諺語 · a single proverb
茶如隱逸，酒如豪士
Simplified: 茶如隐逸，酒如豪士
What does 茶如隱逸，酒如豪士 (chá rú yǐnyì, jiǔ rú háoshì) mean?
茶如隱逸，酒如豪士 (chá rú yǐnyì, jiǔ rú háoshì) is a line of classical verse (shīcí 詩詞). Word for word it reads "Tea is like a recluse; wine is like a bold hero." In use it means: Tea embodies the quiet, contemplative spirit of a hermit scholar, while wine represents the expansive, passionate energy of a warrior or adventurer. You reach for it when you want that idea in one breath, and the Fire note it carries is why we hand it to those born in the Year of the Tiger.
Literally: "Tea is like a recluse; wine is like a bold hero.."
The reading
Two drinks sit on the same table and point in opposite directions. One turns you inward, sharpening attention until the world narrows to a single cup. The other turns you outward, loosening the grip of caution until the room feels like it belongs to you. Neither is wrong. The question is which direction your spirit needs pulling on any given night.
What kind of proverb it is
Source Attributed to various Ming dynasty literati; frequently cited in Chinese tea-wine comparative literature
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 Wisdom & Learning, or follow the years these lines belong to: Year of the Tiger, Year of the Rat, and Year of the Ox.
Questions
Is 茶如隱逸，酒如豪士 a real Chinese proverb?
Yes. 茶如隱逸，酒如豪士 (chá rú yǐnyì, jiǔ rú háoshì) is a line of classical verse (shīcí 詩詞), and it comes from Attributed to various Ming dynasty literati; frequently cited in Chinese tea-wine comparative literature. 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 茶如隱逸，酒如豪士?
In Mandarin it is chá rú yǐnyì, jiǔ rú háoshì. Read the pinyin above each character to follow the tones, or press the speaker beside the calligraphy to hear your browser read 茶如隱逸，酒如豪士 aloud in Mandarin.