Basic Information
Chinese Idiom: 卧薪尝胆
Pinyin: wò xīn cháng dǎn
Literal Meaning: Sleep on firewood and taste bitter gallbladder.
Figurative Meaning: Endure hardships and humbly endure setbacks to encourage oneself, strive hard to achieve ambitions and avenge humiliation.
Cultural Background
This is one of the most famous inspirational idioms in ancient China, originating from the historical story of King Goujian of Yue in the Spring and Autumn Period. It embodies the traditional Chinese spirit of forbearance, self-discipline and perseverance in adversity, and is widely used to praise people who endure hardships and aim high.
Origin & English Translation
Recorded in Records of the Grand Historian · House of King Goujian of Yue
In the Spring and Autumn Period, the State of Yue was defeated by the State of Wu. King Goujian endured great humiliation and was determined to take revenge. He slept on rough firewood every night and tasted bitter gall before meals all day long, constantly reminding himself not to forget national humiliation and personal shame. Later people summed up this story into the idiom.
From Su Shi’s Imitating Sun Quan’s Reply to Cao Cao in the Song Dynasty:
Since I accepted the last will, I have endured hardships and spurred myself on (Wò Xīn Cháng Dǎn 卧薪尝胆), lamenting the passing of time and sighing that I have not achieved meritorious deeds.
Usage
It is a positive commendatory idiom, mostly used to describe people who endure hardships in low spirits, keep self-motivated, and work hard to realize their lofty aspirations and revive their cause.
Leave a Reply