諺語 · a single proverb
玉不琢，不成器
What does 玉不琢，不成器 (yù bù zhuó, bù chéng qì) mean?
玉不琢，不成器 (yù bù zhuó, bù chéng qì) is a folk proverb (yànyǔ 諺語). Word for word it reads "Jade that is not carved cannot become a vessel." In use it means: Without shaping and discipline, even the most talented child will not reach potential. Raw ability requires the chisel of education and effort. You reach for it when you want that idea in one breath, and the Earth note it carries is why we hand it to those born in the Year of the Rabbit.
Literally: "Jade that is not carved cannot become a vessel.."
The reading
A rough stone holds beauty that only patient hands can reveal. Talent left untouched is talent that never was. The discomfort of being shaped is not punishment but preparation. Every fine instrument was once raw material that endured the work of becoming.
What kind of proverb it is
Source Lǐ Jì (禮記), Book of Rites, Xué Jì chapter
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 Rabbit, Year of the Rat, and Year of the Ox.
Questions
Is 玉不琢，不成器 a real Chinese proverb?
Yes. 玉不琢，不成器 (yù bù zhuó, bù chéng qì) is a folk proverb (yànyǔ 諺語), and it comes from Lǐ Jì (禮記), Book of Rites, Xué Jì chapter. 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 玉不琢，不成器?
In Mandarin it is yù bù zhuó, bù chéng qì. Read the pinyin above each character to follow the tones, or press the speaker beside the calligraphy to hear your browser read 玉不琢，不成器 aloud in Mandarin.