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A classical Chinese line for “Take care of yourself for your family”

These matches come from a curated corpus of real Chinese poetry and philosophy. The source line is fixed; the English wording is provided to make its meaning accessible.

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6 source-verified results
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身体发肤，受之父母，不敢毁伤，孝之始也。

Shēn tǐ fà fū, shòu zhī fù mǔ, bù gǎn huǐ shāng, xiào zhī shǐ yě.

Close English reading

Body, hair, and skin are received from one's parents; not daring to injure them is the beginning of filial conduct.

Plain meaningTaking care of yourself can also be a responsibility to those who love you.

Source
Traditionally transmitted through Zengzi· Pre-Qin China · Classic of Filial Piety: Opening Explanation
Classic of Filial Piety
Why it fitsThis reflects an ancient account of filial duty. It is presented as historical ethical context, not as medical guidance or a judgment about illness and injury.
Original context and translation note
身体发肤，受之父母，不敢毁伤，孝之始也；立身行道，扬名于后世，以显父母，孝之终也。

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

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先天下之忧而忧，后天下之乐而乐。

Xiān tiān xià zhī yōu ér yōu, hòu tiān xià zhī lè ér lè.

Close English reading

Be concerned before all under heaven are concerned, and enjoy happiness only after all under heaven enjoy it.

Plain meaningLeadership means carrying responsibility before taking reward.

Source
Fan Zhongyan· Northern Song dynasty · Memorial to Yueyang Tower
Guwen Guanzhi: Memorial to Yueyang Tower
Why it fitsIt defines public responsibility through sequence: concern first, enjoyment last.
Original context and translation note
先天下之忧而忧，后天下之乐而乐。

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

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且举世誉之而不加劝，举世非之而不加沮。

Qiě jǔ shì yù zhī ér bù jiā quàn, jǔ shì fēi zhī ér bù jiā jǔ.

Close English reading

Praised by the whole world, he is not further encouraged; condemned by the whole world, he is not discouraged.

Plain meaningLet neither praise nor criticism control who you are.

Source
Zhuangzi· Warring States period · Free and Easy Wandering
Zhuangzi
Why it fitsIt describes an inner standard strong enough to survive both approval and rejection.
Original context and translation note
且举世誉之而不加劝，举世非之而不加沮。

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

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父母在，不远游，游必有方。

Fù mǔ zài, bù yuǎn yóu; yóu bì yǒu fāng.

Close English reading

While one's parents are alive, do not travel far; if one must travel, have a definite destination.

Plain meaningWhen you go far away, remain responsible to the family who worries about you.

Source
Confucius· Pre-Qin China · Analects 4: Li Ren
The Analects
Why it fitsThe line reflects an ancient family structure; a modern reading can preserve its concern for communication and responsibility without treating all travel as wrong.
Original context and translation note
父母在，不远游，游必有方。

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

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但愿人长久，千里共婵娟。

Dàn yuàn rén cháng jiǔ, qiān lǐ gòng chán juān.

Close English reading

May we both live long; though a thousand miles apart, we share the beauty of the moon.

Plain meaningEven far apart, may we be safe and connected under the same moon.

Source
Su Shi· Northern Song dynasty · Prelude to Water Melody: When Will the Moon Be Clear and Bright?
Dongpo Yuefu
Why it fitsThe shared moon becomes a bond between people who cannot physically reunite.
Original context and translation note
但愿人长久，千里共婵娟。

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

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拣尽寒枝不肯栖，寂寞沙洲冷。

Jiǎn jìn hán zhī bù kěn qī, jì mò shā zhōu lěng.

Close English reading

After choosing through every cold branch, it still refuses to settle, alone on the chilly sandbar.

Plain meaningI would rather remain alone than settle where I do not belong.

Source
Su Shi· Northern Song dynasty · Song of Divination: At Dinghui Temple in Huangzhou
Dongpo Yuefu
Why it fitsThe solitary wild goose is often read as a figure of wounded pride and self-possession, not merely romantic loneliness.
Original context and translation note
谁见幽人独往来？缥缈孤鸿影。惊起却回头，有恨无人省。拣尽寒枝不肯栖，寂寞沙洲冷。

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

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Translation note: The English readings are original explanatory translations for this product. They are designed for clarity and source verification, not presented as definitive literary translations.

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Related themes

Family & reunionVerified lines about family, shared moonlight, reunion, health, home, and blessings across distance.CourageClassical Chinese sayings about integrity under wealth, hardship, pressure, praise, and criticism.

Original Chinese line, pinyin, a readable English explanation, and a traceable source—without inventing an ancient quotation.

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A Classical Chinese Line for “Take care of yourself for your family” | Gu Ren Said