諺語 · a single proverb
惺惺相惜
What does 惺惺相惜 (xīng xīng xiāng xī) mean?
惺惺相惜 (xīng xīng xiāng xī) is a four-character classical idiom (chéngyǔ 成語). Word for word it reads "the perceptive cherish the perceptive." In use it means: People of similar ability and character recognize and appreciate each other; kindred talents sense their counterparts. 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 Dog.
Literally: "the perceptive cherish the perceptive."
The reading
You saw them work and knew immediately. They saw you work and knew the same thing. The recognition was instantaneous because it was based on a frequency only the two of you could hear. Mutual recognition between competent people is one of the most efficient forms of talent discovery available.
What kind of proverb it is
Source Common literary expression; Romance of the Three Kingdoms 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 Friendship, Trust & Speech, or follow the years these lines belong to: Year of the Dog, Year of the Rat, and Year of the Ox.
Questions
Is 惺惺相惜 a real Chinese proverb?
Yes. 惺惺相惜 (xīng xīng xiāng xī) is a four-character classical idiom (chéngyǔ 成語), and it comes from Common literary expression; Romance of the Three Kingdoms 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 惺惺相惜?
In Mandarin it is xīng xīng xiāng xī. Read the pinyin above each character to follow the tones, or press the speaker beside the calligraphy to hear your browser read 惺惺相惜 aloud in Mandarin.