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大国者下流，
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A great nation flows downward like water, |
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天下之交也，
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It connects with the world, |
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天下之牝。
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It is the mother of all under heaven. |
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牝常以静胜牡，
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The feminine conquers the masculine by stillness, |
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以静为下。
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Embracing stillness, it lowers itself. |
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故大国以下小国，
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Therefore, a great nation by placing itself below a smaller one, |
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则取小国；
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Gains the smaller nation. |
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小国以下大国，
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A smaller nation by placing itself below a great one, |
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则取大国。
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Gains the great nation. |
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故或下以取，
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Thus, one who yields takes, |
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或下而取。
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And one who lowers themselves gains. |
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大国不过欲兼畜人，
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A great nation desires to embrace and nourish people, |
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小国不过欲入事人。
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A small nation desires to serve its people. |
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夫两者各得所欲，
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When both attain their desires, |
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大者宜为下。
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It is fitting for the greater to yield. |