尝胆卧薪 — “To endure self-imposed hardships and cultivate determination”
尝胆卧薪 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to endure self-imposed hardships and cultivate determination”. To suffer patiently and diligently in order to achieve a major objective, often implying preparation for a comeback or revenge. Literally, “taste gall and lie on faggots/brushwood”.
尝胆卧薪 Pronunciation and Pinyin
尝胆卧薪 Character Breakdown
Stroke OrderExample Sentence with 尝胆卧薪
Origin and Story of 尝胆卧薪
During the Spring and Autumn period, King Fuchai of the State of Wu defeated and captured King Goujian of the State of Yue. Goujian was forced to feed horses for Fuchai for three years, enduring immense suffering.
After returning to his home state, Goujian was determined to avenge his humiliation and restore his kingdom.
He sought the help of Fan Li to train his army and appointed capable individuals. He personally participated in labor, slept on brushwood, and would taste a bitter gall before every meal to remind himself of the bitterness of defeat.
Eventually, after years of perseverance and hard work, he successfully annihilated the State of Wu.
Idioms Related to 尝胆卧薪
Synonyms of 尝胆卧薪
Antonyms of 尝胆卧薪
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Open the tool →Questions about 尝胆卧薪
What does 尝胆卧薪 mean?
尝胆卧薪 (cháng dǎn wò xīn) is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to endure self-imposed hardships and cultivate determination”.
How do you pronounce 尝胆卧薪?
尝胆卧薪 is pronounced cháng dǎn wò xīn in Mandarin Chinese.
What does 尝胆卧薪 literally mean?
Literally, 尝胆卧薪 means “taste gall and lie on faggots/brushwood”. It is used to mean “to endure self-imposed hardships and cultivate determination”.
Where does 尝胆卧薪 come from?
尝胆卧薪 comes from a classical Chinese story dating back to ancient China. The full story is on this page.
What is the Chinese definition of 尝胆卧薪?
薪：柴草。睡觉睡在柴草上，吃饭睡觉都尝一尝苦胆。形容人刻苦自励，发奋图强。