勤能补拙 — “Diligence can compensate for lack of natural talent”

勤能补拙 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “Diligence can compensate for lack of natural talent”. Hard work can make up for clumsiness or dullness. Literally, “Diligence can mend clumsiness”.

Frequency

勤能补拙 Pronunciation and Pinyin

勤能补拙 Character Breakdown

Stroke Order

Character	Pinyin	Strokes	Meaning
勤	qín	13	diligent, hardworking
能	néng	10	can, be able to
补	bǔ	8	mend, supplement, or benefit
拙	zhuō	8	clumsy or unskillful

Example Sentence with 勤能补拙

小明虽然天赋不高，但他深知勤能补拙的道理，每天坚持刻苦学习，最终取得了优异的成绩。

Although Xiao Ming isn't naturally gifted, he deeply understood that diligence can compensate for lack of talent, so he persisted in studying hard every day and eventually achieved excellent results.

Origin and Story of 勤能补拙

In 825 AD, Emperor Jingzong of the Tang Dynasty transferred Bai Juyi, who was then the Prefect of Hangzhou, to serve as the Prefect of Suzhou. Suzhou was the largest prefecture in the southeastern region of the Tang Dynasty, and its local affairs were numerous and complex.

Upon taking office, Bai Juyi declined all invitations to banquets and focused solely on governmental affairs. He quickly became familiar with the local situation, rectified the administration, and earned the high praise of the common people. He believed that he was born clumsy and could only compensate for it through diligence.