The Analects of Confucius: 10 Selected English Translations of Classic Quotations from the Confucian Scripture
1. Original Chinese: 子曰：“学而时习之，不亦说乎？”
English Translation: The Master said, “Is it not a pleasure to learn and then put into practice what one has learned?”
2. Original Chinese: 子曰：“己所不欲，勿施于人。”
English Translation: The Master said, “Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself.”
3. Original Chinese: 子曰：“三人行，必有我师焉。择其善者而从之，其不善者而改之。”
English Translation: The Master said, “When three men walk together, surely one of them has something to teach me. I choose the good and follow it, and correct the bad.”
4. Original Chinese: 子曰：“知之者不如好之者，好之者不如乐之者。”
English Translation: The Master said, “Those who know a thing are not as good as those who love it, and those who love it are not as good as those who take pleasure in it.”
5. Original Chinese: 子曰：“吾日三省吾身：为人谋而不忠乎？与朋友交而不信乎？传不习乎？”
English Translation: The Master said, “I examine myself three times a day: Am I being unfaithful in carrying out the plans of others? Am I untrustworthy in my relationships with friends? Am I not practicing what I have been taught?”
6. Original Chinese: 子曰：“君子坦荡荡，小人长戚戚。”
English Translation: The Master said, “A man of virtue is open and upright, while a small man is always troubled and upset.”
7. Original Chinese: 子曰：“知之为知之，不知为不知，是知也。”
English Translation: The Master said, “To know what one knows and to admit one’s ignorance when one does not know, this is wisdom.”
8. Original Chinese: 子曰：“温故而知新，可以为师矣。”
English Translation: The Master said, “One who reviews the old and gains new understanding can be a teacher.”
9. Original Chinese: 子曰：“志士仁人，无求生以害仁，有杀身以成仁。”
English Translation: The Master said, “A man of立志 and benevolence would not live at the cost of his moral integrity, but would be willing to give his life to maintain it.”
10. Original Chinese: 子曰：“三人行，必有我师。择其善者而从之，其不善者而改之。”
English Translation: The Master said, “When three men walk together, surely one of them has something to teach me. I choose the good and follow it, and correct the bad.”
The Analects of Confucius, also known as the “Lunyu,” is a collection of sayings and teachings of the Chinese philosopher Confucius. These selected translations aim to capture the essence of the original Chinese proverbs, while adapting them to an English audience. Each translation strives for both accuracy and fluidity, ensuring that the original message and spirit of the proverbs are preserved.