弟子规浅释-中英文对照版.doc

弟子规浅释
Standards for Students
孙果秀注释 Explained by Jennifer Lin

第一章：开宗明义章
Chapter 0ne: Revealing the Principle And Explaining the Meaning
弟子规，圣人训。
The rules for being a student are instructions given by sages.
首孝悌，次谨信。
Of all rules, the first is respect, for your parents and all of your elders, learn to be careful and trustworthy.
泛爱众，而亲仁。
Be friendly and kind to all, draw near to people who are good.
有余力，则学文。
Whatever time you have left should be devoted to learning.

第二章：孝
Chapter Two： Filial Piety
父母呼，应勿缓，
When father and mother are calling, answer them right away.
父母命，行勿懒。
When they give you directions, obey them without hesitation.
父母教，须敬听，
When your parents need to instruct you, respectfully do as you're told.
父母责，须顺承。
Whenever your parents must scold you, acknowledge your errors and faults.
冬则温，夏则凊，
On cold winter days, we should try to keep our parents warm.
And on hot summer days, we should try to make our parents feel cool.
晨则省，昏则定。
In the morning, we should greet our parents.
At night, we should arrange the blankets and bedding for our parents.
出必告，反必面，
When we go out, we should tell our parents.
After coming home, we should see our parents again.
居有常，业无变。
We should reside at a fixed place and not constantly change jobs.
事虽小，勿擅为，
No matter how small the affair, do not act just as you please.
苟擅为，子道亏。
If you act just as you please, then you have not performed as a dutiful child should.
物虽小，勿私藏，
Although a thing may be small, do not save it for yourself.
苟私藏，亲心伤。
If you hoard things for yourself, your parents' hearts will be grieved.
亲所好，力为具，
Whatever your parents like, you should earnestly try to provide for them.
亲所恶，谨为去。
Whatever your parents dislike, you should carefully try to remove for them.
身有伤，贻亲忧，
If you carelessly injure your body, you bring worry and fret to your parents.
德有伤，贻亲羞。
If you heedlessly damage your virtue, you bring shame and disgrace to your parents.
亲爱我，孝何难，
If parents are loving and kind, of course it’s not hard to be filial.
亲憎我，孝方贤。
If parents are hateful and cruel, then it’s truly to be filial.
亲有过，谏使更，
If we recognize faults in our parents, we should exhort them to change for the better.
怡吾色，柔吾声。
While speaking to them, we should be gentle in appearance , and soften our tone.
谏不入，悦复谏，
If they cannot accept our advice, wait for better opportunities to exhort them again and again.
号泣随，挞无怨。
Even while exhorting them through tears, or if punished, we still will not complain.
亲有疾，药先尝，
When parents are sick, examine the medicine before giving the dosage.
昼夜侍，不离床。
Wait on them day and night, without ever leaving their bedside.
丧三年，常悲咽，
During the three-year mourning period for one is deceased parents, one should constantly think of them with sorrow.
居处变，酒肉绝。
One should change one’s usual ways of dwelling and doing things, and refrain from consuming alcohol and meat.
丧尽礼，祭尽诚，
Make sure that the funeral arrangements accord with the rites, and whole-heartedly make offerings on their behalf.
事死者，如事生。
One should respectfully serve one’s departed ancestors as if they were still alive.

