Meanings of 守株待兔
By ear
Play it, then pick what 守株待兔 means.
About 守株待兔
Podcast: 守株待兔
Podcast: 守株待兔
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 守株待兔
This idiom is typically used in a negative context, indicating a lack of initiative. Be cautious about using it in formal situations, as it can come off as dismissive. Common collocations include '守株待兔的态度' (the attitude of waiting for opportunities) and '不应守株待兔' (should not wait idly).
While 守株待兔 is not an HSK vocabulary word, it's beneficial for learners at HSK 4 and above, as it enriches their idiomatic expressions. Students should focus on understanding the context and nuances of idioms, as they are often used in conversation and literature.
Learners often misuse this idiom by applying it to situations where initiative is actually required. For example, saying '这位学生守株待兔，努力学习' (This student is waiting for opportunities and studying hard) is incorrect since studying hard implies initiative. The correct sentiment would be to emphasize the importance of active effort.
Pronunciation of 守株待兔
Drill the tone of 守株待兔, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 守株待兔 to you
Let me explain 守株待兔 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 守株待兔 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
How well do you know 守株待兔?
Learning Lab
Knowing 守株待兔 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Idiom spotlight: 守株待兔
Component characters
How to say lit. to guard a tree-stump, waiting for rabbits (idiom) in Chinese
“lit. to guard a tree-stump, waiting for rabbits (idiom)” in Chinese is守株待兔
The idiom 守株待兔 (shǒu zhū dài tù) literally translates to 'guarding a tree stump, waiting for rabbits.' It conveys the idea of waiting idly for opportunities to come without taking proactive action. This phrase is often used to criticize those who rely on luck or circumstance rather than actively pursuing their goals.
When to use 守株待兔
This idiom is typically used in a negative context, indicating a lack of initiative. Be cautious about using it in formal situations, as it can come off as dismissive. Common collocations include '守株待兔的态度' (the attitude of waiting for opportunities) and '不应守株待兔' (should not wait idly).
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse this idiom by applying it to situations where initiative is actually required. For example, saying '这位学生守株待兔，努力学习' (This student is waiting for opportunities and studying hard) is incorrect since studying hard implies initiative. The correct sentiment would be to emphasize the importance of active effort.
Write 守株待兔
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 守株待兔 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 守株待兔?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
Frequently asked questions about 守株待兔
It literally means 'guarding a tree stump, waiting for rabbits.'
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 守株待兔?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.