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乘風破浪

승풍파랑 乘風破浪

To ride the wind and break through the waves; it describes advancing toward a grand ambition by overcoming great challenges.

Chinese Idiom 4-character idiom Learn with Music
Quick Answer

승풍파랑 (乘風破浪) means "To ride the wind and break through the waves; it describes advancing toward a grand ambition by overcoming great challenges.". This idiom originates from the 'Biography of Zong Que' in the Book of Song. During the Southern and

1 Meaning

승풍파랑 (乘風破浪) means “To ride the wind and break through the waves; it describes advancing toward a grand ambition by overcoming great challenges.”.

Seung-pung-pa-rang (乘風破浪) literally means 'riding the wind and breaking the waves.' It symbolizes the strong will to pursue one's grandest ambitions while fearlessly overcoming any obstacles that stand in the way.

2 Examples

1

A visionary entrepreneur decides to launch a tech startup during a major economic recession and market uncertainty.

They view the crisis as an opportunity, developing innovative solutions to unsolved problems and aggressively securing investment despite the climate.

2

A student experiences a major failure in a high-stakes exam and feels the urge to give up on their dreams entirely.

They analyze the cause of the failure, accept their shortcomings, and set an even higher goal while studying with more intensity than ever before.

3

An individual feels pressured to remain silent about a sensitive social issue for fear of public backlash.

Instead of yielding to fear, they bravely voice their convictions for the sake of truth and justice, ultimately persuading the public through integrity.

Which situation fits this idiom?

Pick the everyday scene where “승풍파랑” fits best.

3 Origin

This idiom originates from the 'Biography of Zong Que' in the Book of Song. During the Southern and Northern Dynasties period, a young man named Zong Que was asked by his uncle about his aspirations. He boldly replied, 'I wish to ride the long wind and break the waves of ten thousand miles.' True to his word, he eventually became a renowned general known for his military prowess. Today, this phrase is used to describe a proactive and courageous attitude when navigating through life's trials toward a significant goal. In modern contexts, the 'storm' and 'waves' represent life's hardships, while 'rising with the wind' captures the spirit of resilience and triumph.

4 Key Lessons

1

Great obstacles can serve as the very momentum needed to soar even higher.

2

True growth occurs when we face the rough seas rather than staying safely anchored in the harbor.

3

A clear sense of purpose is the most powerful weapon for overcoming adversity.

5 English Expression

English Vocabulary

ignite

불을 붙이다, 점화하다

"A single spark can ignite a whole forest."

charge

돌진하다, 공격하다

"The soldiers were ordered to charge the enemy line."

brave

용감한

"It was brave of her to speak up against the injustice."

swept away

휩쓸려 가다, 사라지다

"All his worries were swept away by the good news."

6 Learn with Music

승풍파랑 track image

승풍파랑 Track

Riding the Wind, Breaking the Waves (乘風破浪)

승풍파랑처럼 바람을 타고 파도를 깨며, 우리는 두려움을 넘어 무대 위로 끝내 ‘We rise’ 한다.

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승풍파랑

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