Wisdom
Deep
莫听穿林打叶声，何妨吟啸且徐行
mò tīng chuān lín dǎ yè shēng, hé fáng yín xiào qiě xú xíng
Natural meaning
Pay no heed to the rain beating through the woods; why not sing and stroll slowly on.
Literal translation
Don't listen穿林打叶sound, why not chant-whistle and slowly walk
What it means
This poetic line from Su Shi encourages a carefree, resilient attitude in the face of life's storms. It means don't let external disturbances upset you — keep calm and carry on at your own pace.
Cultural context
From Su Shi's famous poem '定风波' (Ding Feng Bo), written during his exile. It embodies the Daoist/Chan ideal of inner peace amid adversity.
When Chinese people say this
Someone might say this when facing setbacks or criticism, reminding themselves or others to stay composed and not be rattled by negativity.
Why Chinese people say this
It reflects the Chinese ideal of emotional self-mastery — not being swayed by external events. It signals sophistication and spiritual depth, showing that one has risen above petty troubles.
💬 Real-life example
A:The critics are tearing apart my new book. It's disheartening.
B:莫听穿林打叶声，何妨吟啸且徐行. Stay true to your voice.
C:Exactly, don't let negativity shake your confidence.
Tone
🟢 Philosophical · Calm
⚠️ Don't take it literally
It's not about ignoring rain in a forest; it's a metaphor for resilience in life's challenges.
📖 Story example
Facing setbacks in her career, Ms. Chen felt overwhelmed. She recalled the line '莫听穿林打叶声，何妨吟啸且徐行' from her favorite poet. Inspired, she continued her projects with renewed calm, eventually achieving recognition on her own terms.
❓ Frequently asked questions
What does 莫听穿林打叶声，何妨吟啸且徐行 mean in English?
It translates to 'Pay no heed to the rain beating through the woods; why not sing and stroll slowly on,' advocating a carefree attitude amid difficulties.
When do people say this poetic line?
The saying reflects a philosophical approach to adversity; it's used to encourage resilience and inner peace during trials.
Is this from a specific Chinese poem?
Yes, it's from Su Shi's Song Dynasty poem, often cited for its wisdom on handling life's storms.
What is the English equivalent of this saying?
Similar concepts are found in 'Keep calm and carry on' or 'Whistle while you work,' but with a poetic depth.
💕 Related Chinese sayings