# 数典忘祖

shǔ diǎn wàng zǔ

Forget one's origins while discussing achievements

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Recount the records but forget one's ancestors

**Traditional Chinese:** 數典忘祖

**Register:** Critical · literary

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

## When to use it

Criticize neglecting roots or earlier contributions.

Can unfairly police identity or legitimate change.

## Understanding the expression

The person can recite a learned account but leaves out the source closest to their own story. Modern use criticizes forgetting origins, traditions, or the people whose work made a later achievement possible. It is a strong moral label. Remembering roots can support gratitude, but should not prohibit change or impose a single identity. The criticism is fairest when it identifies a specific contribution being erased rather than simply rejecting new influences.

## Examples

他介绍成果却不提前辈，被批评数典忘祖。

### Traditional Chinese

他介紹成果卻不提前輩，被批評數典忘祖。

tā jiè shào chéng guǒ què bù tí qián bèi ， bèi pī píng shǔ diǎn wàng zǔ 。

He was criticized for omitting earlier contributors when presenting the results.

纪念馆提醒人们别数典忘祖。

### Traditional Chinese

紀念館提醒人們別數典忘祖。

jì niàn guǎn tí xǐng rén men bié shǔ diǎn wàng zǔ 。

The museum reminds people not to forget their roots.

她记录家族故事，避免数典忘祖。

### Traditional Chinese

她記錄家族故事，避免數典忘祖。

tā jì lù jiā zú gù shì ， bì miǎn shǔ diǎn wàng zǔ 。

She records family stories to preserve their roots.

接受新文化不等于数典忘祖。

### Traditional Chinese

接受新文化不等於數典忘祖。

jiē shòu xīn wén huà bù děng yú shǔ diǎn wàng zǔ 。

Accepting a new culture does not mean forgetting one's origins.

## 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%B8%E5%85%B8%E5%BF%98%E7%A5%96)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=274&webMd=1&la=0)

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