溫故知新 Old wisdom, today’s insight — ONGO

愚公移山

우공이산 愚公移山

No matter how impossible a task may seem, it can eventually be achieved through unwavering perseverance and steady effort.

Chinese Idiom 4-character idiom
Quick Answer

우공이산 (愚公移山) means "No matter how impossible a task may seem, it can eventually be achieved through unwavering perseverance and steady effort.". This idiom originates from the Chinese classic 'Liezi.' An 90-year-old man named 'U-gong' (the Fooli

1 Meaning

우공이산 (愚公移山) means “No matter how impossible a task may seem, it can eventually be achieved through unwavering perseverance and steady effort.”.

U-gong-i-san (愚公移山) literally means 'The Foolish Old Man moves the mountain.' It signifies that even if a goal seems foolishly ambitious to others, pushing forward with consistency will eventually lead to great success.

2 Examples

1

An office worker starts learning a foreign language but feels discouraged by a lack of visible progress.

They commit to memorizing just five words for 15 minutes during every commute for three years without skipping a single day.

2

A young entrepreneur starts a business with zero capital or brand recognition.

Despite hundreds of rejections, they meticulously refine their product based on feedback and continue to pitch their vision to the market.

3

An individual feels powerless to make a difference in the face of the global climate crisis.

They strictly reduce plastic use, practice thorough recycling, and inspire those around them to adopt sustainable habits.

Which situation fits this idiom?

Pick the everyday scene where “우공이산” fits best.

3 Origin

This idiom originates from the Chinese classic 'Liezi.' An 90-year-old man named 'U-gong' (the Foolish Old Man) lived in front of two massive mountains that blocked his path. Tired of the inconvenience, he began digging them up. When neighbors mocked him for his impossible task, he replied, 'Though I may die, I have sons, and they will have grandsons. As long as the lineage continues, the mountain will not grow, while our digging will never cease.' Moved by his sincerity and resolve, the Jade Emperor sent deities to move the mountains for him. The song’s lyrics use 'stone by stone' and 'move that mountain' to blend this ancient wisdom with modern self-confidence.

4 Key Lessons

1

Consistency is a formidable force that can overcome even the most daunting obstacles.

2

Trusting your own convictions and plans is more important than worrying about the skepticism or mockery of others.

3

Massive goals are achieved not all at once, but through the accumulation of small, daily actions.

5 English Expression

English Vocabulary

draw the line

선을 긋다, 한계를 정하다

"You need to draw the line between work and your personal life."

stack

쌓다, 포개다

"He helped me stack the boxes in the garage."

dare

감히 ~하다, 도전하다

"Few people dare to climb this mountain in winter."

proof

증거, 증명

"Her success is proof that hard work pays off."

🔗 Same series — watch a related Short Related

🌪️ 各自圖生(각자도생): 무너지는 세상에서 스스로를 구하는 지혜
▶ Watch on YouTube

6 Learn with Music

우공이산 track image

우공이산 Track

I Am the Move (愚公移山)

우공이산처럼 “불가능해 보이는 산도 돌 하나씩 옮기면 결국 길이 된다”는 끈기와 집념을 “stone by stone, I change my life / move that mountain”이라는 훅으로 당당하게 선언하는 노래

Related Idioms

화기애애 - Shine Up The Day(和氣靄靄) album cover

화기애애

和氣靄靄
무중생유 - Make It From Air (無中生有) album cover

무중생유

無中生有
선즉제인 - Split Second (先則制人) album cover

선즉제인

先則制人
Today's 5-question quiz Your answers keep your learning streak going.

우공이산

Memorize idiom meanings and examples with various music genres

Listen to Track