諺語 · a single proverb
春暖花開
Simplified: 春暖花开
What does 春暖花開 (chūn nuǎn huā kāi) mean?
春暖花開 (chūn nuǎn huā kāi) is a four-character classical idiom (chéngyǔ 成語). Word for word it reads "spring is warm and the flowers open." In use it means: The return of warmth and new beginnings after a cold period; natural renewal. You reach for it when you want that idea in one breath, and the Wood note it carries is why we hand it to those born in the Year of the Rabbit.
Literally: "spring is warm and the flowers open."
The reading
The flowers did not decide to open. The temperature decided for them. When the conditions are right, the bloom is not optional. It is the inevitable result of warmth meeting readiness. Your spring will come. The question is whether you planted anything.
What kind of proverb it is
Source seasonal idiom; classical poetry
Sits beside
Keep reading
Return to the Proverb Pond to draw another of the eighty-seven, or hear one read aloud. Read the rest of its chapter in Nature, Seasons & Health, or follow the years these lines belong to: Year of the Rabbit, Year of the Rat, and Year of the Ox.
Questions
Is 春暖花開 a real Chinese proverb?
Yes. 春暖花開 (chūn nuǎn huā kāi) is a four-character classical idiom (chéngyǔ 成語), and it comes from seasonal idiom; classical poetry. It is living Chinese heritage, given here with per-character pinyin and its source so you can trust the line, not a phrase invented in English.
How do you pronounce 春暖花開?
In Mandarin it is chūn nuǎn huā kāi. Read the pinyin above each character to follow the tones, or press the speaker beside the calligraphy to hear your browser read 春暖花開 aloud in Mandarin.