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A classical Chinese line for “The student surpasses the teacher”

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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青，取之于蓝，而青于蓝；冰，水为之，而寒于水。

Qīng, qǔ zhī yú lán, ér qīng yú lán; bīng, shuǐ wéi zhī, ér hán yú shuǐ.

Close English reading

Blue dye comes from the indigo plant yet is bluer than indigo; ice is made from water yet colder than water.

Plain meaningA student or successor can surpass the teacher.

Source
Xunzi· Warring States period · Encouraging Learning
Xunzi
Why it fitsIts paired images explain how learning and transformation can produce something that exceeds its origin.
Original context and translation note
青，取之于蓝，而青于蓝；冰，水为之，而寒于水。

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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✓ 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.

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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.

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✓ Verified sourceBilingual

教学相长也。

Jiào xué xiāng zhǎng yě.

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Teaching and learning cause each other to grow.

Plain meaningTeachers and students can improve through one another.

Source
Anonymous· Pre-Qin China · Record of Learning
Book of Rites: Record of Learning
Why it fitsThe surrounding passage says learning reveals what one lacks, while teaching reveals where one is blocked.
Original context and translation note
虽有嘉肴，弗食，不知其旨也；虽有至道，弗学，不知其善也。是故学然后知不足，教然后知困。知不足，然后能自反也；知困，然后能自强也。故曰：教学相长也。

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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温故而知新，可以为师矣。

Wēn gù ér zhī xīn, kě yǐ wéi shī yǐ.

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Review what is old and understand what is new; then one can serve as a teacher.

Plain meaningReturn to what you know until it yields a new understanding.

Source
Confucius· Pre-Qin China · Analects 2: Wei Zheng
The Analects
Why it fitsReview is valuable here because it creates insight, not because repetition alone is virtuous.
Original context and translation note
温故而知新，可以为师矣。

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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学而不厌，诲人不倦。

Xué ér bù yàn, huì rén bù juàn.

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Learn without weariness and teach others without tiring.

Plain meaningKeep learning, and teach with patience.

Source
Confucius· Pre-Qin China · Analects 7: Shu Er
The Analects
Why it fitsLearning and teaching appear as parallel disciplines rather than separate identities.
Original context and translation note
学而不厌，诲人不倦。

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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✓ Verified sourceBilingual

人非生而知之者，孰能无惑？

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

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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.

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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

LearningClassical Chinese teachings on steady study, reflection, practice, preparation, and learning from everyone.Teaching & mentorshipClassical teachings about students surpassing teachers, patient instruction, review, mutual growth, and learning through teaching.

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 “The student surpasses the teacher” | Gu Ren Said