意存筆先,畫盡意在 yì cún bǐ xiān , huà jìn yì zài

plan image before drawing; art shows inner mind

Word data

HSK Not in HSK
Frequency Unknown

Definitions

  1. 1. the idea is present before the first stroke of the brush, when the last stroke is placed the idea shines through

Characters

Character Meaning
meaning; idea; thought
to keep; to store; to deposit
pen; pencil; the strokes of Chinese characters
first; in advance; early
to draw; painting; picture
entirely; all; to the utmost
meaning; idea; thought
(located) at; (to be) in