This saying warns that wrongdoing, especially within a family, will not only bring immediate consequences but also leave a legacy of suffering for future generations. It implies a moral causality that extends beyond the individual.
This reflects the Chinese belief in collective responsibility and the idea that a family's moral conduct affects its descendants—a concept tied to ancestor worship and the importance of family reputation.
Chinese culture emphasizes the interconnectedness of generations, and this saying serves as a moral warning. It signals that ethical behavior is not just personal but familial, and that short-term gains from evil deeds are never worth the long-term cost.
Draw random cards from hundreds of real Chinese folk sayings and proverbs. Each flip reveals what Chinese people actually mean.
🎴 Play Chinese Wisdom Cards