諺語 · a single proverb
為人師表
Simplified: 为人师表
What does 為人師表 (wéi rén shī biǎo) mean?
為人師表 (wéi rén shī biǎo) is a four-character classical idiom (chéngyǔ 成語). Word for word it reads "serving as a model and example for others." In use it means: Living in a way that teaches by demonstration; being the person others can pattern themselves after. 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 Horse.
Literally: "serving as a model and example for others."
The reading
The lesson was never in the textbook. It was in how you handled the moment when nobody was grading you. The students who became good people did not quote your lectures. They copied your behavior. Teaching by example is the only kind that survives graduation.
What kind of proverb it is
Source Common educational proverb; Confucian pedagogical tradition
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 Rat, and Year of the Ox.
Questions
Is 為人師表 a real Chinese proverb?
Yes. 為人師表 (wéi rén shī biǎo) is a four-character classical idiom (chéngyǔ 成語), and it comes from Common educational proverb; Confucian pedagogical tradition. 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 為人師表?
In Mandarin it is wéi rén shī biǎo. Read the pinyin above each character to follow the tones, or press the speaker beside the calligraphy to hear your browser read 為人師表 aloud in Mandarin.