(Mǎ shàng bù zhī mǎ xià kǔ); bǎo hàn bù zhī è hàn jī.

(馬上不知馬下苦); 飽漢不知餓漢飢。

Lit ([One] on horseback doesn't know the suffering of [one who] walks [and]) a guy [who is] full doesn't know the bitterness a hungry guy suffers.

Fig It is difficult to fully appreciate the suffering of others unless one has endured it oneself.

Note [The second part is also used alone (q.v.); see also jiàn rén tiāodàn above and shì fēi jīngguò below.]

Topics EMPATHY EXPERIENCE HUNGER SUFFERING SYMPATHY WALKING