📖 Meaning
Not considering a thousand li to be far. It describes someone who travels a great distance without minding the long journey, typically out of determination, devotion, or a sincere purpose. The idiom conveys perseverance and willingness to endure hardship for a worthy goal.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the 'Mencius' (《孟子·梁惠王上》), a foundational Confucian text compiled during the Warring States period. King Hui of Liang addressed the visiting sage Mencius, saying, 'Old man, you did not consider a thousand li too far to come—will you bring benefit to my state?' Mencius had traveled from the state of Qi to offer counsel, undeterred by the distance. The king's remark captured the scholar's dedication, and the expression became a lasting metaphor for going to great lengths to achieve a purpose.
💡 Example Usage
许多患者不远千里来到这家医院求医。
Many patients traveled great distances without minding the journey to seek treatment at this hospital.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 不远千里
- Pinyin: bù yuǎn qiān lǐ
- Literal Translation: not, regard, thousand, li (as, far)
- Category: Perseverance
- Characters: 4