第三章：悌
Chapter Three： FRATERNITY
兄道友，弟道恭，
The way of an older brother should be gentle, just as younger brother should be respectful.
兄弟睦，孝在中。
If brothers and sisters get along harmoniously, then it is clear they know how to be filial.
财物轻，怨何生，
If we do not think of wealth as important, how could resentment arise？
言语忍，忿自泯。
When words are both gentle and patient, bad feelings will naturally disappear.
或饮食，或坐走，
While eating or drinking, or when walking or sitting.
长者先，幼者后。
Let those who are older go first, the younger ones should follow behind.
长呼人，即代叫，
If an elder is looking for someone, we should look for that person for him.
人不在，己先到。
If the person they want is not there, we should first respond to the call.
称尊长，勿呼名，
In speaking to those who are older, use the proper terms of respect.
对尊长，勿见能。
When facing our teachers and elders, do not show off or try to look smart.
路遇长，疾趋揖，
If we meet an elder on the road, we should quickly approach him and bow.
长无言，退恭立。
If the elder does not speak to us, we should respectfully stand aside.
骑下马，乘下车，
When we riding on a horse or in a carriage and meet an elder walking on the road, we should get down from the horse or carriage to greet him.
过犹待，百步余。
Having waited until the elder has passed us more than a hundred steps, we can then go on.
长者立，幼勿坐，
When an older person is standing, the young ones should not take a seat.
长者坐，命乃坐。
We should wait till the elder is seated, and sit down only when we are told.
尊长前，声要低，
When talking in front of our elders, we should lower our voice.
低不闻，却非宜。
But to speak so low that no one can hear us is not the appropriate way.
事诸父，如事父，
We should serve all our uncles as respectfully as we serve our own fathers.
事诸兄，如事兄。
We should be as friendly with our older cousins as we are with our own older brothers.

第四章：谨
Chapter Four: LEARNING TO BE CAREFUL
朝起早，夜眠迟，
In the morning we should get up early; at night we should go to bed late.
老易至，惜此时。
Old age will arrive very quickly; we should treasure the time we have left.
晨必盥，兼漱口，
In the morning, we first wash faces and brush our teeth.
便溺回，辄净手。
After we go to the toilet ，we use water and soap on our hands.
冠必正，纽必结，
We should put on our hats with great care, and fasten our buttons and snaps.
袜与履，俱紧切。
The pull up our socks very neatly, and fasten our shoelaces well.
置冠服，有定位，
Our hats and all others should be put in their own places.
勿乱顿，致污秽。
They should not be left lying around, they are sure to get wrinkled and soiled. 
衣贵洁，不贵华，
We should always make sure our clothing is neat, but not care too much about fashion
上循分，下称家。
What we wear should reflect common sense and not go beyond our budget.
对饮食，勿拣择，
Do not fuss and complain about tastes when you are given something to eat.
食适可，勿过则。
Eat enough so that you become full, but do not take more than you need.  
年方少，勿饮酒，
Whatever your age or position, do not drink liquid or take harmful drugs.
饮酒醉，最为丑。
To get drunk is disgraceful and ugly, and brings you nothing but shame.
步从容，立端正，
Your walk should be easy and graceful, stand with your back tall and straight.
揖深圆，拜恭敬。
Your half-bows should be deep and full, and your full bows be made with respect.
勿践阈，勿跛倚，
Watch your step as you enter a doorway, don’t slouch over and shuffle along on one foot.
勿箕踞，勿摇髀。
Do not squat with your legs spread apart when you sit; do not wriggle and squirm when you walk.
缓揭帘，勿有声，
When opening or closing a door, do it slowly, without making too much noise.
宽转弯，勿触棱。
When going around a corner, make a wind turn and don't bump into sharp edges.
执虚器，如执盈，
You should carry an empty container just as carefully as one that is full.
入虚室，如有人。
And enter a room that is empty, just as cautiously as one in which there are people. 
事勿忙，忙多错，
There is no need to be in a hurry. If you rush you will make a mistake.
勿畏难，勿轻略。
Do not be afraid of what is hard, and not casually dismiss what's easy. 
斗闹场，绝毋近，
Never go near rowdy places or places where people are fighting.
邪僻事，绝勿问。
Never ask about deviant things. Stay away from all that’s improper.
将入门，问谁存，
When you are going to enter a room, first knock to make sure it's permitted. 
将上堂，声必扬。
Where you are joining a gathering of people, let them all know you are there.  
人问谁，对以名，
If someone should ask who you are, you should answer by giving your name
吾与我，不分明。
If you only respond, it is me, you are not giving a proper reply.
用人物，须明求，
If you use someone else’s belongings ,first be sure that you ask for permission.
倘不问，即为偷。
If you do not get the owner’s permission, then stealing is what you have done. 
借人物，及时还，
If you must borrow something from another, make sure you return it on time.
人借物，有勿悭。
If someone asks you for something on loan, and you have it do not be stingy.

