📖 Meaning
To repeatedly read and reflect upon a statement. It describes attaching great importance to a particular saying, pondering it over and over until its meaning is deeply internalized.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the Analerta (论语·先进), where Confucius's disciple Nan Rong (南容) repeatedly recited the 'Bai Gui' ode from the Book of Songs. The Song dynasty scholar Zhu Xi explained that the ode, from the 'Yi' chapter of the Daya section, warns that while a flaw in jade can be polished away, a slip of the tongue cannot be undone. Nan Rong recited this cautionary line three times a day, showing his reverence for careful speech. The phrase 'three times repeating this saying' thus came to signify treating wise words with the utmost seriousness.
💡 Example Usage
读罢此文，三复斯言，感慨万千。
After reading this article, I repeatedly pondered these words, overwhelmed with emotion.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 三复斯言
- Pinyin: sān fù sī yán
- Literal Translation: three, repeat, this, saying
- Category: Attitude
- Characters: 4