Mencius quote explained
孟子曰：「鱼，我所欲也；熊掌 Meaning in English
孟子曰：「鱼，我所欲也；熊掌，亦我所欲也，二者不可得兼，舍鱼而取熊掌者也。」
Original Chinese, pinyin, meaning, source confidence, Western comparison, and safe modern use for English readers.
At a Glance
| Original Chinese | 孟子曰：「鱼，我所欲也；熊掌，亦我所欲也，二者不可得兼，舍鱼而取熊掌者也。」 |
|---|---|
| Pinyin | mèng zi yuē yú wǒ suǒ yù yě xióng zhǎng yì wǒ suǒ yù yě èr zhě bù kě dé jiān shě yú ér qǔ xióng zhǎng zhě yě |
| Natural English | Mencius places righteousness before short-term advantage and treats moral order as the root of lasting success. |
| Source | 卷之六告子上, Section 10 |
| Attribution confidence | sourced; source confidence 82 |
Meaning in Plain English
This Mencius passage is mainly about ethics. It turns a political or moral situation into a concrete test of priorities.
The English on this page is an original modern rendering from the public-domain Chinese text. It is meant to explain the idea clearly for English readers, not replace a scholarly translation.
Translation Ladder
| Original Chinese | 孟子曰：「鱼，我所欲也；熊掌，亦我所欲也，二者不可得兼，舍鱼而取熊掌者也。」 |
|---|---|
| Pinyin | mèng zi yuē yú wǒ suǒ yù yě xióng zhǎng yì wǒ suǒ yù yě èr zhě bù kě dé jiān shě yú ér qǔ xióng zhǎng zhě yě |
| Literal direction | Start from the original wording, then explain the idea in natural English instead of translating character by character. |
| Natural English | Mencius is teaching that righteousness should come before profit or convenience. |
| Best modern use | Use it for Business Pitch, Team Meeting, Competitor Analysis, Leadership Memo, LinkedIn Post, Classroom Discussion when the context fits the meaning. |
| What it does not mean | Do not call this a direct translation of "practice makes perfect." The Confucian idea includes repeated practice, review, reflection, and the joy of learning. |
Source and Citation Check
Source status: Mencius. Confidence: 82.
For essays, speeches, or business writing, cite the original Chinese when possible and avoid assigning the saying to a famous figure unless the source path is visible.
Copy-Ready Examples
For an essay
孟子曰：「鱼，我所欲也；熊掌，亦我所欲也，二者不可得兼，舍鱼而取熊掌者也。」 can be explained as: Mencius is teaching that righteousness should come before profit or convenience. This makes the saying useful when the writer needs a source-aware Chinese idea rather than a decorative quote.
For a speech
An old Chinese line says 孟子曰：「鱼，我所欲也；熊掌，亦我所欲也，二者不可得兼，舍鱼而取熊掌者也。」. In modern English, the point is simple: Mencius is teaching that righteousness should come before profit or convenience.
For business or leadership
This idea can be used carefully in a professional setting when it clarifies judgment, practice, trust, timing, or restraint. The important step is to connect the quote to a real decision, not just display it as culture.
For classroom discussion
Ask students to compare the original Chinese, the pinyin, and the natural English meaning, then decide where the translation gains or loses nuance.
Related but Not Equivalent
- Do the right thing
Difference: useful as an English bridge, not proof of exact translation or shared origin. - Righteousness before profit
Difference: useful as an English bridge, not proof of exact translation or shared origin. - Charity begins at home
Difference: useful as an English bridge, not proof of exact translation or shared origin. - Practice makes perfect
Difference: useful as an English bridge, not proof of exact translation or shared origin. - Learning by doing
Difference: useful as an English bridge, not proof of exact translation or shared origin.
When to Use This Quote
Use this quote when the source and context fit your point. Keep the original Chinese and pinyin visible for cultural accuracy.
- ethics
- character
- decision making
- family
- relationships
Modern search and use-case tags
Related Use-Case Pages
Common Mistake and Safe Use
Do not call this a direct translation of "practice makes perfect." The Confucian idea includes repeated practice, review, reflection, and the joy of learning.
Western Proverb Equivalent
Use these familiar English ideas as bridges, not as exact translations or shared-origin claims.
Similar English Sayings and Western Ideas
These comparisons help English readers understand the idea. They are not claims of shared origin.
Questions People Ask
What does 孟子曰：「鱼，我所欲也；熊掌，亦我所 mean?
It means: Mencius places righteousness before short-term advantage and treats moral order as the root of lasting success.
Who said 孟子曰：「鱼，我所欲也；熊掌，亦我所?
It appears in the Mencius, 卷之六告子上, Section 10, and is traditionally associated with Mencius.
How can I use this Mencius quote?
Use it when discussing ethics, public ethics, leadership, or Chinese moral philosophy.
Can I quote this in English?
Yes. Cite the Mencius as the source and treat this page's English as an explanatory rendering.