Taking time to prepare properly will actually save time in the long run. It encourages people to invest in planning, skill-building, or tool improvement before starting a task.
This proverb comes from rural life, where chopping wood was a daily chore. It reflects the practical Chinese wisdom that patience and preparation are not wasted effort.
It counters the impulse to rush into action — a common cultural value that patience and foresight are signs of maturity. The proverb makes the abstract idea of 'preparation' concrete and relatable.
Draw random cards from hundreds of real Chinese folk sayings and proverbs. Each flip reveals what Chinese people actually mean.
🎴 Play Chinese Wisdom Cards