諺語 · a single proverb
酒香不怕巷子深
What does 酒香不怕巷子深 (jiǔ xiāng bù pà xiàngzi shēn) mean?
酒香不怕巷子深 (jiǔ xiāng bù pà xiàngzi shēn) is a folk proverb (yànyǔ 諺語). Word for word it reads "Good wine fears not a deep alley." In use it means: A truly excellent product will attract customers no matter how hidden the shop is. Genuine quality has its own drawing power and does not need prominent placement. 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 Rooster.
Literally: "Good wine fears not a deep alley.."
The reading
Real quality carries its own announcement in a frequency that bypasses advertising. The nose finds what the eye cannot, and reputation travels through back doors that no signpost could open. Hiding does not diminish what is genuine; it only tests how far its reach truly goes. There is a confidence in making something excellent and then simply waiting. Not everything that deserves attention needs to chase it.
What kind of proverb it is
Source Traditional Chinese commercial proverb, folk origin, widely cited since Ming dynasty
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 Rooster, Year of the Rat, and Year of the Ox.
Questions
Is 酒香不怕巷子深 a real Chinese proverb?
Yes. 酒香不怕巷子深 (jiǔ xiāng bù pà xiàngzi shēn) is a folk proverb (yànyǔ 諺語), and it comes from Traditional Chinese commercial proverb, folk origin, widely cited since Ming dynasty. 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 酒香不怕巷子深?
In Mandarin it is jiǔ xiāng bù pà xiàngzi shēn. Read the pinyin above each character to follow the tones, or press the speaker beside the calligraphy to hear your browser read 酒香不怕巷子深 aloud in Mandarin.