the old man moves mountains (idiom); fig. where there's a will, there's a way
HSK 7, unknown, rank #62926, Very Hard
yúgōngyíshān(yu2gong1yi2shan1) T2
1the old man moves mountains (idiom); fig. where there's a will, there's a way
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April 28, 2026
愚公移山()yúgōngyíshān(yu2gong1yi2shan1)
愚公移山 (yú gōng yí shān) is an idiom that translates to 'the old man moves mountains.' It signifies determination and perseverance in overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles. This phrase is often used to encourage persistence and belief in achieving goals despite challenges.
Frequency#62926DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
The story behind this idiom comes from a Chinese fable about an old man who, despite being mocked for his efforts, believed that with enough perseverance, he could remove the mountains blocking his way. This reflects the value of hard work and determination in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine an old man named Yu Gong who is so determined to remove mountains blocking his path that he starts digging them away with a spoon. The image of this elderly figure tirelessly working against enormous mountains helps you remember the meaning of perseverance and the characters in the idiom.
Meanings of 愚公移山
yúgōngyíshān(yu2gong1yi2shan1)
1the old man moves mountains (idiom); fig. where there's a will, there's a way
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About 愚公移山
愚公移山Simplified
Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 愚公移山
Podcast: 愚公移山
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AI Study Notes for 愚公移山
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine an old man named Yu Gong who is so determined to remove mountains blocking his path that he starts digging them away with a spoon. The image of this elderly figure tirelessly working against enormous mountains helps you remember the meaning of perseverance and the characters in the idiom.
Usage Notes
This idiom is often used in motivational contexts, especially in discussions about hard work and determination. Avoid using it in overly formal situations, as it is more casual and colloquial. Be careful with the tone: '愚' (yú) has the second tone, which can be confused with '于' (yú) if pronounced incorrectly.
HSK Study Tips
While this idiom does not appear in the HSK vocabulary lists, understanding it can enrich your comprehension of Chinese literature and cultural references. Students should focus on the individual characters: 愚 (foolish), 公 (public), 移 (to move), and 山 (mountain) to grasp the idiomatic meaning.
Cultural Note
The story behind this idiom comes from a Chinese fable about an old man who, despite being mocked for his efforts, believed that with enough perseverance, he could remove the mountains blocking his way. This reflects the value of hard work and determination in Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse the characters and use '愚公' (yú gōng) without '移山' (yí shān), losing the idiomatic meaning. For example, saying '愚公' alone doesn’t convey the complete idea of moving mountains and determination.
AI-enhanced 2026-04-28
Pronunciation of 愚公移山
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Cultural Notes for 愚公移山
🏮Cultural insight
The story behind this idiom comes from a Chinese fable about an old man who, despite being mocked for his efforts, believed that with enough perseverance, he could remove the mountains blocking his way. This reflects the value of hard work and determination in Chinese culture.
Frequently Asked Questions about 愚公移山
In this idiom, '愚' refers to 'foolish' or 'silly,' but it highlights the old man's stubbornness and determination rather than a lack of intelligence.
It's generally more appropriate in informal contexts; for formal writing or speeches, consider using more standard expressions of perseverance.
Make sure to practice the tones: '愚' (yú - second tone), '公' (gōng - first tone), '移' (yí - second tone), '山' (shān - first tone) to avoid misunderstandings.
