English intent · Chinese classic
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.
Best verified matches
Only when there is a Bo Le can there be a thousand-li horse.
Plain meaningTalent needs someone able to recognize and support it.
English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.
When granaries are full, people understand rites; when food and clothing are sufficient, they understand honor and shame.
Plain meaningMaterial security supports social dignity and order.
English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.
Peach and plum trees do not speak, yet paths form beneath them.
Plain meaningReal character and ability attract respect without self-promotion.
English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.
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.
English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.
What is gained from paper always feels shallow; to truly know it, one must practice it.
Plain meaningReal understanding comes through doing.
English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.
Law does not bend toward the powerful; the marking line does not curve around what is crooked.
Plain meaningRules should apply equally, even to the powerful.
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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