Chinese Idiom: 三人行，必有我师 (San Ren Xing, Bi You Wo Shi)
English Translation: Among Three People, There Must Be My Teacher
pīn yīn: sān rén xíng, bì yǒu wǒ shī
Idiom Meaning: The original meaning suggests that among a group of people walking together, there is always someone from whom one can learn. It later came to mean not being ashamed to ask questions and being willing to learn from others with an open mind.
Historical Source: The Analects of Confucius (论语), Book VII, Chapter 21.
Idiom Story: Confucius, an ancient Chinese educator, demonstrated a learning attitude and academic spirit that remains relevant today. He was known for his tireless dedication to teaching and for sharing his knowledge without reservation, earning the profound respect and admiration of his students. When Confucius passed away, his disciples mourned him as if they had lost their own parents. They built huts and lived beside his tomb for three years. It is said that one of his disciples, Zigong, stayed there for six years, highlighting the close bond between teacher and students.
Confucius’ approach to learning is also worth emulating. While he mentioned the idea of “those born with knowledge are the highest,” he seemed to deny the existence of innate knowledge. In The Analects, he said, “I am not someone who is born with knowledge. I am someone who loves antiquity and is earnest in seeking knowledge.” This means that he was not born knowledgeable but acquired knowledge through a love for ancient culture and diligent study.
Confucius’ students observed that he did not have a fixed teacher but learned from his surroundings. When he visited the Temple of Zhougong, he inquired about everything. Some people mocked him for not knowing anything and lacking proper manners. Confucius confidently replied that asking questions about what one does not know is a proper etiquette. He also said, “Among three people walking, there must be one who can be my teacher. I select their good qualities to follow and correct my shortcomings based on their bad qualities.” This means that among a group of people, there is always someone he can learn from, adopting their strengths and improving upon their weaknesses.
Eventually, the phrase “Among three people, there must be my teacher” became an idiom.
