extremely modest and open-minded; humble as a valley
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesidiom
having a mind as open and wide as a valley; extremely modest and receptive to others' views
formalA complimentary chengyu used to describe someone who is profoundly humble, open to learning from others, and receptive to different opinions. Often used in formal or literary contexts to praise scholars, leaders, or individuals of high moral character.
Zhè这
wèi位
lǎo老
jiào教
shòu授
xū虚
huái怀
ruò若
gǔ谷
，
shēn深
shòu受
xué学
shēng生
ài爱
dài戴
。
This elderly professor is as humble as a valley and is deeply loved by his students.
Tā他
suī虽
gōng功
chéng成
míng名
jiù就
，
què却
yī依
rán然
xū虚
huái怀
ruò若
gǔ谷
，
cóng从
bù不
xuàn炫
yào耀
zì自
jǐ己
de的
chéng成
jiù就
。
Although he has achieved fame and success, he remains extremely modest and never shows off his achievements.
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Zhǐ只
yǒu有
xū虚
huái怀
ruò若
gǔ谷
de的
rén人
，
cái才
néng能
bù不
duàn断
jìn进
bù步
，
xī吸
shōu收
xīn新
de的
zhī知
shi识
。
Only those who are open-minded and modest can make continuous progress and absorb new knowledge.