千里之行始于足下
Journey starts step
直訳: Thousand (千) mile (里) of (之) journey (行), starts (始) from (于) foot (足) below (下).
Use this to inspire action when a task feels too big to handle alone.
15秒でわかる
- Big goals start with one small, simple action.
- Ancient wisdom from Laozi's Tao Te Ching.
- Perfect for encouragement and starting new projects.
意味
This phrase means that even the biggest, most intimidating projects start with one tiny, simple action. It is the ultimate 'stop overthinking and just start' mantra.
主な例文
3 / 6Encouraging a friend starting a diet
别担心，千里之行始于足下，今天少喝一杯奶茶就好。
Don't worry, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step; just drink one less milk tea today.
Starting a new business venture
虽然公司现在很小，但千里之行始于足下。
Although the company is small now, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Texting a student struggling with Chinese
每天学五个生词吧，千里之行始于足下！
Learn five words a day; a thousand-mile journey starts under your feet!
文化的背景
Originating from the 'Tao Te Ching' by Laozi, this expression is a pillar of Taoist philosophy. it emphasizes that grand achievements are the result of small, incremental actions rather than sudden leaps. It has remained popular for centuries because it balances high ambition with humble reality.
The 'Foot' Connection
In ancient China, '足下' (zú xià) was also a respectful way to address someone, like 'Your Excellency.' While not used that way here, it shows how important 'feet' were to status and movement!
Don't Over-Formalize
While it's a classic quote, don't feel you need to use a deep voice to say it. It's very common in daily life, so keep it natural.
15秒でわかる
- Big goals start with one small, simple action.
- Ancient wisdom from Laozi's Tao Te Ching.
- Perfect for encouragement and starting new projects.
What It Means
Think of your biggest dream. Maybe it is learning Chinese or running a marathon. 千里之行始于足下 reminds you that dreams are just long walks. A thousand miles sounds impossible. But one step? You can do that right now. It is about the power of the first move.
How To Use It
You use this to encourage yourself or others. It works like a gentle nudge. Place it at the beginning of a project. Or use it when someone feels overwhelmed. It shifts the focus from the scary finish line to your feet. It is a very grounded, practical piece of wisdom.
When To Use It
Use it when a friend starts a new business. Use it in a graduation speech. It is perfect for a Monday morning pep talk. If you are texting a friend who is nervous about a first date, send this. It works in professional emails too. It shows you value persistence and humble beginnings.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for small, easy tasks. If you are just going to the grocery store, it sounds sarcastic. Avoid using it if someone just suffered a major setback. In that moment, they need comfort, not a lecture on starting over. Also, do not use it if you are actually lost in the woods. They might take it too literally!
Cultural Background
This gem comes from the Laozi (Tao Te Ching). It is over 2,000 years old. It reflects ancient Chinese philosophy about the natural flow of life. It suggests that greatness is not an explosion. It is a slow, steady accumulation. It is deeply rooted in the idea of 'Tao' or the Way.
Common Variations
You might hear people just say the first half in casual talk. Sometimes people pair it with 不积跬步，无以至千里. This means 'without small steps, you can't reach a thousand miles.' Both emphasize that consistency is your superpower. It is the classic 'slow and steady' Chinese vibe.
使い方のコツ
This phrase is incredibly versatile. It sits in the 'neutral' register, meaning it's equally at home in a textbook, a CEO's keynote, or a supportive text message to a sibling. Just avoid using it for trivial, one-off tasks.
The 'Foot' Connection
In ancient China, '足下' (zú xià) was also a respectful way to address someone, like 'Your Excellency.' While not used that way here, it shows how important 'feet' were to status and movement!
Don't Over-Formalize
While it's a classic quote, don't feel you need to use a deep voice to say it. It's very common in daily life, so keep it natural.
The Laozi Connection
This phrase is from Chapter 64 of the Tao Te Ching. It’s often paired with the idea that 'a huge tree grows from a tiny sprout.' It's all about organic growth.
例文
6别担心，千里之行始于足下，今天少喝一杯奶茶就好。
Don't worry, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step; just drink one less milk tea today.
Uses the phrase to make a big goal feel manageable.
虽然公司现在很小，但千里之行始于足下。
Although the company is small now, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Professional yet hopeful tone for a startup context.
每天学五个生词吧，千里之行始于足下！
Learn five words a day; a thousand-mile journey starts under your feet!
Short, punchy encouragement via text.
各位，千里之行始于足下，让我们从基础做起。
Everyone, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step; let's start from the basics.
Formal and inspirational for a corporate setting.
千里之行始于足下，但我现在只想坐下。
A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step, but right now I just want to sit down.
Plays on the literal meaning of 'feet' for comedic effect.
重新开始吧，千里之行始于足下，我支持你。
Start over; a thousand-mile journey begins with a single step, I'm behind you.
Warm and supportive for a fresh start.
自分をテスト
Choose the correct phrase to complete the encouragement.
你想写一本书？太棒了！___，先写第一页吧。
B is the perfect fit because it encourages someone starting a long-term project like writing a book.
Which word is missing from the phrase?
千里之行，始于___。
The phrase specifically uses '足下' (under the feet) to symbolize taking a step.
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When to Use This Phrase
Texting a friend about a new hobby.
Start small!
Giving a colleague advice on a project.
Just take the first step.
In a graduation or business speech.
Greatness begins with humble actions.
Real-World Scenarios
Learning a Language
Starting with Pinyin.
Fitness Goals
Going for a 5-minute walk.
Career Change
Updating your resume.
Saving Money
Saving your first dollar.
よくある質問
10 問Not at all! While it's ancient, it's a 'living' idiom. People use it in business, schools, and even on social media captions every day.
Usually, no. It carries a positive, motivational vibe. Using it for something bad would sound very sarcastic or strange.
In ancient China, a 里 (lǐ) was about 500 meters. So it's more like 500 kilometers, but it's used figuratively to mean 'a very long way.'
Yes, it’s very appropriate. It shows you are humble and focused on the process of a new partnership or project.
It sounds like the 'j' in 'judge' but with a slightly more 'r' sound at the end. It's a formal way to say 'of' in classical Chinese.
It's better to say the whole thing. The rhythm of the eight characters 千-里-之-行，始-于-足-下 is what makes it sound so satisfying.
Your friends will think you are being funny. It’s like saying 'A grand odyssey begins' when you're just walking to the kitchen.
Not really a shorter version, but people sometimes just say 始于足下 (starts beneath the feet) if the context of the journey is already clear.
Technically, it's a 名言 (míngyán - famous saying) or 俗语 (súyǔ - common saying) rather than a standard 4-character Chengyu, though it's often treated with the same respect.
Laozi is the legendary founder of Taoism. He wrote the 道德经 (Tao Te Ching), which is where this phrase comes from.
関連フレーズ
坚持不懈
To persevere without giving up.
循序渐进
To follow in order and advance step by step.
水滴石穿
Dripping water wears through stone (persistence pays off).
积少成多
Many small things add up to a lot.
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