Top 10 Best Chinese proverbs

China is a land of millennia-old wisdom, where every word carries deep meaning. Chinese proverbs are like tiny lanterns in the fog of life — brief, yet full of light. They reflect respect for experience, inner strength, and the rhythms of nature.

Here are 10 of the best Chinese proverbs:

• “Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are.”
• “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”
• “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.” It is better to teach than simply to give.
• “When you drink water, remember the source.” Be grateful for your origins and to those who helped you.
• “Do not fear slow progress, fear standing still.” The main thing is to keep moving forward, even slowly.
• “He who is determined will achieve his goal.” A strong will works wonders.
• “Failure is the mother of success.” Mistakes are part of the path to victory.
• “When something reaches its extreme, it turns into its opposite.” Everything in life is cyclical. Excess can lead to harm.
• “Think three times before you act.” Don’t rush into decisions — wisdom lies in careful thought.
• “It’s better to be the head of a chicken than the tail of a bull.” It’s better to be first in a small matter than last in a big one.
• “Teachers open the door. You enter by yourself.”  The teacher leads you to the door, but the practice is up to you.

These proverbs are more than just phrases — they are a way of thinking, where patience is valued more than victory, and wisdom speaks softly.