Chinese Idiom: 耳熟能详 (Er Shu Neng Xiang) English Translation: Familiar enough to recount in detail pīn yīn: ěr shú néng xiáng Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to something that has been heard so often that one can recount it in detail. Historical Source: Ouyang Xiu’s work “Liangong Qianbiao” (《泷风阡表》), written during the Northern Song Dynasty. […]
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Chinese Idiom: 阳春白雪，下里巴人 (Yang Chun Bai Xue, Xia Li Ba Ren) English Translation: Highbrow literature and popular literature pīn yīn: yáng chūn bái xuě, xià lǐ bā rén Idiom Meaning: The former metaphorically represents profound literary works, while the latter symbolizes accessible, everyday literary pieces. Historical Source: Song Yu’s “Response to the King of Chu”
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Chinese Idiom: 伤风败俗 (Shang Feng Bai Su) English Translation: Injure morals and corrupt customs pīn yīn: shāng fēng bài sú Idiom Meaning: This idiom is often used to condemn improper behavior that damages social morals and customs. Historical Source: 《论佛骨表》 (Essay on the Relics of Buddha) by Han Yu during the Tang Dynasty. Idiom Story:
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Chinese Idiom: 多多益善 (Duo Duo Yi Shan) English Translation: The more, the better pīn yīn: duō duō yì shàn Idiom Meaning: This idiom expresses the idea that having more of something is preferable and beneficial. Historical Source: 《史记·淮阴侯列传》 (Records of the Grand Historian: Biography of Han Xin). Idiom Story: Han Xin was a renowned general
Chinese Idiom: 华而不实 (Hua Er Bu Shi) English Translation: Flowery but not substantial pīn yīn: huá ér bù shí Idiom Meaning: Originally referring to blooming flowers that do not bear fruit, this idiom is now often used to describe something that looks good on the outside but lacks real substance or practicality. It can also
Chinese Idiom: 价值连城 (Jia Zhi Lian Cheng) English Translation: Worth a city pīn yīn: jià zhí lián chéng Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes something that is extremely valuable or precious. Historical Source: 《史记·廉颇蔺相如列传》 (Records of the Grand Historian · Biographies of Lian Po and Lin Xiangru). Idiom Story: The biography of Lian Po and Lin
Chinese Idiom: 尽善尽美 (Jin Shan Jin Mei) English Translation: Perfect and flawless pīn yīn: jìn shàn jìn měi Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes something that is perfect and without any flaws. Historical Source: 《论语·八佾》 (The Analects of Confucius · Chapter on the Eightfold). Idiom Story: Confucius lived during the Spring and Autumn period, a time
Chinese Idiom: 如泣如诉 (Ru Qi Ru Su) English Translation: Like weeping, like lamenting pīn yīn: rú qì rú sù Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a voice or sound that is full of sadness and sorrow, resembling crying or complaining. It conveys a sense of deep emotional expression. Historical Source: 《前赤壁赋》 (Preface to the Red Cliffs),
Chinese Idiom: 同日而语 (Tong Ri Er Yu) English Translation: Mentioned in the same breath pīn yīn: tóng rì ér yǔ Idiom Meaning: This idiom means to be mentioned or compared together, implying that the two things are not of the same level or cannot be compared. It is used to denote that something is so
Chinese Idiom: 可望而不可即 (Ke Wang Er Bu Ke Ji) English Translation: Visible but unattainable pīn yīn: kě wàng ér bù kě jí Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where something is visible or seemingly within reach but cannot be attained or achieved. It can be used to express the frustration of seeing a desirable
