To look at the spirit of the ocean and lament
To feel helpless when attempting to do a task because of one's inadequacies or shortcomings. Originally referred to standing before a great object or creature and lamenting one's insignificance
Neutral
看着对手过硬的专业水平，他只能是望洋兴叹 | Kànzhe duìshǒu guòyìng de zhuānyè shuǐpíng, tā zhǐ néng shì wàngyángxīngtàn
Looking at his opponent's mastery, he could only feel inferior
[Source]
他成绩很好，但家里没钱，别人上大学时他只能望洋兴叹 | Tā chéngjī hěn hǎo, dàn jiālǐ méi qián, bié rén shàng dàxué shí tā zhǐ néng wàngyángxīngtàn
His grades are very good, but his family doesn't have any money. He can only feel helpless and lament as others attend college
[Source]
None
望洋惊叹 (wàng yáng jīng tàn)
望洋而叹 (wàng yáng ér tàn)
There are at least two versions of this story. One of them includes a dialogue between the two water gods, while one does not. The below translation does not include the conversation, but you may consult the citations if you'd like to see the other version
《庄子》(Zhuāng Zǐ), a work written by 庄子 (Zhuāng Zǐ, the same as in the title) during the Warring States Period (475 - 221 BC)
During one autumn in times long past, rains fell hard and made the Yellow River (黄河, huáng hé) swell substantially. The god of the Yellow River saw this magnificent scene, and he felt himself to be the mightiest under heaven. Then one day, he went to the North Sea (北海, běi hǎi), and he saw its god. He felt himself small and insignificant in comparison, and he knew that his thoughts of insurmountable might were laughable