白驹过隙 (bái jū guò xì)

The Chinese idiom 白驹过隙 (bái jū guò xì) is often used to describe how quickly time passes.

Literal Meaning:

• 白驹 (bái jū) – A white horse
• 过 (guò) – Passing
• 隙 (xì) – A narrow gap or crevice

It comes from ancient Chinese texts, where a fleeting white horse dashing past a small gap is used as a metaphor for the rapid passage of time. It conveys the idea that time moves so fast that it’s almost impossible to grasp, just like a horse galloping past a tiny opening.

English Equivalents:

• "Time flies."
• "Life passes in the blink of an eye."

Usage in Context:

• In daily conversation: "大学生活转眼就结束了，真是白驹过隙啊！" (College life ended in the blink of an eye; time really flies!)
• In philosophical reflection: "人生短暂，犹如白驹过隙，我们要珍惜每一天。" (Life is short, like a fleeting horse; we must cherish every day.)

This idiom reminds people to appreciate the present moment because time waits for no one.

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