Chinese Idiom: 虚无缥缈 (Xu Wu Piao Miao) English Translation: Illusory and ethereal pīn yīn: xū wú piāo miǎo Idiom Meaning: something that does not exist or cannot be realized. Historical Source: Bai Juyi’s “Song of Everlasting Regret” (《长恨歌》) from the Tang Dynasty. Idiom Story: Bai Juyi, one of the three great poets of the Tang […]
Chinese Idiom: 梅开二度 (Mei Kai Er Du) English Translation: The plum blossoms bloom a second time pīn yīn: méi kāi èr dù Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to the renewal of a relationship, especially among couples who have reconciled after a separation. It can also symbolize a person who rises again after experiencing misfortune or
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Chinese Idiom: 敝帚自珍 (Bi Zhou Zi Zhen) English Translation: Cherishing One’s Own Broom pīn yīn: bì zhǒu zì zhēn Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to the idea of cherishing one’s own possessions, even if they are not valuable or are worn out. “敝” (bì) means worn out or broken, while “珍” (zhēn) means to treasure
Chinese Idiom: 渑池之功 (Mian Chi Zhi Gong) English Translation: Achievement at Mianchi pīn yīn: miǎn chí zhī gōng Idiom Meaning: Refers to significant national achievements or contributions. Historical Source: From 《史记·廉颇蔺相如列传》 (Records of the Grand Historian: Biographies of Lian Po and Lin Xiangru). Idiom Story: In the late Warring States period, the State of Zhao
Chinese Idiom: 黄绢幼妇 (Huang Juan You Fu) English Translation: Young wife in yellow silk pīn yīn: huáng juàn yòu fù Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes someone with exceptional literary talent. Historical Source: From the Ming Dynasty novel 三国演义 (Romance of the Three Kingdoms) by Luo Guanzhong. Idiom Story: During the Eastern Han Dynasty, in the
Chinese Idiom: 黄粱一梦 (Huang Liang Yi Meng) English Translation: A dream of yellow millet pīn yīn: huáng liáng yī mèng Idiom Meaning: This idiom symbolizes the ephemeral nature of wealth and honor, likening them to dreams that are ultimately illusory. It conveys the idea that worldly pursuits can be transient and insubstantial. Historical Source: From
Chinese Idiom: 绰绰有余 (Chuo Chuo You Yu) English Translation: Abundantly sufficient pīn yīn: chuò chuò yǒu yú Idiom Meaning: Describes a situation that is very ample or sufficient, often used to indicate someone’s abilities, time, or resources are more than enough, leading to a relaxed and unhurried demeanor. Historical Source: From 孟子 (Mencius), specifically the
Chinese Idiom: 聊胜于无 (Liao Sheng Yu Wu) English Translation: Slightly better than nothing pīn yīn: liáo shèng yú wú Idiom Meaning: Indicates that having something is slightly better than having nothing at all. Historical Source: From Tao Yuanming’s poem 和刘柴桑 (Responding to Liu Chaisang) during the Eastern Jin Dynasty. Idiom Story: This poem was composed
Chinese Idiom: 晨钟暮鼓 (Chen Zhong Mu Gu) English Translation: Morning bell and evening drum pīn yīn: chén zhōng mù gǔ Idiom Meaning: Originally refers to the solitary life of monks and nuns; it also symbolizes words or teachings that awaken reflection and insight. Historical Source: From Du Fu’s poem 游龙门奉先寺 (Visiting the Fengxian Temple at
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Chinese Idiom: 剪烛西窗 (Jian Zhu Xi Chuang) English Translation: Cutting the candle at the western window pīn yīn: jiǎn zhú xī chuāng Idiom Meaning: Originally referring to the longing for a distant spouse and wishing for a reunion; it now broadly signifies intimate conversations among friends and family. Historical Source: From Li Shangyin’s poem 夜雨寄北
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