諺語 · a single proverb
人定勝天
Simplified: 人定胜天
What does 人定勝天 (rén dìng shèng tiān) mean?
人定勝天 (rén dìng shèng tiān) is a four-character classical idiom (chéngyǔ 成語). Word for word it reads "human determination can overcome heaven." In use it means: With enough will and effort, people can overcome even natural limits. Fate is not final. 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: "human determination can overcome heaven."
The reading
Heaven sends the flood. Humans build the levee. Heaven sends the drought. Humans dig the canal. The contest between human will and natural force is not fair, but humans win often enough to keep trying. The phrase does not say it is easy. It says it is possible.
What kind of proverb it is
Source Song History 宋史; ancient philosophical debate
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 Perseverance & the Long Road, or follow the years these lines belong to: Year of the Tiger, Year of the Rat, and Year of the Ox.
Questions
Is 人定勝天 a real Chinese proverb?
Yes. 人定勝天 (rén dìng shèng tiān) is a four-character classical idiom (chéngyǔ 成語), and it comes from Song History 宋史; ancient philosophical debate. 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 人定勝天?
In Mandarin it is rén dìng shèng tiān. Read the pinyin above each character to follow the tones, or press the speaker beside the calligraphy to hear your browser read 人定勝天 aloud in Mandarin.