Prose writer and poet · source-linked collection

Han Yu 韩愈

The Han Yu collection joins essays on learning and talent with poetry. It makes a useful bridge between literary expression and practical questions about education and work.

5 verified linesTang dynasty8 connected themes2 source collections

Bilingual collection

Read the line, meaning, work, and source together.

5 curated lines

✓ Verified sourceBilingual

弟子不必不如师，师不必贤于弟子。

Dì zǐ bù bì bù rú shī, shī bù bì xián yú dì zǐ.

Close English reading

A student need not be inferior to the teacher, nor must a teacher be superior to the student.

Plain meaningStudents can surpass teachers, and expertise can differ by subject.

Source

Han Yu· Tang dynasty · On Teachers

Guwen Guanzhi: On Teachers

Why it fitsThe following sentence explains that people encounter the Way at different times and specialize in different fields.

Original context and translation note

是故弟子不必不如师，师不必贤于弟子，闻道有先后，术业有专攻，如是而已。

English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.

Open result page

✓ Verified sourceBilingual

天街小雨润如酥，草色遥看近却无。

Tiān jiē xiǎo yǔ rùn rú sū, cǎo sè yáo kàn jìn què wú.

Close English reading

A fine rain softens the capital streets like cream; from afar the grass is green, yet up close it seems absent.

Plain meaningSpring is beginning so quietly that change is easier to see from a distance.

Source

Han Yu· Tang dynasty · Early Spring, Presented to Zhang of the Water Ministry

Complete Tang Poems

Why it fitsThe almost invisible grass makes early change feel delicate, real, and easy to overlook.

Original context and translation note

天街小雨润如酥，草色遥看近却无。最是一年春好处，绝胜烟柳满皇都。

English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.

Open result page

✓ Verified sourceBilingual

人非生而知之者，孰能无惑？

Rén fēi shēng ér zhī zhī zhě, shú néng wú huò?

Close English reading

People are not born knowing; who can be without questions?

Plain meaningNot knowing is normal—ask and learn.

Source

Han Yu· Tang dynasty · On Teachers

Guwen Guanzhi: On Teachers

Why it fitsThe question removes shame from uncertainty and makes seeking instruction reasonable.

Original context and translation note

人非生而知之者，孰能无惑？

English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.

Open result page

✓ Verified sourceBilingual

业精于勤，荒于嬉；行成于思，毁于随。

Yè jīng yú qín, huāng yú xī; xíng chéng yú sī, huǐ yú suí.

Close English reading

Work becomes refined through diligence and falls into neglect through play; conduct succeeds through thought and is ruined by careless following.

Plain meaningDiligence needs reflection; effort without thought is not enough.

Source

Han Yu· Tang dynasty · An Explanation of Advancing in Learning

Guwen Guanzhi: An Explanation of Advancing in Learning

Why it fitsIt balances hard work with independent thought rather than praising effort alone.

Original context and translation note

业精于勤，荒于嬉；行成于思，毁于随。

English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.

Open result page

✓ Verified sourceBilingual

世有伯乐，然后有千里马。

Shì yǒu Bó Lè, rán hòu yǒu qiān lǐ mǎ.

Close English reading

Only when there is a Bo Le can there be a thousand-li horse.

Plain meaningTalent needs someone able to recognize and support it.

Source

Han Yu· Tang dynasty · On Horses

Guwen Guanzhi: On Horses

Why it fitsThe legendary judge of horses becomes a metaphor for leaders who can identify rare ability.

Original context and translation note

世有伯乐，然后有千里马。千里马常有，而伯乐不常有。

English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.

Open result page

Explore related themes

See how the same author appears across feelings, situations, and ideas.

Learning Perspective Work & leadership Ambition & success Mistakes & renewal Perseverance Seasons & nature Teaching & mentorship

Source collections

Move from the author to the anthology or text where these entries are verified.

Guwen Guanzhi4 Complete Tang Poems1