Chinese Idiom Stories: 班門弄斧 (Bān mén nòng fǔ)

Table of Contents

Idiom: 班門弄斧 (Bān mén nòng fǔ)

Explanation: 班門弄斧 (Bān mén nòng fǔ) Showing Off in Front of an Expert.
translates to “wielding an axe in front of Lu Ban’s door.” It describes a person who tries to show off or display their skills in front of someone much more knowledgeable or skilled, usually leading to embarrassment.

Chinese Idiom Stories

The idiom “班門弄斧” originates from the story of Lu Ban, an ancient Chinese master carpenter known for his exceptional skills. One day, a young and overly confident carpenter tried to showcase his own abilities at Lu Ban’s workshop.

Observers found it laughable that the young man would attempt to impress a master like Lu Ban, highlighting the folly of showing off one’s skills before a true expert.

This idiom serves as a cautionary reminder to be humble and recognize the expertise of others rather than seeking validation through unwise displays.

Idiom Example Sentences

在專家面前班門弄斧，真是讓人難堪。
- Zài zhuānjiā miànqián bān mén nòng fǔ, zhēn shì ràng rén nánkān.
- Showing off in front of an expert can be quite embarrassing.
他剛學會下棋，就在國際冠軍面前班門弄斧。
- Tā gāng xuéhuì xiàqí, jiù zài guójì guànjūn miànqián bān mén nòng fǔ.
- He just learned to play chess and already tried showing off in front of an international champion.

Practice Exercise

你從“班門弄斧”的故事中學到什麼？請說明。
- nǐ cóng “bān mén nòng fǔ ”de gù shì zhōng xué dào shí me ？qǐng shuō míng 。
- What lesson does “班門弄斧” teach? Explain your answer.
  - Answer: Responses may vary, e.g., “It teaches humility and to respect others’ expertise.”