Chinese Conversation · Level 81
91 words
Chinese word
饮水思源
Pronunciation
Pinyinyǐn shuǐ sī yuán
Meaning
- idiomremember one's roots
Example
作为企业，我们应该饮水思源，回馈社会。zuò wéi qǐ yè wǒ men yīng gāi yín shuǐ sī yuán huí kuì shè huì
As a company, we should remember our roots and give back to society.
More examples
毕业典礼上，他提醒同学们不要忘记饮水思源。bì yè dián lǐ shàng tā tí xǐng tóng xué men bú yào wàng jì yín shuǐ sī yuán
At the graduation ceremony, he reminded his classmates not to forget their roots.
Core concept
A benefit is traced back to the source that made it possible, keeping gratitude tied to one's roots and to the people who helped.
Common phrases
要饮水思源yào yín shuǐ sī yuán
should remember one's roots
不要忘记饮水思源bú yào wàng jì yín shuǐ sī yuán
do not forget one's roots
Similar words
感恩戴德gǎn ēn dài dé: Deep gratitude for kindness received, with lasting remembrance of the favor.
知恩图报zhī ēn tú bào: Recognizing kindness received and seeking to repay it in a suitable way.
Definition in Chinese
喝水时想到水的来源，比喻不忘本、怀念并回报对自己有恩的人或根源。hē shuǐ shí xiǎng dào shuǐ de lái yuán bǐ yù bú wàng běn huái niàn bìng huí bào duì zì jǐ yǒu ēn de rén huò gēn yuán
Word origin
饮水思源 (yǐnshuǐsīyuán, "drink water and think of its source") turns the source of drinking water into a reminder that benefits have origins worth remembering and kindness worth returning.
Usage tips
- In conversation, this idiom sounds formal and reflective, so it fits speeches, written remarks, and serious discussions better than a quick exchange.
Other meanings
- be gratefulidiom
- repay kindnessidiom
Opposites
- 忘恩负义wàng ēn fù yìbe ungratefulidiom