Sima Guang Breaks the Water Jar

In this classic story, young Sima Guang saves a child who has fallen into a large water jar by smashing it so the water can flow out. The story shows learners how calm thinking and brave action can help in danger.

HSK 2–3

Illustration inspired by Sima Guang Breaks the Water Jar.

Story preview

  1. 很久以前，有一个聪明的小男孩，名字叫司马光。

    hen3 jiu3 yi3 qian2 you3 yi1 ge4 cong1 ming5 de5 xiao3 nan2 hai2 ming2 zi5 jiao4 si1 ma3 guang1

    Long ago, there was a smart little boy named Sima Guang.

  2. 司马光小时候很爱学习，也很爱思考。

    si1 ma3 guang1 xiao3 shi2 hou5 hen3 ai4 xue2 xi2 ye3 hen3 ai4 si1 kao3

    When Sima Guang was young, he loved studying and thinking.

  3. 他不是最爱说话的孩子，但是遇到事情的时候，他常常会认真想办法。

    ta1 bu4 shi4 zui4 ai4 shuo1 hua4 de5 hai2 zi5 dan4 shi4 yu4 dao4 shi4 qing5 de5 shi2 hou5 ta1 chang2 chang2 hui4 ren4 zhen1 xiang3 ban4 fa3

    He was not the child who liked talking the most, but when something happened, he would often think carefully of a way to solve it.