Chinese Idiom: 食不甘味 (Shi Bu Gan Wei)
English Translation: Eating without enjoyment
pīn yīn: shí bù gān wèi
Idiom Meaning: This idiom originally refers to eating without being able to discern the flavors, indicating that one is preoccupied with worries or is unwell.
Historical Source: “战国策” (Strategies of the Warring States), specifically in the section concerning the State of Qin.
Idiom Story:
During the Warring States period, the State of Qin was the most powerful among the seven warring states, frequently invading its neighbors. One year, King Huiwen of Qin sent envoys to threaten King Wei of Chu, stating that if Chu did not comply with Qin’s demands, Qin would attack.
King Wei of Chu was furious upon hearing this and ordered the expulsion of the Qin envoys. However, he was also anxious about Chu’s military weakness and the potential consequences of a Qin invasion.
At that moment, the persuasive diplomat Su Qin (who had previously served as the prime minister of Zhao and the Marquis of Wu’an) came to visit King Wei. He advised the king to form alliances with Zhao, Wei, and other states to counteract Qin’s aggression.
King Wei was very pleased with this advice and exclaimed, “Thank you for your brilliant plan! I have been unable to rest and eat well because of my worries about this situation. Now, I will follow your strategy!”
This story illustrates the meaning of “食不甘味,” emphasizing how anxiety and concern can diminish one’s enjoyment of life, including the simplest pleasures like food.
