Chinese Proverb: 【近朱者赤，近墨者黑】
Chinese Pinyin: jìn zhū zhě chì，jìn mò zhě hēi
Definition:
- What’s near cinnabar goes red, and what’s next to ink turns black.
- He who handles vermilion will be reddened, and he who touches ink will be blackened.
- Association with the good can only produce good, with the wicked, evil.
Note: This proverb emphasizes the profound influence of one’s environment and associates, suggesting that people are inevitably shaped and influenced by the company they keep and the surroundings they are in.
Example Sentences:
- Since she started spending time with more ambitious colleagues, her work ethic has improved dramatically—a clear case of one taking the color of one’s company.
自从她开始和更有抱负的同事相处，她的职业道德显著提高——这显然是近朱者赤的例子。 - Parents are often concerned about their children’s friends, knowing that he who touches ink gets black.
父母常常关心孩子的朋友，深知近墨者黑的道理。
(Image Design © QuoImg.com)
