A Galloping Thousand Horses-万马奔腾 (wàn mǎ bēn téng)

Friday, October 27, 2023
万马奔腾 (wàn mǎ bēn téng) is a captivating Chinese idiom that translates to "a thousand horses galloping" in English. This expression evokes the imagery of unstoppable momentum and a powerful force moving forward. In this article, we'll delve into the story behind this phrase, its inspirational aspects, its meaning, and how it can be applied in modern life.

The Story Behind 万马奔腾 (wàn mǎ bēn téng)

The origins of this idiom can be traced back to ancient China, during the Warring States period. In a time of constant warfare and political upheaval, a courageous general named Zhang Fei served under the warlord Liu Bei. During a critical battle, Zhang Fei led a charge of a thousand mounted soldiers. The thunderous sound of their galloping hooves created an awe-inspiring spectacle, striking fear into the hearts of their enemies. This event led to the coining of the phrase "万马奔腾" (wàn mǎ bēn téng) to describe this formidable display of 能力 (néng lì) power and unity.

能力 (néng lì), noun, power

Examples:

  1. She has the power to make important decisions.
    她有能力做出重要决定。
    Tā yǒu nénglì zuò chū zhòngyào juédìng.
  2. I do not have the power to complete this project.
    我没有能力完成这个项目。
    Wǒ méiyǒu nénglì wánchéng zhège xiàngmù.

The Meaning of 万马奔腾 (wàn mǎ bēn téng)

万马奔腾 represents an unstoppable force or a collective effort that moves forward with great momentum. It signifies unity, determination, and the power of a large group working together to overcome obstacles.

Modern Applications

In contemporary society, the concept of 万马奔腾 (wàn mǎ bēn téng) remains highly relevant:

  • Teamwork: In the workplace, successful teams exemplify the idea of a thousand horses galloping together to achieve common goals.
  • Social Movements: The power of 集体 (jí tǐ) collective action in social movements, such as civil rights protests, demonstrates the unstoppable force of unity.
  • Entrepreneurship: Start-up companies with a dedicated team working towards a shared vision can experience rapid growth and success, akin to the idiom's imagery.

集体 (jí tǐ), noun, collective

Examples:

  1. Our collective efforts made the project a success.
    我们的集体努力使项目取得了成功。 
    Wǒmen de jítǐ nǔlì shǐ xiàngmù qǔdéle chénggōng.
  2. The collective decision was to hold the meeting in the afternoon.
    集体决定是在下午举行会议。 
    Jítǐ juédìng shì zài xiàwǔ jǔxíng huìyì.
  3. During the sports day, it's like a thousand horses galloping.
    运动会上万马奔腾。
    Yùndònghuì shàng wàn mǎ bēn téng.

Key Sentences:

  1.  The company's employees work diligently, like a thousand horses galloping.
    公司的员工勤劳的像万马奔腾。
    Gōngsī de yuángōng qínláo de xiàng wàn mǎ bēn téng.
  2. Volunteers complete projects with the same energy as a thousand horses galloping.
    志愿者们万马奔腾一样完成项目。
    Zhìyuànzhěmen wàn mǎ bēn téng yīyàng wánchéng xiàngmù.

Related Articles

Sign up for a free trial now!

FAQ / Tips

We provide a wealth of Chinese teaching materials and learning resources, including but not limited to textbooks, workbooks, listening materials, reading materials, video courses, and online courses.Our teaching materials and resources are carefully selected and designed to meet the learning needs and goals of different learners. At the same time, our teachers will provide personalized teaching and guidance based on the learning characteristics and needs of students to ensure that students can learn and master Chinese language efficiently.
Our Chinese learning method is focused on personalized and interactive one-on-one lessons with a professional teacher. The lessons are conducted live through our online teaching platform, which allows you to see and talk to the teacher. You can schedule the lessons at a time that suits you, and the teacher will tailor the lesson content to your specific needs and goals. During the lesson, you can ask questions and receive feedback from the teacher to ensure you understand and master the knowledge and skills being taught. We also have a student service team and academic coordinator team to assist you with your learning and provide any additional support you may need.Overall, our method is designed to be flexible, personalized, and interactive to help you achieve your language learning goals.
Our teaching methodology is centered around our students and their individual learning objectives.We provide personalized learning plans, innovative and flexible teaching materials and methods, and strive to make learning Chinese a joyful and enjoyable experience.Our approach is designed to engage students and foster a deep understanding of the Chinese language, culture, and customs. We believe that learning should be fun and meaningful, and we work hard to ensure that every student enjoys their Chinese language learning journey with us.
Certainly, we offer a complimentary 30 - minute trial lesson for you to experience our services before committing to a purchase.This will allow you to gain a better understanding of our qualified tutors, innovative teaching methods, comprehensive class materials, and more.We are committed to providing you with the highest level of service and ensuring your satisfaction with our courses.
Yes, our website offers courses in both traditional and simplified Chinese characters. You can choose the character set that you want to learn based on your personal preference or learning goals.Our courses are designed to accommodate learners of all levels and backgrounds, so whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, we have resources that can help you improve your Chinese language skills.
Before starting any Chinese language course, the teacher will assess your Chinese language proficiency level through a placement test.This helps to determine your current level of understanding and ability in Chinese, and allows the teacher to tailor the course materials and teaching methods to your specific needs and goals. The placement test may include assessments of your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.Based on the results of the test, the teacher will be able to recommend an appropriate course of study for you.