划粥割齑 — “To live in extreme poverty and practice great frugality”

Q: What is the Chinese definition of 划粥割齑?

把粥划成若干块，咸菜切成碎末。

划粥割齑 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to live in extreme poverty and practice great frugality”. Often while dedicating oneself to studies or a greater cause, demonstrating resilience and perseverance. Literally, “Divide gruel, cut pickles into pieces”.

Frequency

划粥割齑 Pronunciation and Pinyin

划粥割齑 Character Breakdown

Stroke Order

Character	Pinyin	Strokes	Meaning
划	huà	6	cut, row, plan, divide
粥	zhōu	12	Porridge
割	gē	12	cut off or sever
齑	jī	15	minced or crushed ingredients

Example Sentence with 划粥割齑

他少年时家境贫寒，常常划粥割齑，刻苦读书，最终成为了一代名医。

In his youth, his family was poor, and he often divided his gruel and cut his pickles into small pieces to make them last, studying diligently, eventually becoming a renowned doctor.

Origin and Story of 划粥割齑

Fan Zhongyan, a prominent statesman and writer of the Northern Song Dynasty, lost his father at a young age and later discovered his true parentage. He left his stepfather's home in his teens and went to Ying Tian Fu Academy to study under the renowned scholar Gan Tongwen, aspiring to serve his country and people.

During his time at the academy, he faced extremely harsh living conditions. To make his meager food last, he would divide his gruel into several portions and mince pickled vegetables, making these last for an entire day's meals – this is the origin of the idiom “划粥割齑” (divide gruel, cut pickles into pieces).

One day, a close friend visited him and, seeing his poor diet, offered him money to improve his meals, which Fan Zhongyan politely but firmly declined. His friend then sent him many delicious dishes the next day. A few days later, the friend returned to find the food spoiled, as Fan Zhongyan had not touched it. The friend was slightly displeased, thinking Fan Zhongyan was too proud.

Fan Zhongyan smiled and explained, “You misunderstand, my dear friend. It’s not that I wouldn’t eat it, but I was afraid that once I tasted such rich food, I would no longer be able to stomach my simple gruel and pickles. I appreciate your kindness, please don’t be upset.” His friend was even more impressed by Fan Zhongyan's noble character.

Fan Zhongyan's dedication to his studies and his profound self-discipline eventually led him to become a respected official, fulfilling his ambition to serve the people.