A hundred years to cultivate people bǎi nián shùrén
[Interpretation] A hundred years: describes a long time; tree: cultivation; cultivation; person: refers to talents. It is not easy to describe the cultivation of talents; it takes a long time. It also means that cultivating talents is a long-term solution.
[Quotation] "Guanzi·Quanxiu": "A one-year plan is better than growing a valley; a ten-year plan is better than trees; a lifelong plan is better than cultivating people."
[Correct pronunciation] People; cannot be pronounced as "yén".
[Shape identification] People; cannot write "入".
[Usage] Used to express that it is not easy to develop talents; long-term plans are required. Generally used as predicate and attributive.
[Structure] More formal.