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wēn 温 gù 故 zhī 知 xīn 新

温故知新 wēn gù zhī xīn

to gain new insight by reviewing what one has learned

Literally: review old know new

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Origin

From the Analects of Confucius: 温故而知新,可以为师矣 (one who reviews the old and learns the new may be a teacher).

How to use it

Predicate or standalone; positive. Often 温故知新很重要 / 要温故知新.

Example sentences

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  1. 考试以前，我们应该温故知新，把学过的课文再看一遍。
    Kǎoshì yǐqián, wǒmen yīnggāi wēn gù zhī xīn, bǎ xuéguo de kèwén zài kàn yī biàn.
    Before the exam we should review the old to learn the new and read the texts we studied once more.
    exam before, we should review old know new, (object marker) studied (particle) text again read one time
  2. 老师说温故知新，每天复习十分钟就有很大的帮助。
    Lǎoshī shuō wēn gù zhī xīn, měi tiān fùxí shí fēnzhōng jiù yǒu hěn dà de bāngzhù.
    The teacher says reviewing brings new understanding; ten minutes of revision a day helps a lot.
    teacher say review old know new, every day review ten minutes then have very big (particle) help

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