諺語 · a single proverb
一帆既往
What does 一帆既往 (yī fān jì wǎng) mean?
一帆既往 (yī fān jì wǎng) is a folk proverb (yànyǔ 諺語). Word for word it reads "once the sail is set, proceed without turning back." In use it means: After making a decision, follow through without second-guessing; commit to the direction once chosen. You reach for it when you want that idea in one breath, and the Water note it carries is why we hand it to those born in the Year of the Horse.
Literally: "once the sail is set, proceed without turning back."
The reading
The sail caught the wind. You are moving. The harbor is behind you. Reviewing the decision at this point is not prudence. It is turbulence. The time for deliberation was at the dock. Here, on the water, the job is to navigate whatever comes next, because next is the only direction available.
What kind of proverb it is
Source Common literary expression; nautical and life philosophy
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 Courage & Decisive Action, or follow the years these lines belong to: Year of the Horse, Year of the Rat, and Year of the Ox.
Questions
Is 一帆既往 a real Chinese proverb?
Yes. 一帆既往 (yī fān jì wǎng) is a folk proverb (yànyǔ 諺語), and it comes from Common literary expression; nautical and life philosophy. 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 一帆既往?
In Mandarin it is yī fān jì wǎng. Read the pinyin above each character to follow the tones, or press the speaker beside the calligraphy to hear your browser read 一帆既往 aloud in Mandarin.