remember the source of one's benefits; never forget one's roots
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesidiom
to remember the source when drinking water; to never forget one's origins or the benefactors who made one's success possible
neutralUsed to express gratitude and the moral importance of remembering one's roots, benefactors, or the origins of one's success. Often used in formal writing, speeches, or moral education.
Wǒ我
men们
jīn今
rì日
de的
chéng成
gōng功
bù不
néng能
wàng忘
jì记
xiān先
bèi辈
de的
fù付
chū出
，
yào要
yǐn饮
shuǐ水
sī思
yuán源
。
We must not forget the sacrifices of our predecessors for today's success; we should remember the source when drinking water.
Zuò做
rén人
yào要
yǐn饮
shuǐ水
sī思
yuán源
，
gǎn感
ēn恩
nà那
xiē些
céng曾
jīng经
bāng帮
zhù助
guò过
nǐ你
de的
rén人
。
One should remember one's roots and be grateful to those who have helped you.
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Zhè这
gè个
qǐ企
yè业
zài在
zhuàn赚
qián钱
zhī之
hòu后
yǐn饮
shuǐ水
sī思
yuán源
，
jī积
jí极
huí回
kuì馈
shè社
huì会
。
After making money, this company remembered its roots and actively gave back to society.
Chī吃
shuǐ水
bù不
wàng忘
wā挖
jǐng井
rén人
，
yǐn饮
shuǐ水
sī思
yuán源
shì是
wǒ我
men们
Zhōng中
huá华
mín民
zú族
de的
chuán传
tǒng统
měi美
dé德
。
When drinking water, don't forget those who dug the well; remembering one's roots is a traditional virtue of the Chinese nation.