闻鸡起舞
- Literal
- Hear the rooster (and) get up to dance (with the sword).
- Figurative
- To diligently train oneself and rise early to improve; to apply oneself with exemplary dedication and perseverance.
Where does 闻鸡起舞 come from?
During the Jin dynasty, Zu Ti was a man of great ambition. He shared a bed with his friend Liu Kun, and one night, hearing the rooster crow before dawn, he woke his companion and told him that the sound was no ill omen. From then on the two would rise at the rooster's crow to practice swordsmanship every day. Through such perseverance they became capable men, of true service to their country.
Source (出处): 《晋书·祖逖传》
How is 闻鸡起舞 used? Two examples
- 为了考上理想的大学,他闻鸡起舞,每天天不亮就开始读书。
To get into the university of his dreams, he applied himself with dedication and began studying every day before dawn.
- 年轻人就该有闻鸡起舞的劲头,趁早把基础打牢。
Young people ought to have that drive of tireless self-discipline, building a solid foundation while there's still time.