任重而道远

任重而道遠
rènzhòngérdàoyuǎn
idiom #63,559

Meanings

  1. 1 the burden is heavy and the road is long
  2. 2 to shoulder heavy responsibility with a long way yet to go

Examples

HSK 6
Jiànshè shēngtài wénmíng rènzhòng'érdàoyuǎn, xūyào jǐ dài rén de nǔlì.
Building an ecological civilization is a heavy, long-term responsibility requiring efforts across generations.
HSK 7-9
Fǎnfǔ gōngzuò rènzhòng'érdàoyuǎn, bùnéng sōngxiè.
Anti-corruption work carries heavy responsibility and a long road ahead, we cannot slacken.

Tips

history
From the Analects (《论语》), where Zengzi says: 士不可以不弘毅任重而道远 - 'A scholar must be resolute and steadfast, for his burden is heavy and his road is long.' Often shortened to 任重道远.
usage
Very common in political speeches, editorials, and formal writing about long-term missions (reform, development, education). The shorter 任重道远 is equally common.

Stroke Order

rèn
zhòng
ér
dào
yuǎn