What does 虚怀若谷 mean? I'm learning some Chinese idioms and the translation that I was given was long and confusing, especially since my Mandarin isn't good. Can someone help me translate it?
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Here's what a dictionary gives: receptive as an echoing canyon (idiom); modest and open-minded.– Alex_anderApr 26, 2017 at 5:20
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1 Answer
虚 = empty
怀 = chest (metaphorically represents the storage place for beliefs and ideas in a man )
若 = like
谷 = valley ( a valley is vast and empty-- metaphor for one's mind not filled with preconceived notions )
虚怀若谷 means: 'one's ability to accept (new idea or different opinion) is as vast as a valley.'
In short, a man who is 虚怀若谷, is a humble and open minded man
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No, I did not read the linked article. I answer the question base on my own impression and understanding on the phrase. Just fixed some spacing problem and added punctuation marks– Tang Ho ♦Apr 26, 2017 at 21:20
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No idea what you are talking about. I didn't read any comment before I edit this post. I have a habit of reading my own posts after I posted them. When I find some mistakes or area I can improve, I would edit them accordingly. If I have to quote other comments or answers, I would also do so.– Tang Ho ♦Apr 26, 2017 at 23:37
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Someone suggested I should edit 虚 = empty to 虚 =modesty. I rejected the suggestion because 虚怀若谷 does mean "empty chest like valley' ; 虚 here isn't a short form of 謙虛– Tang Ho ♦Sep 19, 2022 at 17:07