第五章：信
Chapter Five: LEARNING TO BE TRUSTWORTHY
凡出言，信为先，
Whatever it is that we say, we should speak so that others can trust us.
诈与妄，奚可焉。
If we lie or try to fool others, how can we be accepted by them?
话说多，不如少，
To talk just a little is better than to chatter non-stop all day long.
惟其是，勿佞巧。
Talk only about what you are sure of. Do not use cunning or flowery words.
苛薄语，秽污词，
Do not dirty your mouth with swear words, or slander with false speech.
市井气，切戒之。
Be sure to stay away from coarse and vulgar manners.
见未真，勿轻言，
If you have not seen something quite clearly, do not speak of it as if you know.
知未的，勿轻传。
If you are not sure about what exactly happened, do not spread rumors around.
事非宜，勿轻诺，
When you know something is wrong, then do not agree to take part.
苟轻诺，进退错。
If you make promises lightly, you’ll find yourself in a dilemma.
见人善，即思齐，
When we see good points of others, we should want to become just like them.
纵去远，以渐跻。
Though we are far behind them now, with perseverance one day we'll catch up.
见人恶，即内省，
When we notice bad habits in others, we should reflect upon ourselves.
有则改，无加警。
If we have the same faults, then we should correct them. If not, we should never let them arise.
凡道字，重且舒，
When you speak you should say the words clearly with a dignified manner and at a leisurely pace. 
勿急疾，勿模糊。
Do not rush through your sentences or make ambiguous statements.
彼说长，此说短，
That person talks about others’ good points and this person speaks about others’ faults.
不关己，莫闲管。
If something is none of your business, it is best not to get involved.
惟德学，惟才艺，
If your virtue, learning, and talents,
不如人，常自励。
Do not measure up to others friends', then spur yourself on to try harder.
若衣服，若饮食，
If your clothes or your food,
不如人，勿生戚。
are not as good as others', do not be sad or upset.
闻过怒，闻誉喜，
If we are angry when told of our faults, and happy when praise comes our way.
损友来，益友却。
Then harmful friends will draw near us, and wholesome friends will depart.
闻誉恐，闻过欣，
If compliments make us uneasy, and we are glad when our faults are brought up.
直谅士，渐相亲。
Honest and straightforward friends then gradually come to our side.
无心非，名为错，
When an error is not made on purpose, it is simply called a mistake.
有心非，名为恶。
To deliberately do something wrong is not just a mistake, but an evil.
过能改，归于无，
If we can reform our offenses, our offenses will all disappear.
倘掩饰，增一辜。
But trying to cover them up will make our offenses much worse.

