Chinese Idiom: 望洋兴叹 (Wang Yang Xing Tan)
English Translation: Looking at the ocean and sighing
pīn yīn: wàng yáng xīng tàn
Idiom Meaning: Originally referring to one’s own insignificance and marveling at others’ greatness; it is now used to describe feeling powerless or inadequate when wanting to accomplish something due to insufficient strength or lack of conditions.
Historical Source: Zhuangzi (庄子) – “Autumn Water.”
Idiom Story:
This idiom originates from a fable told by Zhuang Zhou. One autumn, due to heavy rainfall, all rivers poured into the Yellow River, causing its surface to widen significantly. The banks became indistinguishable as cattle and horses on either side could not be recognized. The Yellow River deity, He Bo, became conceited, believing he was the greatest in the world.
Feeling proud, He Bo traveled from west to east until he reached the North Sea. Gazing eastward, he was met with an endless expanse of white, seemingly infinite. At this moment, He Bo turned his head and sighed, saying, “There is a saying: ‘Those who have learned a little think there is no one as great as themselves.’ This is indeed what I am.”
Hearing this, the North Sea deity, Hai Ruo, replied earnestly, “We cannot discuss the ocean with a frog in a well, for it is limited by its home; nor can we talk about water with a summer insect, as it is constrained by the season. Similarly, we should not engage with those who are both ignorant and arrogant in profound discussions, for they know only a little. Now that you have realized your own insignificance through this experience and adopted this humble attitude, you can seek the great principles.”
From this story, people later simplified the phrase “望洋向若而叹” (wàng yáng xīng tàn) to form the idiom “望洋兴叹,” reflecting the feeling of awe and insignificance when confronted with something far greater.
