大智若愚 Great wisdom appears as foolishness
Explanation
指才智很高的人，往往不显露出来，表面上看起来好像很愚笨。
Refers to someone with high intelligence who often doesn't show it, appearing outwardly foolish.
Origin Story
话说三国时期，诸葛亮足智多谋，料事如神，但他平时为人谦逊低调，很少炫耀自己的才华。一次，蜀国面临重大危机，很多大臣都束手无策。诸葛亮却镇定自若，默默地制定了一系列策略，最终化解了危机。有人问他为何如此淡定，诸葛亮只是微微一笑，说：“大智者往往不轻易表露自己的智慧，因为锋芒太露，反而容易招致祸患。”他这番话，正体现了“大智若愚”的精髓。这个故事告诉我们，真正的智慧并不在于炫耀，而在于内敛和沉稳，正如诸葛亮一样，他深藏不露的智慧，最终成就了他鞠躬尽瘁的一生。
During the Three Kingdoms period, Zhuge Liang was known for his exceptional intelligence and strategic prowess. However, he was humble and reserved, rarely showing off his talents. Once, Shu Han faced a major crisis, and many officials were at a loss. Zhuge Liang, however, remained calm and quietly devised a series of strategies that ultimately resolved the crisis. When asked why he was so composed, Zhuge Liang simply smiled and said, "Those with great wisdom rarely reveal it readily, as excessive brilliance often invites misfortune." These words embody the essence of "great wisdom appearing as foolishness." This story teaches us that true wisdom lies not in ostentation but in restraint and composure. Just like Zhuge Liang, his hidden intelligence ultimately led to a life of dedicated service.
Usage
形容有智慧的人不显山露水，不轻易外露，常用来赞扬那些深藏不露的人。
Describes a wise person who doesn't show off their intelligence or abilities. Often used to praise those who are unassuming.
Examples
-
诸葛亮神机妙算，足智多谋，却常常表现得十分谦逊谨慎，真是大智若愚。
zhūgé liàng shén jī miào suàn, zú zhì duō móu, què cháng cháng biǎo xiàn de fēn cháng qiānxùn jǐn shèn, zhēn shì dà zhì ruò yú.
Zhuge Liang, with his brilliant strategies and profound wisdom, often appeared humble and cautious, a true example of 'great wisdom appearing as foolishness'.
-
他虽然沉默寡言，但其实胸有成竹，正是大智若愚的表现。
tā suīrán chénmò guǎyán, dàn qíshí xiōng yǒu chéng zhú, zhèngshì dà zhì ruò yú de biǎo xiàn.
Although he was taciturn, he was actually well-prepared, a perfect example of 'great wisdom appearing as foolishness'.