English:
"Send coal in snow" is a Chinglish translation of the Chinese idiom "雪中送炭" (xue zhong song tan). In business, it means providing timely help when someone needs it most — like delivering coal to someone freezing in the snow. This is one of the most valued gestures in Chinese business culture, building deep loyalty and lasting guanxi.
中文:这是中文成语"雪中送炭"的直译。在商务中,意为在最需要的时候提供及时的帮助——就像给在雪中冻僵的人送去煤炭。这是中国商业文化中最受珍视的行为之一,能建立深厚的忠诚和持久的关系。
中文:
The Chinese idiom "雪中送炭" (xue zhong song tan) comes from a Song Dynasty story about a scholar who ran out of coal during a harsh winter. A friend delivered coal to him without being asked, and the phrase became a metaphor for providing help at the critical moment. In modern Chinese business, it is considered far more valuable than "adding flowers on brocade" (giving someone something they already have plenty of). The business lesson: be the person who helps when it matters.
中文:中文成语"雪中送炭"源于宋代的故事,一位学者在严冬中煤炭用尽,朋友未经请求就送来了煤炭。这个短语成为在关键时刻提供帮助的隐喻。在现代中国商业中,它被认为比"锦上添花"珍贵得多。商业教训:在关键时刻帮助别人的人才是最珍贵的。
From a Song Dynasty historical story about timely help to a scholar in need.
📌 Example 1
Business crisis:
"Our supplier let us down at the last minute."
"Don't worry, I found a backup. Call me if you need."
"Thank you! You really sent coal in snow!"
商业危机:
"我们的供应商在最后关头放了我们鸽子。"
"别担心,我找到了备选。需要就找我。"
"谢谢!你真是雪中送炭!"
📌 Example 2
Startup funding:
"We were about to go bankrupt."
"Then an investor came in at the last minute."
"That's what I call sending coal in snow."
创业融资:
"我们快要破产了。"
"然后一个投资人在最后一刻进来了。"
"这就是我所说的雪中送炭。"
📌 Example 3
Caption on a grateful post:
"When I lost my job, he offered me a position the same week."
"That's not just networking. That's sending coal in snow."
感恩帖子配文:
"我失业那周,他给了我一个职位。"
"那不只是人脉。那是雪中送炭。"
📌 Example 4
Business partnership:
"We will never forget your help during our crisis."
"Send coal in snow creates bonds that last forever."
商业合作:
"我们永远不会忘记你在危机中的帮助。"
"雪中送炭建立的情谊是永远的。"
📌 Example 5
Caption on a mentor appreciation:
"My mentor guided me through my toughest quarter."
"Send coal in snow. I would not be here without him."
导师感恩配文:
"我的导师带我度过了最艰难的季度。"
"雪中送炭。没有他我走不到今天。"
📌 Example 6
Client relationship:
"They gave us a 50% discount during COVID."
"That's sending coal in snow. We will be loyal customers for life."
客户关系:
"疫情期间他们给了我们五折优惠。"
"那是雪中送炭。我们会是终身客户。"
Have a rest
休息一下
"Have a rest" is a Chinglish phrase widely used in Chinese workplaces to suggest...
No problem
没问题
No problem! Overused by Chinese speakers.
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