- 千里马常有，而伯乐不常有 qiānlǐmǎchángyǒu'érbólèbùchángyǒu talent is common but appreciation is rareLiterally "swift horses are common, but people like [[伯乐|伯樂|bo2 le4]] are rare"; many people have talent, but few can recognize it when they see it.
- 反复不常 fǎnfùbùcháng ficklechangeable and unpredictable; to constantly change one's mind or behavior
- 好景不常 hǎojǐngbùcháng good times don't last longBeautiful scenery and happy circumstances are often fleeting.
- 胜地不常 shèngdìbùcháng scenic spots do not last foreverfamous scenic spots or places of great beauty do not remain in their prime indefinitely; often paired with the idea that good things do not last