諺語 · a single proverb
勤是搖錢樹，儉是聚寶盆
Simplified: 勤是摇钱树，俭是聚宝盆
What does 勤是搖錢樹，儉是聚寶盆 (qín shì yáo shù jiǎn shì jù bǎo pén) mean?
勤是搖錢樹，儉是聚寶盆 (qín shì yáo shù jiǎn shì jù bǎo pén) is a folk proverb (yànyǔ 諺語). Word for word it reads "Diligence is the money-shaking tree; thrift is the treasure-gathering bowl." In use it means: Hard work generates income while frugality preserves it. Both habits together form the foundation of lasting prosperity. 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 Ox.
Literally: "Diligence is the money-shaking tree; thrift is the treasure-gathering bowl.."
The reading
Earning and saving are two hands of the same body, and neither functions well alone. The hardest worker in town will stay poor if every coin leaks through careless spending. Likewise, a miser who refuses to work will eventually drain even a deep well. The rhythm of effort and restraint creates a sustainable life. This pairing is the oldest formula for household wealth.
What kind of proverb it is
Source Traditional folk proverb, widely used in rural China
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 勤是搖錢樹，儉是聚寶盆 a real Chinese proverb?
Yes. 勤是搖錢樹，儉是聚寶盆 (qín shì yáo shù jiǎn shì jù bǎo pén) is a folk proverb (yànyǔ 諺語), and it comes from Traditional folk proverb, widely used in rural China. 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 勤是搖錢樹，儉是聚寶盆?
In Mandarin it is qín shì yáo shù jiǎn shì jù bǎo pén. Read the pinyin above each character to follow the tones, or press the speaker beside the calligraphy to hear your browser read 勤是搖錢樹，儉是聚寶盆 aloud in Mandarin.