# 敝帚自珍

bì zhǒu zì zhēn

Value something because it is one's own

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Treasure one's worn broom

**Register:** Modest · literary

[People & connection](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/relationships)

## When to use it

Express affectionate attachment or modest pride.

Does not claim objective superiority.

## Understanding the expression

A worn broom has little value to other people, but its owner may still treasure it. The phrase explains affection shaped by ownership, effort, or memory rather than by market price. It is often used modestly about one's own work or belongings. The speaker recognizes that others may judge differently. Such attachment can be warm and reasonable, provided it does not prevent honest evaluation or needed change.

## Examples

这篇旧文章我仍敝帚自珍。

### Traditional Chinese

這篇舊文章我仍敝帚自珍。

zhè piān jiù wén zhāng wǒ réng bì zhǒu zì zhēn 。

I still treasure this old article of mine.

她对亲手做的杯子敝帚自珍。

### Traditional Chinese

她對親手做的杯子敝帚自珍。

tā duì qīn shǒu zuò de bēi zi bì zhǒu zì zhēn 。

She treasures the cup she made herself.

东西虽旧，爷爷却敝帚自珍。

### Traditional Chinese

東西雖舊，爺爺卻敝帚自珍。

dōng xī suī jiù ， yé ye què bì zhǒu zì zhēn 。

Though old, Grandpa treasures it as his own.

我敝帚自珍，也愿听改进意见。

### Traditional Chinese

我敝帚自珍，也願聽改進意見。

wǒ bì zhǒu zì zhēn ， yě yuàn tīng gǎi jìn yì jiàn 。

I cherish my work but welcome suggestions.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E6%95%9D%E5%B8%9A%E8%87%AA%E7%8F%8D)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=124&webMd=1&la=0)

## Keep exploring

- [鞭长莫及 biān cháng mò jí Be unable to reach or influence a distant matter ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/bian-chang-mo-ji)

- [宾至如归 bīn zhì rú guī Make guests feel warmly at home ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/bin-zhi-ru-gui)

- [不卑不亢 bù bēi bù kàng Be respectful without being submissive ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/bu-bei-bu-kang)

- [不可一世 bù kě yī shì Be insufferably arrogant ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/bu-ke-yi-shi)

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