臥薪嚐膽

woˋ xin ˉ changˊ danˇ

(Sleeping)

Sleeping on sticks and tasting gall, a reference to Goujian (Viewed by some as the last of the Five Hegemons of the Spring and Autumn period) and his perseverance in remembering his humiliation and eventually overcoming his enemy, Fuchai

臥, 薪, 嚐, 膽

年薪

nianˊ xin ˉ

(Annual)

Annual salary

年, 薪

曲突徙薪

qu ˉ tuˊ xiˇ xin ˉ

(Bend the, Take precautions)

Bend the chimney and move the firewood, Take precautions

曲, 突, 徙, 薪

加薪

jia ˉ xin ˉ

(Increase in, Pay raise)

Pay raise, Increase in salary

加, 薪