What Does 如鱼得水 Mean?

Pinyin: rú yú dé shuǐ
English Translation: “like a fish in water” (figuratively: “to gain someone very compatible or to be in a perfect environment”)

The Chinese idiom 如鱼得水 (also known as Chinese idiom rú yú dé shuǐ) literally means “like a fish getting water.” Metaphorically, it describes someone who finds a person very compatible with themselves or enters an environment that perfectly suits their abilities or personality. This idiom is an important concept in Chinese culture, literature, and education, making it an excellent example for anyone learning Chinese idioms, practicing idiom study, or improving their Chinese learn skills.

At RPL, we use rú yú dé shuǐ stories to teach Chinese study and explore the cultural significance of idioms. Students can learn both the literal and figurative meanings, as well as the historical and cultural background. This is also a useful resource for rú yú dé shuǐ idiom meaning, rú yú dé shuǐ explanation, and related idiom study.

The Story Behind 如鱼得水

During the late Eastern Han Dynasty, after Liu Bei (刘备) invited Zhuge Liang (诸葛亮) to be his military advisor, he frequently received Zhuge Liang’s guidance, greatly enhancing his understanding of political and military affairs. Their relationship became very close.

Initially, Liu Bei’s generals, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, were dissatisfied and skeptical of Zhuge Liang’s influence. Liu Bei reassured them, saying:

“Having Zhuge Liang by my side is like a fish getting water—you should understand that.”

This story illustrates the literal idea of being like a fish in water and metaphorically highlights the harmony between a capable leader and a gifted advisor, or between a person and an environment that perfectly fits their talents.

This story provides an example of rú yú dé shuǐ idiom origin and can be cited in rú yú dé shuǐ idiom background, rú yú dé shuǐ idiom in history, and famous Chinese idioms about compatibility and ideal conditions.

Key Characters – Liu Bei (刘备) and Zhuge Liang (诸葛亮)

Liu Bei (刘备): A warlord and founding emperor of the Shu Han state during the Three Kingdoms period. He valued talented advisors like Zhuge Liang to support his ambitions. Studying his story at RPL helps learners integrate Chinese study with idiom study, improving Chinese learn skills.

Zhuge Liang (诸葛亮): A brilliant strategist and statesman who served Liu Bei and played a critical role in Shu Han’s military and political affairs. Understanding his role provides context for rú yú dé shuǐ idiom usage and example sentences.

Using 如鱼得水 in Modern Contexts

The idiom 如鱼得水 can also be applied metaphorically today to describe finding a perfect partner, mentor, or work environment. For example:

Chinese: 她刚进入这家公司，就觉得如鱼得水，非常适合自己的职业发展。
Pinyin: Tā gāng jìnrù zhè jiā gōngsī, jiù juéde rú yú dé shuǐ, fēicháng shìhé zìjǐ de zhíyè fāzhǎn.
English: As soon as she joined the company, she felt like a fish in water—it was perfect for her career development.

Practicing idiom study at RPL helps students understand idioms like rú yú dé shuǐ, use them in writing, conversation, and professional contexts, and explore rú yú dé shuǐ story meaning.

Moral Lesson and Cultural Significance

The idiom 如鱼得水 teaches a profound lesson: being in the right environment or gaining the right ally can greatly enhance one’s potential and effectiveness. In Chinese culture, it symbolizes harmony, compatibility, and the importance of nurturing talent. Exploring idioms like 如鱼得水 through RPL helps students deepen their Chinese study and Chinese learn skills while understanding the rich cultural context behind Chinese idioms. It also serves as a valuable resource for rú yú dé shuǐ moral lesson, rú yú dé shuǐ idiom cultural lesson, and learning the rú yú dé shuǐ idiom online.