# 饮水思源

yǐn shuǐ sī yuán

Remember and appreciate the source of one's benefit

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Think of the source when drinking water

**Traditional Chinese:** 飲水思源

**Register:** Warm · formal

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

## When to use it

Encourage gratitude to earlier helpers or contributors.

Gratitude need not create unlimited obligation.

## Understanding the expression

Water meets an immediate need, but the phrase asks the drinker to look beyond the present cup to where it came from. Modern use encourages remembering teachers, family, communities, or earlier work behind an achievement. It is a warm moral reminder. Gratitude can lead to thanks, support, and honest acknowledgment. It does not require accepting every demand from a helper or giving up independence in order to prove appreciation for past kindness.

## Examples

毕业后，她仍饮水思源，探望老师。

### Traditional Chinese

畢業後，她仍飲水思源，探望老師。

bì yè hòu ， tā réng yǐn shuǐ sī yuán ， tàn wàng lǎo shī 。

After graduation, she still thanks her roots by visiting her teacher.

成功要饮水思源，记得帮过你的人。

### Traditional Chinese

成功要飲水思源，記得幫過你的人。

chéng gōng yào yǐn shuǐ sī yuán ， jì de bāng guò nǐ de rén 。

Success should include gratitude to those who helped you.

公司捐助社区，表示饮水思源。

### Traditional Chinese

公司捐助社區，表示飲水思源。

gōng sī juān zhù shè qū ， biǎo shì yǐn shuǐ sī yuán 。

The company supports the community in gratitude for its origins.

他饮水思源，在书里感谢前辈。

### Traditional Chinese

他飲水思源，在書裡感謝前輩。

tā yǐn shuǐ sī yuán ， zài shū lǐ gǎn xiè qián bèi 。

He remembers his sources by thanking earlier contributors in the book.

## 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=%E9%A3%B2%E6%B0%B4%E6%80%9D%E6%BA%90)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=311&webMd=1&la=0)

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