第六章：泛爱众
Chapter Six: ON CHERISHING ALL LIVING BEINGS
凡是人，皆须爱，
For everyone throughout the world, one should cherish a kind regard.
天同覆，地同载。
Because we all live under the same sky and are supported by the same earth.
行高者，名自高，
People whose conduct is fine are sure to have good reputations.
人所重，非貌高。
What people respect in a person is not merely his fine appearance.
才大者，望自大，
People who have great ability thereby enjoy great prestige.
人所服，非言大。
When people place their trust in a person, it is merely not because he talks well. 
己有能，勿自私，
The abilities we ourselves have should not be employed selfishly.
人有能，勿轻訾。
The abilities others may have should not be belittled or scorned.
勿谄富，勿骄贫，
We should not flatter the rich or look down on the poor.
勿厌故，勿喜新。
What is old need not be rejected; what is new need not be sought after.
人不闲，勿事搅，
If you see that a person is busy, don't bother him with other matters.
人不安，勿话扰。
If you see that a person is busy, don't bother him with other matters.
人有短，切莫揭，
Although you may know someone's faults, there is no need to tell everyone.
人有私，切莫说。
The personal business of others should not be the subject of talk.
道人善，即是善，
Praising the good points of others is itself a good point.
人知之，愈思勉。
If people hear they have been praised, they will want to improve even more.
扬人短，即是恶，
There never is anything good in talking of others' shortcomings.
疾之甚，祸且作。
If they find out, they will surely hate it and there will be nothing but trouble.
善相劝，德皆建，
If we urge one another toward goodness, then we all will develop our virtue.
过不规，道两亏。
If we fail to correct one another's faults, hen we all will be deficient in morality.
凡取与，贵分晓，
It is important to be clear and distinct on what you give to and take from others.
与宜多，取宜少。
When giving you should be generous; when taking you should take a little less.
将加人，先问己，
Before we treat others a certain way, first we should question ourselves:
己不欲，即速已。
Would I want to be treated that way? If not, then do not do it to others.
恩欲报，怨欲忘，
Never fail to return others kindness, but do not be one who holds grudges.
报怨短，报恩长。
Let grudges be quickly forgotten, let kindness be cherished forever.
待婢仆，身贵端，
With our employees the most important thing is that our own behavior be upright and proper.
虽贵端，慈而宽。
Although it is important to be proper, we should also be kind and forgiving.
势服人，心不然，
If we try to rule others by force, we will never over win their hearts.
理服人，方无言。
If we lead them with principles, then they won't feel oppressed and abused.

第七章：亲仁
Chapter Seven ：ON DRAWING NEAR TO THE HUMANE
同是人，类不齐，
Although we are all born as humans, we vary in sort.
流俗众，仁者希。
Ordinary beings are many; noble and humane beings are few.
果仁者，人多畏，
Everyone reveres those who are truly humane and virtuous,
言不讳，色不媚。
Since they speak straightforwardly and selflessly and never appear to grovel or fawn.
能亲仁，无限好，
To follow the truly humane will bring immeasurable good.
德日进，过日少。
Virtue will grow day by day, day by day our mistakes will be fewer.
不亲仁，无限害，
To not follow the truly humane will bring immeasurable harm.
小人进，百事坏。
Unworthy people come forward; everything will be ruined.

第八章：余力学文
Chapter Eight ：ON LEARNING
不力行，但学文，
If we only study bookishly, but do not apply such knowledge,
长浮华，成何人。
We will just grow up being superficial and vain. What kind of people will we become?
但力行，不学文，
Conversely, if we only work hard but refuse to study principles,
任己见，昧理真。
we will be bound by our own myopic views, thus burying truth.
读书法，有三到，
Keep three points in mind when studying.
心眼口，信皆要。
You should use your mind, eyes, and mouth simultaneously.
方读此，勿慕彼，
Do not think about learning that when you have just started studying this.
此未终，彼勿起。
Be sure to finish one area of study before taking up another.
宽为限，紧用功，
Give yourself abundant time to read a book; then apply effort steadily.
工夫到，滞塞通。
Once your skill has matured, you will understand and resolve all difficulties.
心有疑，随札记，
When you have a question, make a note of it.
就人问，求确义。
Ask someone for the answer when the opportunity arises.
房室清，墙壁净，
Our room should be kept neat and tidy with the walls uncluttered and clean.
几案洁，笔砚正。
Our desk should be kept in good order, pens and papers well arranged.
墨磨偏，心不端，
If our ink stick is ground at an angle, it’s likely our minds are not upright.
字不敬，心先病。
If our writing is sloppy and careless, it is because we are absent-minded.
列典籍，有定处，
Each book that you use should have its own place on the shelf