諺語 · a single proverb
南轅北轍
Simplified: 南辕北辙
What does 南轅北轍 (nán yuán běi zhé) mean?
南轅北轍 (nán yuán běi zhé) is a four-character classical idiom (chéngyǔ 成語). Word for word it reads "south shaft, north tracks." In use it means: Going in completely the opposite direction from one's goal; methods contrary to purpose. 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 Horse.
Literally: "south shaft, north tracks."
The reading
The carriage heading north to reach the south is not merely inefficient; it is adding to the distance with every step of progress it makes. When the method contradicts the destination, effort becomes its own obstacle. Before the first stride, check which way the road is facing.
What kind of proverb it is
Source Warring States 戰國策·魏策四 (Zhàn Guó Cè, Wei Strategies IV)
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 Horse, Year of the Frog, and Year of the Rat.
Questions
Is 南轅北轍 a real Chinese proverb?
Yes. 南轅北轍 (nán yuán běi zhé) is a four-character classical idiom (chéngyǔ 成語), and it comes from Warring States 戰國策·魏策四 (Zhàn Guó Cè, Wei Strategies IV). 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 南轅北轍?
In Mandarin it is nán yuán běi zhé. Read the pinyin above each character to follow the tones, or press the speaker beside the calligraphy to hear your browser read 南轅北轍 aloud in Mandarin.