Chinese idiom 孟母三迁 (mèng mǔ sān qiān)
Chinese Idioms With Easy Explanations & Fun Educational Activities：
孟母三迁 mèng mǔ sān qiān
Learning Chinese idioms (成语) can be a fun and meaningful way to understand Chinese language and culture. It is however, not easy for children learning Chinese and English speakers to understand what they mean. And, Chinese idioms dictionaries often have explanations that need explanations themselves.
Not to worry! We have carefully written clear explanations in English for you. We have also added the equivalent English idioms and expressions so it’s super easy to understand! By the end of this blog post, you would have learned one more Chinese idiom!
Let’s dive into a Chinese idiom 孟母三迁 (mèng mǔ sān qiān), a timeless idiom that teaches us about the sacrifices parents make for their children’s success.
Literal Meaning
孟母三迁 (mèng mǔ sān qiān) literally translates to “Mencius’ mother moved three times.”
Definition
The great efforts mothers make for their kids’ welfare.
The Chinese idiom 孟母三迁 (mèng mǔ sān qiān), refers to the great efforts parents, especially mothers, make to ensure the best upbringing and education for their children. It’s a powerful reminder of the lengths parents will go to give their children the best opportunities.
Similar English Idioms 相似英文习语
While cultural contexts differ, the spirit of this idiom resonates globally. Similar expressions in English include:
- Go the extra mile
- Move mountains
- Move heaven and earth
- Pull out all the stops
- Leave no stone unturned
These phrases share the same theme of making extraordinary efforts for a greater purpose.
Example 例句
Let’s see how this idiom can be used:
中文：很多妈妈为了让孩子可以花更多时间在学习上，搬到离学校更近的地方，可真算是有「孟母三迁」的精神啊！
Pinyin：Hěn duō māma wèile ràng háizi kěyǐ huā gèng duō shíjiān zài xuéxí shàng, bān dào lí xuéxiào gèng jìn de dìfāng, kě zhēn suàn shì yǒu “mèng mǔ sān qiān” de jīngshén a!
English translation：Many mothers move their families closer to their children’s schools so that the kids can spend more time on schoolwork instead of commuting. This is a mother’s sacrifice!
This sentence highlights how the Chinese idiom 孟母三迁 (mèng mǔ sān qiān) is used to emphasize the sacrifice parents, especially mothers, make to ensure the best education environment for their kids.
The Story Behind 孟母三迁 (mèng mǔ sān qiān)
Mencius (孟子 Mèng Zǐ), a great Confucian scholar, lost his father at a young age. His mother, 仉氏 (Zhǎng Shì), was left to raise him alone. She realized the importance of a good environment for her son’s growth and education, which led to the famous three moves:
- First Move: Near a Cemetery
Initially, the family lived near a cemetery. Young Mencius often imitated funeral processions and burial ceremonies. Seeing this, his mother decided this was not a suitable place to raise her son. - Second Move: Near a Marketplace
The family then moved to a bustling market area. Here, Mencius began mimicking the merchants’ haggling and loud behaviors. His mother again felt this was not the right environment for him to develop good morals and focus. - Third Move: Near a School
Finally, they moved to an area near a school. Surrounded by scholars and an atmosphere of learning, Mencius began to develop discipline and a love for knowledge. This environment laid the foundation for his future as one of China’s most respected philosophers.
Debunking Myths About 孟母 (mèng mǔ)
Some believe Mencius’ mother must have been wealthy to afford three moves, but historical accounts suggest otherwise. According to some investigation, we can tell that she was not from a wealthy family. Also, in the story of the Chinese idiom 孟母三迁 (mèng mǔ sān qiān), she supported her household through weaving.
At the time, moving houses was not as complex as it is today. She didn’t move far away but from a marketplace to be near a school, so it was relatively simple and inexpensive to move around.
Related Idioms
断机教子 (duàn jī jiào zǐ)
Another famous story about Mencius’ mother is 断机教子 (duàn jī jiào zǐ), or “cutting the cloth to teach her son.”
Once upon a time, young Mencius skipped school and returned home when 孟母 (mèng mǔ) was weaving cloth on a loom. Seeing her son’s lack of focus, she angrily cut and split the cloth she was weaving.
Shocked, Mencius asked why she ruined her work. She explained:
“You are neglecting your studies, just as I have ruined this fabric. Learning requires persistence, just like weaving cloth requires patience and dedication. Without it, you will accomplish nothing.”
This lesson deeply affected Mencius to become one of the most respected scholars in Chinese history.
Both idioms, 孟母三迁 (mèng mǔ sān qiān) and 断机教子 (duàn jī jiào zǐ), highlight the importance of education and the sacrifices parents make to support their children’s growth. They remind us of the timeless value placed on learning, discipline, and a nurturing environment.
To deepen your understanding, here’s a similar idiom 相似词:
- 欧母画荻 (ōu mǔ huà dí): This idiom refers to a mother teaching her child to write by drawing characters in the sand with a reed. It highlights the dedication and creative methods parents use to educate their children.
And here’s opposite expression 相反词:
- 放牛吃草 (fàng niú chī cǎo): Literally meaning “letting the cattle eat grass,” this phrase describes a lack of supervision or guidance, contrasting with the careful and deliberate efforts seen in the Chinese idiom 孟母三迁 (mèng mǔ sān qiān).
Fun Educational Activities for Kids
Want to make learning this idiom even more enjoyable? Here are some fun activities:
- Watch the Draw-along Chengyu Video featuring Dim Sum Warriors’ cartoonist and teacher. Together, they bring the story of 孟母三迁 (mèng mǔ sān qiān) to life through engaging visuals and interesting background stories.Let’s draw the characters, learn the meanings, and listen to the stories all at once!
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- Role-Playing the Three Moves 三迁 (sān qiān) :
Act out Mencius’ story with your family or classmates. Each scene can represent one of the three moves, discussing whether the place they choose is good for studying, helping kids visualize the importance of their surroundings.
Understanding idioms like 孟母三迁 (mèng mǔ sān qiān) not only enhances your language skills but also connects you with the traditional Chinese culture of the value of sacrifice for education. If you like the blog post, please share with your children, family, and friends!
