Ni Hao! Or should I say, Hello!
It’s always a thrill to dive into the profound and enchanting ocean that is the Chinese language. Today, we’re going to embark on an exciting journey into the colorful world of Chinese idioms, or as we say in Mandarin, “Chengyu.”
These four-character phrases pack an extraordinary punch, often telling a story or encapsulating a profound meaning. So, fasten your seat belts because we’re about to delve into “20 Popular Chinese Idioms”!
This voyage will not only enhance your Mandarin proficiency but will also enrich your cultural understanding, and let’s be honest, isn’t it fun to dazzle your friends with your newfound linguistic gems? These idioms are like secret keys, unlocking the intricate beauty and wisdom embedded within the Chinese language.
From intriguing historical tales to philosophical musings, each idiom carries a story, a moral, a shared cultural experience. This isn’t just about language, my friends; it’s about peeking into the soul of one of the world’s oldest civilizations.
So, are you ready? Let’s embark on this Chinese idiom adventure together! Buckle up, and let’s roll!
What Exactly Are Chinese Idioms?
The term we often use in English, “Chinese idioms,” is known as 成语 (chéngyǔ) in Chinese. If we break it down, it translates to “formed words” or “already made words,” hinting at their established place in the language.
Crafted over thousands of years, these idioms draw upon a rich tapestry of ancient myths, philosophical musings, poetry, fairy tales, and folk tales. They stand as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Chinese language, and most importantly, to its continuous evolution.
Usually consisting of four characters, these idioms often carry allusions to the grandeur of ancient Chinese literature and historical events, thereby adding an extra dimension to their meanings.
Why Are Chinese Idioms Called 成語 (chéngyǔ)?
The moniker given to Chinese idioms, 成语 (chéngyǔ), is an eloquent indication of their nature. In Chinese, “成” translates as “already made” or “formed,” while “语” signifies “words.” Thus, combined, they denote phrases that have been formed and accepted into the language due to their widespread use. They are, in essence, well-crafted words that have withstood the test of time and have become an integral part of the Chinese language.
So, How Many Chinese Idioms Are There?
As to the exact number of Chinese idioms, there’s no hard and fast rule. Different sources peg the figure somewhere between 5,000 to 20,000! Although the majority of these idioms have their roots in ancient times, they remain in active use in contemporary Chinese, enriching conversations and writings alike.
What’s fascinating is that even in today’s digital age, new idioms are being coined within online Chinese communities and chat rooms, underlining the dynamic nature of the language.
When and How Are Chinese Idioms Used?
Whether you’re emphatically making a point during a heated debate, sincerely encouraging someone to persevere, or flaunting your command over the classics, Chinese idioms have a place in almost every situation. These idioms can bring out the subtleties in a conversation that might otherwise get overlooked. However, beware of misusing them, as that can lead to unintended meanings or confusion.
The intriguing thing about most four-character Chinese idioms is that they often refer to a legendary tale or a historical event. In doing so, they concisely highlight the key aspects of the story or incident, serving as an effective mnemonic device for learners. Students in China, right from elementary school to high school, commit thousands of such idioms to memory as part of their language education.
The Importance of Context with Chinese Idioms
Consider the idiom 人山人海 (rénshān-rénhǎi), which literally translates to “people mountain, people sea.” Without understanding the context, you might be stumped about its meaning. But once you learn that it is used to describe a massive crowd or a multitude of people, the idiom suddenly makes sense. This understanding comes in handy when discussing social issues, crowded places, or expressing the idea that “China has a vast population.”
Origins of Chinese Idioms
Unpacking the origins of Chinese idioms can sometimes be a challenging task for Mandarin learners. Since these idioms are typically derived from classical Chinese texts or historical records, they often use unusual characters or employ familiar characters in unusual ways that seem to defy the rules of modern Chinese grammar. Therefore, understanding some idioms requires additional context beyond just knowing the meanings of the individual characters.
