諺語 · a single proverb
收珠待兔者，不可以為常
Simplified: 收珠待兔者，不可以为常
What does 收珠待兔者，不可以為常 (shǒu zhū dài tù zhě, bù kě yǐ wéi cháng) mean?
收珠待兔者，不可以為常 (shǒu zhū dài tù zhě, bù kě yǐ wéi cháng) is a folk proverb (yànyǔ 諺語). Word for word it reads "the one who collects pearls while waiting for hares cannot make it a regular practice." In use it means: Mixing unrelated strategies or relying on contradictory methods leads to inconsistent results. You reach for it when you want that idea in one breath, and the Metal note it carries is why we hand it to those born in the Year of the Rabbit.
Literally: "the one who collects pearls while waiting for hares cannot make it a regular practice."
The reading
The pearl diver and the rabbit hunter need different tools, different locations, different patience. Trying to do both at once means doing neither well. Focus is not about eliminating options. It is about choosing which option deserves your full attention right now.
What kind of proverb it is
Source Han-era philosophical variant; lesser-known extension of the tree-stump parable
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 Rabbit, Year of the Rat, and Year of the Ox.
Questions
Is 收珠待兔者，不可以為常 a real Chinese proverb?
Yes. 收珠待兔者，不可以為常 (shǒu zhū dài tù zhě, bù kě yǐ wéi cháng) is a folk proverb (yànyǔ 諺語), and it comes from Han-era philosophical variant; lesser-known extension of the tree-stump parable. 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 收珠待兔者，不可以為常?
In Mandarin it is shǒu zhū dài tù zhě, bù kě yǐ wéi cháng. Read the pinyin above each character to follow the tones, or press the speaker beside the calligraphy to hear your browser read 收珠待兔者，不可以為常 aloud in Mandarin.