Kong Rong shares the pears (孔融让梨, 中英文对照)

In ancient China there was a smart boy named Kong Rong. He was so clever that he was able to recite many poems even when he was four. But he was known not especially for his intelligence but for his respect and love for his brothers.

Kong Rong had five older brothers and a young brother. One day his father bought some pears and he picked out one of the biggest and best pears and gave it to Kong Rong. Seeing this, the boy shook his head and instead chose the smallest one. His father was surprised and asked: “why did you take the smallest one?” He answered: because I am a younger brother. The biggest one should be for my eldest brother.” His father asked again: “But you have a younger brother. You are older than him.” Again the lad replied: “Yes I am older than he, so I should leave the bigger ones for him.” On hearing these words, the father was greatly satisfied and smiled happily.

The story of Kong Rong sharing the pears in Qufu spread quickly throughout the land and has been handed down from generation to generation. Many Chinese parents still use it as a perfect example when they are teaching their children thoughtfulness.

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在中国古代有一个聪明的男孩叫孔融。他是如此的聪明,他能背诵很多诗,甚至当他四岁。但他知道不是特别的智力,但他对他兄弟的尊敬和爱戴。

孔融有五个哥哥和一个年轻的兄弟。一天,他的父亲买了一些梨子和他挑出一个最大和最好的梨子,递给孔融。看到这一幕,这个男孩摇了摇头,而是选 择了最小的一个。他的父亲很奇怪,问:“你为什么要从最小的人吗?”他回答说:“因为我是一个弟弟。最大的人应该为我的大哥。”父亲又问:“但是你有一个 弟弟。你比他。”小伙子说:“是的,我比他,所以我必须离开大。”他听到这些话,父亲大为满意,高兴地笑了。

这个故事的孔融共享的梨曲阜迅速蔓延整个大陆,已被一代一代地传下来。许多中国父母还在用它作为一个完美的例子当他们教他们的孩子无微不至的关怀。

来源: http://www.yanjiangg.com/yingyu/html/1920.html