虚怀若谷(虛懷若谷)
虚怀若谷 (xū huái ruò gǔ) literally means “empty heart like valley”and expresses “stay humble and open”.This idiom is used when describing situations involving wisdom & learning.
Also searched as: xu huai ruo gu, xu huai ruo gu,虚怀若谷 meaning, 虚怀若谷 in english
Pronunciation: xū huái ruò gǔ Literal meaning: Empty heart like valley
Origin & Usage
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. During the Song Dynasty, it became a crucial principle in Neo-Confucian scholarly discourse. Contemporary usage emphasizes intellectual humility and openness to new ideas, particularly valuable in leadership and learning contexts.
When to Use
Situation: The professor welcomed new ideas from his students
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 虚怀若谷 mean in English?
虚怀若谷 (xū huái ruò gǔ) literally translates to “Empty heart like valley”and is used to express “Stay humble and open”. This Chinese idiom belongs to theWisdom & Learning category..
When is 虚怀若谷 used?
Situation: The professor welcomed new ideas from his students
What is the pinyin for 虚怀若谷?
The pinyin pronunciation for 虚怀若谷 is “xū huái ruò gǔ”.
Curated Lists Featuring 虚怀若谷
10 Respectful Chinese Idioms for Wishing Elders Happy New Year
How to respectfully wish elders Happy New Year in Chinese? Traditional idioms for blessing seniors with longevity and health.
10 Chinese Idioms to Impress Your In-Laws at Chinese New Year
What to say to Chinese in-laws during CNY? These sophisticated idioms help you make a great impression and show cultural respect.
8 Respectful Chinese Idioms for Condolences & Sympathy
Appropriate Chinese idioms for expressing condolences, sympathy, and respect during difficult times.