近墨者黑 (jìn mò zhě hēi) — (idiom) one takes on the color of one's company; environment shapes character; you are the company you keep
Definition
Classic chengyu meaning 'those near ink get stained black' — your environment and companions shape your character, usually used as a warning. Same idea as 近朱者赤, just with a negative spin (good vs. bad influence).
idiom
one takes on the color of one's companyenvironment shapes characteryou are the company you keep
Examples
- ，近墨者黑。Tā jiāo le yì xiē huài péng you, zhēn shì jìn mò zhě hēi.He made some bad friends — truly, near ink, one turns black.
- “近墨者黑”，。Gǔ rén shuō "jìn mò zhě hēi", suǒ yǐ xuǎn zé péng you yào jǐn shèn.The ancients said, 'Near ink, one turns black,' so you must be careful in choosing friends.
- ，近墨者黑。Zhè ge hái zi běn lái hěn yōu xiù, dàn hòu lái yīn wèi huán jìng bù hǎo ér jìn mò zhě hēi le.This child was originally excellent, but later turned black because of a bad environment.
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