Chinese Idiom: 沾沾自喜 (Zhan Zhan Zi Xi)
English Translation: Take pride in oneself
pīn yīn: zhān zhān zì xǐ
Idiom Meaning: This phrase describes a state of self-satisfaction and smugness regarding one’s achievements, often implying a sense of frivolity and arrogance.
Historical Source: From Shiji: Biographies of Weiqi’s Martial Duke.
Idiom Story:
The idiom originates from a story involving Dou Ying (窦婴), a prominent figure in the Western Han Dynasty. Dou Ying was a distant relative of Empress Dowager Dou, who favored her younger son, Prince Liu Wu, over her other son.
In June 157 BC, after Emperor Jing of Han ascended the throne, Liu Wu came to the capital to visit. The reunion of mother and sons was filled with joy. Dou Ying, as a cousin of Liu Wu, was invited to join them for a meal. As everyone celebrated with drinks and laughter, Emperor Jing, in a drunken and jovial mood, jokingly declared, “In a thousand years, I will pass the throne to Liu Wu.”
While everyone understood this was mere banter, Empress Dowager Dou seized the opportunity to consider establishing Liu Wu as the crown prince. However, Dou Ying, wanting to make a point, stood up and rebuked the emperor, saying, “The world belongs to the Han, and the throne must be passed down to the son. This is the agreement established by Emperor Gao (the founding emperor). How can you arbitrarily transfer it to Liu Wu?” His comment angered both Liu Wu and Empress Dowager Dou, causing Dou Ying to fear for his safety and resign the next day.
A few years later, during the Rebellion of the Seven States in 154 BC, Dou Ying was recalled to service, honored as a great general, and later became Marquis of Weiqi. Empress Dowager Dou, recognizing his contributions, sought to have him appointed as Chancellor. However, Emperor Jing, knowing Dou Ying’s character, cautioned, “Weiqi is too self-satisfied and frivolous; it would be difficult for him to take on such an important role.”
Thus, the phrase “沾沾自喜” emerged, reflecting a warning against excessive pride and self-satisfaction, highlighting the potential pitfalls of arrogance and superficiality in one’s achievements.
