Meaning

The Chinese proverb 远水解不了近渴 (Yuǎnshuǐ jiě bù liǎo jìn kě) translates to “Distant water won’t quench your immediate thirst.” It conveys the idea that help or solutions that are too far away—whether in time or distance—are useless for urgent problems. When facing an immediate need, relying on a future solution or distant resource will not resolve the issue.

This proverb is often used to emphasize the importance of timely action, self-reliance, and practical solutions over long-term plans that don’t address present difficulties.

Origin

This saying likely originates from ancient Chinese life, where water was essential for survival, especially during travel or drought. If someone was thirsty, water from a distant river or well wouldn’t help them survive—they needed a nearby source. Over time, this concept evolved into a metaphor for real-life situations where distant promises or delayed aid cannot resolve immediate concerns.

The proverb shares a similar sentiment with the English saying “A stitch in time saves nine,” which highlights the importance of acting promptly rather than waiting for future solutions.

Conversation Examples

Example 1: Workplace Stress

Lily: Management says they’ll increase our team size next quarter to reduce our workload.
James: That’s good, but 远水解不了近渴 (Yuǎnshuǐ jiě bù liǎo jìn kě)—we need help now, not months later.

Example 2: Financial Planning

Sophia: I’ll start saving for emergencies next year.
Ryan: That’s a smart idea, but 远水解不了近渴. If an emergency happens now, you won’t have anything set aside. It’s better to start small today.

Example 3: Technology Issues

Eric: My laptop is broken, but I ordered a new one. It’ll arrive in two weeks.
Tom: 远水解不了近渴! You should borrow one in the meantime so you don’t fall behind on work.

Applying This Proverb in Life

• Prioritize immediate solutions rather than waiting for future fixes.
• Take action now instead of relying on uncertain help.
• Find alternatives nearby when distant resources aren’t accessible.
• Plan for the future, but don’t ignore current needs.

This proverb serves as a reminder that while long-term planning is important, it should not come at the cost of neglecting immediate necessities.