Chinese Idioms and Their Historical Significance
Two prime examples of how knowledge of Chinese history can illuminate the meanings of chéngyǔ are the idioms 破釜沉舟 (pòfǔ-chénzhōu) meaning “break the pots and sink the boats,” and 以一当十 (yǐyī-dāngshí) literally translating to “one to ten.” Without a grasp of their historical roots, these idioms can seem nearly indecipherable. However, with a bit of historical insight, their meanings become apparent.
Now that we know all about Chinese idioms, let’s learn 20 of the most famous idioms used!
20 Common Chinese Idioms 成语 (chéngyǔ)
| English Idiom | Traditional Chinese | Simplified Chinese | Pinyin | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| So-so | 馬馬虎虎 | 马马虎虎 | mǎmǎhǔhǔ | Something that’s just passable or mediocre |
| Stopping at the cliff’s edge | 懸崖勒馬 | 悬崖勒马 | xuányá lèmǎ | Conveys the idea of stopping oneself in the face of impending danger |
| Stuck between a rock and a hard place | 騎虎難下 | 骑虎难下 | qíhǔnánxià | A situation where someone is stuck in a difficult or dangerous position and finds it hard to extricate themselves. |
| Blessing in disguise | 塞翁失馬，焉知非福 | 塞翁失马，焉知非福 | sài wēng shī mǎ, yān zhī fēi fú | A setback may turn out to be a blessing in disguise |
| The crafty rabbit has three burrows | 狡兔三窟 | 狡兔三窟 | jiǎo tù sān kū | It’s smart to have more than one plan or solution to a problem |
| People mountain people sea | 人山人海 | 人山人海 | rén shān rén hǎi | This is used to describe an extremely crowded place |
| Draw a snake and add feet to it | 畫蛇添足 | 画蛇添足 | huà shé tiān zú | Overdoing something can ruin the whole effort |
| A cornered dog will jump over the wall | 狗急跳牆 | 狗急跳墙 | gǒu jí tiào qiáng | When someone is pushed to their limits, they can do desperate things |
| Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime | 授人以魚，不如授人以漁 | 授人以鱼，不如授人以渔 | shòu rén yǐ yú, bùrú shòu rén yǐ yú | It’s more valuable to teach someone to do something (for themselves) than to do it for them (on an ongoing basis) |
| If three walk together, one of them can be my teacher | 三人行必有我師 | 三人行必有我师 | sān rén xíng bì yǒu wǒ shī | One can always find something to learn from others |
| Give up halfway | 半途而廢 | 半途而废 | bàn tú ér fèi | This idiom warns against giving up when one is halfway through a task or journey |
| Lingering fears | 心有餘悸 | 心有余悸 | xīn yǒu yú jì | This idiom describes the feeling of unease that lingers after a frightful event |
| Kill two birds with one stone | 一石二鳥 | 一石二鸟 | yī shí èr niǎo | Accomplishing two tasks with a single action |
| Of all the water in the weak river, I only take a gourd to drink | 弱水三千，只取一瓢飲 | 弱水三千，只取一瓢饮 | ruò shuǐ sān qiān, zhǐ qǔ yī piáo yǐn | To be content with what one has; to resist temptations |
| Three points into the wood | 入木三分 | 入木三分 | rù mù sān fēn | To express oneself clearly and deeply |
| Tiger head, snake tail | 虎頭蛇尾 | 虎头蛇尾 | hǔ tóu shé wěi | To start something enthusiastically but finish it poorly |
| A single call startles the people | 一鳴驚人 | 一鸣惊人 | yī míng jīng rén | To suddenly rise to fame; to stun the world with a single brilliant feat |
| Wind from an empty cave, there must be a reason | 空穴來風，未必無因 | 空穴来风，未必无因 | kōng xué lái fēng, wèi bì wú yīn | There’s no smoke without fire; nothing happens without a reason |
| To indulge in fantasy | 想入非非 | 想入非非 | Xiǎng rù fēi fēi | The act of letting your mind wander, of daydreaming, or indulging in wild fantasies |
| Flowing water does not rot, nor a door-hinge rust | 流水不腐，戶樞不蠹 | 流水不腐，户枢不蠹 | liú shuǐ bù fǔ, hù shū bù dù | Constant activity prevents decay |
