The Chinese proverb “近朱著赤證近墨者黑” (Jin Zhi Zhe Chi, Jin Mo Zhe Hei) may appear intricate, but its message is straightforward: “one is marked by the company one keeps.” Translated character by character, it reads as “close-red-person-red, close-black-person-black.” In this article, we will delve into the meaning of this proverb, provide real-life examples, and discuss its usage.

Deciphering the Meaning:

Breaking down the proverb “近朱著赤證近墨者黑” (Jin Zhi Zhe Chi, Jin Mo Zhe Hei):

• “近” means “close” or “near.”
• “朱” means “red.”
• “著” means “wear” or “adorn.”
• “赤” means “red” or “scarlet.”
• “證” means “prove” or “evidence.”
• “墨” means “black” or “ink.”
• “者” means “one who” or “person.”
• “黑” means “black” or “dark.”

Together, this proverb conveys the idea that the people one associates with can influence one’s character and actions. If one associates with good and virtuous individuals, they are likely to adopt positive traits. Conversely, if they surround themselves with negative influences, their character may deteriorate.

Examples of Usage:

Let’s explore a couple of examples to better understand how “近朱著赤證近墨者黑” (Jin Zhi Zhe Chi, Jin Mo Zhe Hei) is used in everyday conversation:

Example 1: A: 最近你交往的人里面有一些不三不四的人，你得小心。 A: Zuijin ni jiäowäng de rén limiàn you yixie busan-búsi de rén, ni dei xiäoxin. A: You’ve been interacting with a few shady characters recently. You should be careful.

B: 爸，我知道。我跟他们只是认识而已，算不上朋友。 B: Bà, wo zhidäo. Wö gên tamen zhishi renshi éryi, suânbúshàng péngyou. B: Dad, I know. They’re just acquaintances; I wouldn’t call them friends.

A: 那也不行，近朱者赤，近墨者黑，时间久了也会染上恶习。 A: Na ye bú xing, jin zhü zhe chi, jin mò zhe hêi, shijian jiúle ye hui ränshâng èxi.

A: That’s also an issue. One is marked by the company one keeps. After a while, their vices will rub off on you.

Example 2: A: 这位政治家年轻时曾是白宫的实习生， 与总统接触较多。现在这位政治家的做事风格与那位总统一模一样，所谓近朱者赤，近墨者黑。 A: Zhë wei zhengzhijia niánqing shi céng shi Baigöng de shixishêng, yû zongtöng jiéchù jião duo. Xianzai zhè wei zhèngzhijia de zuòshi fenggé yû nà wei zöngtöng yimú-yiyàng, suöwei jin zhû zhe chì, jin mo zhe hêi.

A: This politician was a White House intern in his youth. He had a good amount of contact with the president. Now, he does things in exactly the same manner as that president. It’s as they say: one is marked by the company one keeps.

Usage Notes:

“近朱著赤證近墨者黑” (Jin Zhi Zhe Chi, Jin Mo Zhe Hei) is used singly to emphasize the influence of one’s companions on their character and actions. It is a neutral proverb with no derogatory connotations, serving as a reminder of the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences.

In conclusion, “近朱著赤證近墨者黑” (Jin Zhi Zhe Chi, Jin Mo Zhe Hei) highlights the profound impact of our social circles on our behavior and moral values. It encourages us to choose our associates wisely, as they play a significant role in shaping our character and actions.