīn yìng shǒu
Work with great ease; have complete mastery
Learn more →
驾轻就熟
jià qīng jiù shú
Be very familiar with; handle with expertise
Learn more →
轻车熟路
qīng chē shú lù
Be experienced; find something easy due to familiarity
Learn more →
游刃有余
yóu rèn yǒu yú
Handle with ease; have skill to spare
Learn more →
成竹在胸
chéng zhú zài xiōng
Have a well-thought-out plan; be confident
Learn more →
适可而止
shì kě ér zhǐ
Stop at the right point; practice moderation
Learn more →
见好就收
jiàn hǎo jiù shōu
Quit while ahead; take profits
Learn more →
急流勇退
jí liú yǒng tuì
Retire at the peak; know when to quit
Learn more →
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 theWisdom & Learning category..
When is 闻过则喜 used?
Situation: A good leader welcomes constructive criticism.
What is the pinyin for 闻过则喜?
The pinyin pronunciation for 闻过则喜 is “wén guò zé xǐ”.
Curated Lists Featuring 闻过则喜
10 Chinese Idioms About Gratitude & Appreciation
Heartfelt Chinese idioms about thankfulness, repaying kindness, and appreciating those who help us.
8 Chinese Idioms for Saying Thank You Meaningfully
Go beyond "xie xie" with these thoughtful Chinese idioms for expressing deep gratitude and appreciation.
10 Chinese Proverbs for Students & Lifelong Learners
Inspiring Chinese proverbs about education, study habits, and the pursuit of knowledge for students of all ages.