Chinese Idiom: 三令五申 (San Ling Wu Shen)
English Translation: Repeated Admonitions
pīn yīn: sān lìng wǔ shēn
Idiom Meaning: To repeatedly warn or admonish. The numbers “three” and “five” are not to be taken literally but indicate multiple times; “申” means to express or explain.
Historical Source: Records of the Grand Historian (史记) by Sima Qian.
Idiom Story: Sunzi, also known as Sun Wu, was a renowned military strategist during the late Spring and Autumn period. Originally from the state of Qi, he fled to the state of Wu to avoid turmoil. There, he was introduced by Wu Zixu and eventually became a general for Wu. Sunzi compiled his military strategies and experiences into the famous work The Art of War, which he presented to King Helü of Wu. After reading the text, King Helü was pleased and asked, “Can you demonstrate your training methods?” Sunzi replied, “Yes.” The king then inquired, “Can you use women for the demonstration?” Sunzi agreed.
King Helü selected 180 palace women and handed them over to Sunzi. He divided them into two groups, appointing the king’s two favorite concubines as the leaders. Sunzi thoroughly explained the training requirements and methods until everyone understood before beginning the drills. The Records of the Grand Historian continues:
After setting the regulations and preparing the execution tools, Sunzi repeatedly explained the orders. When he beat the drum signaling them to turn right, the women laughed. Sunzi said, “If the rules are not clear and the orders are not familiar, it is the commander’s fault.” He reiterated the orders and beat the drum to signal a turn to the left, and the women laughed again. Sunzi said, “If the rules are not clear and the orders are not familiar, it is the commander’s fault; but if the orders are clear and not followed, it is the officers’ fault.” He then prepared to execute the two concubine leaders.
Observing from above, King Helü was alarmed and quickly sent a messenger to stop him, saying, “I already know you are capable of commanding troops. I cannot eat without these two concubines, so please do not kill them.”
Sunzi replied, “Once I have received the order to command, I must enforce military discipline. There are commands from the ruler that a general cannot accept.”
He then executed the two concubines and appointed new leaders. Following this, the women performed the commands flawlessly, with no laughter or noise. Sunzi then reported to King Helü that the soldiers were trained and could be used as the king wished, even to march into fire. Realizing Sunzi’s capability, King Helü appointed him as a general. Under Sunzi’s command, Wu defeated the powerful state of Chu, captured its capital Yingdu, and intimidated the states of Qi and Jin, earning great prestige among the states. Sunzi’s contributions were instrumental in these successes.
Thus, the idiom “三令五申” (Repeated Admonitions) originated from this story, signifying repeated warnings or instructions.
