If you are learning a new language, proverbs are one of those things that are very hard to grasp. This is not because you’re not proficient yet, but because they are more than just language. They are a part of the local culture.

Therefore this second little quiz on Chinese proverbs is a better way to increase your cultural understanding than your Chinese skills. But either way: it’s just for fun!

1. Proverb one: kōng)穴(xué)来(lái)风(fēng)未(wèi)必(bì)无(wú)因(yīn)
Literally: If the wind comes from an empty cave, it’s not without a reason.
A. Most seemingly strange rumours have an origin in fact.
B. When it looks to good to be true, it usually is.
C. Hidden motives will eventually be uncovered.

2. Proverb two: 老(lǎo)骥(jì)伏(fú)枥(lì), 志(zhì)在(zài)千(qiān)里(lǐ)
Literally: The old horse in the stable still yearns to run 1000 li ¹.
A. A reference to the communist days when everybody worked hard.
B. Stop dreaming of the impossible and face reality.
C. Don’t underestimate experienced people, they still may have great ambitions and potential.

3. Proverb three: 人(rén)要(yào)脸(liǎn), 树(shù)要(yào)皮(pí)
Literally: a person needs a face; a tree needs bark.
A. A person needs a clean reputation to survive.
B. Don’t complain about being ugly or envy someone else’s beauty. You are who you are.
C. You should always smile, your face is the first thing people see when they look at you.

The answers will be posted in the comments soon. For more quizzes on Chinese proverbs, try Little Chinese proverbs quiz – Part I.

Originally posted 2008-11-26 14:00:23. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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