Chinese Idiom: 闻一知十 (Wen Yi Zhi Shi)
English Translation: Hear One and Know Ten
pīn yīn: wén yī zhī shí
Idiom Meaning: This idiom means that upon learning one thing, a person can infer ten other things from it, indicating a high level of intelligence and understanding.
Historical Source: The Analects: Gongye Chang (论语：公冶长)
Idiom Story:
Confucius’s most accomplished disciple, Zigong (whose full name is Zigong, meaning “gift”), was exceptionally eloquent, often besting even Confucius in debates. As Confucius traveled through various states, Zigong was part of his entourage, frequently handling diplomatic affairs.
During a time when Tian Chang was governing the state of Qi, he planned to invade the state of Lu, which was the ancestral homeland of Confucius and his disciples. Concerned for their homeland, Confucius questioned his disciples about their lack of action to protect Lu.
Zilu volunteered to negotiate with Qi but was not permitted to go. Then, Zizhang and Zishi also offered to go, but Confucius declined their offers. However, when Zigong suggested he would go, Confucius readily agreed. Zigong not only traveled to Qi but also visited the powerful southern states of Wu and Yue, as well as the northwest state of Jin. By sowing discord among these great states, Zigong orchestrated a series of conflicts. As a result, Qi fell into chaos, Wu was devastated, Jin became stronger, and Yue gained dominance, while the small state of Lu was spared from disaster and enjoyed a period of peace.
Despite Zigong’s talents, Confucius still believed he was not as capable as another disciple, Yan Hui (also known as Yan Yuan). Yan Hui was a native of Lu, known for his intelligence, eagerness to learn, and frugal lifestyle, making him Confucius’s favorite disciple. Zigong himself acknowledged that he was not as good as Yan Hui.
Once, Confucius intentionally asked Zigong, “Which of you two is stronger, you or Hui?” Zigong humbly replied, “How could I dare to compare myself with him? He hears one and knows ten; I hear one and know two.” This illustrates the wisdom of Yan Hui and the respect Zigong had for his fellow disciple, highlighting the essence of the idiom “闻一知十.”
