諺語 · a single proverb
揚長避短
Simplified: 扬长避短
What does 揚長避短 (yáng cháng bì duǎn) mean?
揚長避短 (yáng cháng bì duǎn) is a four-character classical idiom (chéngyǔ 成語). Word for word it reads "show your strengths and avoid your weaknesses." In use it means: Focus on what you do well and minimize exposure to what you do not; strategic self-deployment. 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 Monkey.
Literally: "show your strengths and avoid your weaknesses."
The reading
The fish does not compete in a tree-climbing contest. Not because the fish is modest, but because the fish can read a room. Knowing where to show up is as important as knowing how to perform. The best venue for your talent is the one where your weakness is irrelevant.
What kind of proverb it is
Source Common literary and strategic expression
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 Monkey, Year of the Rat, and Year of the Ox.
Questions
Is 揚長避短 a real Chinese proverb?
Yes. 揚長避短 (yáng cháng bì duǎn) is a four-character classical idiom (chéngyǔ 成語), and it comes from Common literary and strategic expression. 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 揚長避短?
In Mandarin it is yáng cháng bì duǎn. Read the pinyin above each character to follow the tones, or press the speaker beside the calligraphy to hear your browser read 揚長避短 aloud in Mandarin.