Chinese Idiom: 将信将疑 (Jiang Xin Jiang Yi)
English Translation: Half believe, half doubt
pīn yīn: jiāng xìn jiāng yí
Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a state of being both believing and doubting at the same time. The term “将” (jiāng) signifies “again” or “both,” indicating a duality of feelings.
Historical Source: Li Hua’s “Elegy for the Ancient Battlefield” (《吊古战场文》) from the Tang Dynasty.
Idiom Story:
In “Elegy for the Ancient Battlefield,” Li Hua portrays the deep anxiety and sorrow of the families of soldiers compelled to fight. He writes:
“Whether they are alive or dead, their families have no way of knowing. Sometimes there are rumors, and they are half-believing and half-doubting. With heavy hearts, they often dream of them. They prepare sacrifices and pour out wine, crying while gazing towards the horizon. Heaven and earth share their sorrow, and the grass and trees seem mournful.”
In this passage, the families are left in anguish, uncertain of the fate of their loved ones. They hear occasional news of their deaths, but it is met with skepticism. Their hearts are filled with sorrow, leading them to dream of the soldiers. They conduct rituals, pouring out wine in offerings and weeping while looking towards the distance. The imagery evokes a deep sense of collective grief, where even nature seems to mourn alongside them.
This idiom captures the emotional turmoil of those caught between hope and despair, reflecting a poignant state of uncertainty and longing.
