Oral traditions

By / 12-15-2016 / (Chinese Social Sciences Today)

 

口含黄柏味,有苦自家知
Like a mute man tasting bitterness, he suffered alone in silence.
The proverb is used to describe how one’s suffering is often only known to oneself.

 

口开神气散,舌动是非生
Divine energy is dispersed by an open mouth; trouble starts when the tongue begins to move.
The proverb is commonly used to advise people to speak cautiously.

 

口能言之,身能行之,国宝也
A person who has a mouth capable of expressing ideas and has a body capable of acting on them is a treasure to the state.
The proverb initially comes from pre-Qin philosopher Xunzi’s literary theories. It indicates that one who is good at verbal expression and taking action will eventually amount to much.

 

口是风,笔是踪
While our words resemble wind, writing leaves a trace behind.
The proverb indicates that when the spoken word is of no significance, a written statement may count for more.

 

口是祸之门,舌为斩身刀
The mouth leads to disasters; the tongue is the sword that kills.
The proverb means that careless words will invite calamity.

 

嘴强的争一步
The stronger-mouthed always come out on top.
The proverb implies that a person who has a glib tongue often gains some advantage.

 

嘴底下就是路
Just under one’s mouth lies the way.
The proverb emphasizes that one should actively communicate with others, express his thoughts or ask others for help if necessary.