諺語 · a single proverb
豐厚積薄
Simplified: 丰厚积薄
What does 豐厚積薄 (fēng hòu jī bó) mean?
豐厚積薄 (fēng hòu jī bó) is a folk proverb (yànyǔ 諺語). Word for word it reads "abundance comes from the thick accumulation of thin layers." In use it means: Great wealth or great learning builds up from countless small, patient additions; abundance is patience made visible. You reach for it when you want that idea in one breath, and the Earth note it carries is why we hand it to those born in the Year of the Ox.
Literally: "abundance comes from the thick accumulation of thin layers."
The reading
The mountain was once dust. The river was once raindrops. The fortune was once coins. Everything impressive is the sum of things too small to impress, added together over a span of time too long to watch. The person who sees only the mountain misses the lesson. The lesson is in the dust.
What kind of proverb it is
Source Classical philosophical maxim; echoes Xunzi and Laozi on accumulation
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 Wealth, Work & Diligence, or follow the years these lines belong to: Year of the Ox, Year of the Rat, and Year of the Tiger.
Questions
Is 豐厚積薄 a real Chinese proverb?
Yes. 豐厚積薄 (fēng hòu jī bó) is a folk proverb (yànyǔ 諺語), and it comes from Classical philosophical maxim; echoes Xunzi and Laozi on accumulation. 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 豐厚積薄?
In Mandarin it is fēng hòu jī bó. Read the pinyin above each character to follow the tones, or press the speaker beside the calligraphy to hear your browser read 豐厚積薄 aloud in Mandarin.