Idioms about Objects

Yong Chui Bu Xiu – Eternally enduring and imperishable

Chinese Idiom: 永垂不朽 (Yong Chui Bu Xiu) English Translation: Eternally enduring and imperishable pīn yīn: yǒng chuí bù xiǔ Idiom Meaning: This idiom means that the achievements and noble spirit of an individual or an event will be remembered forever, never fading or deteriorating over time. It emphasizes the lasting impact of exemplary deeds, virtues, […]

Yong Chui Bu Xiu – Eternally enduring and imperishable Read More »

Wai Qiang Zhong Gan – Strong on the outside, but weak on the inside

Chinese Idiom: 外强中干 (Wai Qiang Zhong Gan) English Translation: Strong on the outside, but weak on the inside pīn yīn: wài qiáng zhōng gān Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where something or someone appears strong and formidable externally but is weak and ineffective internally. It is often used to characterize a facade of

Wai Qiang Zhong Gan – Strong on the outside, but weak on the inside Read More »

Tan Wei Guan Zhi – Sighing with admiration

Chinese Idiom: 叹为观止 (Tan Wei Guan Zhi) English Translation: Sighing with admiration pīn yīn: tàn wéi guān zhǐ Idiom Meaning: This idiom is used to express admiration for something that is so perfect or excellent that one feels nothing could surpass it. It denotes reaching a level of excellence that one feels is the ultimate.

Tan Wei Guan Zhi – Sighing with admiration Read More »

Si Kong Jian Guan – Commonly seen by the Minister of Works

Chinese Idiom: 司空见惯 (Si Kong Jian Guan) English Translation: Commonly seen by the Minister of Works pīn yīn: sī kōng jiàn guàn Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes something that is so common and frequently encountered that it no longer causes surprise. It conveys the idea that certain events or phenomena have become so familiar that

Si Kong Jian Guan – Commonly seen by the Minister of Works Read More »

Li Tan Zhi Jian – In the time it takes to stand and talk

Chinese Idiom: 立谈之间 (Li Tan Zhi Jian) English Translation: In the time it takes to stand and talk pīn yīn: lì tán zhī jiān Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a very brief period of time, equivalent to the short duration of standing and chatting. Historical Source: Su Shi’s (苏轼) essay “Jia Yi Lun” (《贾谊论》) during

Li Tan Zhi Jian – In the time it takes to stand and talk Read More »

Fa Ren Shen Xing – Inspire deep reflection in people

Chinese Idiom: 发人深省 (Fa Ren Shen Xing) English Translation: Inspire deep reflection in people pīn yīn: fā rén shēn xǐng Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes something that prompts deep thought and self-reflection, leading to an awakening or realization. It often refers to situations, stories, or experiences that make people reconsider their actions or perspectives. Historical

Fa Ren Shen Xing – Inspire deep reflection in people Read More »

Pu Shuo Mi Li – Hopping and squinting, hard to distinguish

Chinese Idiom: 扑朔迷离 (Pu Shuo Mi Li) English Translation: Hopping and squinting, hard to distinguish pīn yīn: pū shuò mí lí Idiom Meaning: Originally used to describe the difficulty in distinguishing between male and female, it is now commonly used to describe something that is unclear, confusing, or difficult to discern the truth of. Historical

Pu Shuo Mi Li – Hopping and squinting, hard to distinguish Read More »

Tian Lun Zhi Le – The Joys of Family Bonding

Chinese Idiom: 天伦之乐 (Tian Lun Zhi Le) English Translation: The Joys of Family Bonding pīn yīn: tiān lún zhī lè Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to the joy and happiness derived from family reunions and the companionship of close relatives, such as parents and siblings. Historical Source: The Spring Night Banquet at Peach Blossom Garden

Tian Lun Zhi Le – The Joys of Family Bonding Read More »

Tian Huang Di Lao – Until the Heavens Crumble and the Earth Ages

Chinese Idiom: 天荒地老 (Tian Huang Di Lao) English Translation: Until the Heavens Crumble and the Earth Ages pīn yīn: tiān huāng dì lǎo Idiom Meaning: This idiom is used to describe an extremely long period of time, suggesting something that lasts forever or nearly so. Historical Source: Tang Dynasty poet Li He’s poem “The Song

Tian Huang Di Lao – Until the Heavens Crumble and the Earth Ages Read More »

Scroll to Top