疾风知劲草 jí fēng zhī jìng cǎo

hard times show true strength and loyalty

Word data

HSK Not in HSK
Frequency Unknown

Definitions

  1. 1. the storm put strong grass to the test (idiom); fig. troubled times test a faithful minister
  2. 2. to show one's true colors after a stern test
  3. 3. also written 疾風勁草jí fēng jìng cǎo

Characters

Character Meaning
疾 jí HSK 6
disease; sickness; swift
风 fēng HSK 3
wind; style; manner
知 zhī HSK 2
to know; to be aware
劲 jìng HSK 5
strength; energy; spirit
草 cǎo HSK 3
grass; careless; rough