Chinese Idiom: 空中楼阁 (Kong Zhong Lou Ge) English Translation: A castle in the air pīn yīn: kōng zhōng lóu gé Idiom Meaning: This phrase refers to theories, plans, or ideas that are detached from reality and impractical, often seen as fanciful or unrealistic. Historical Source: From the Buddhist text Bai Yu Jing: Three-Story Tower Parable. […]
Chinese Idiom: 味如鸡肋 (Wei Ru Ji Lei) English Translation: Tastes like chicken ribs pīn yīn: wèi rú jī lèi Idiom Meaning: This idiom metaphorically describes a lack of interest in something or a situation that yields very little benefit, implying that the effort involved is not worth the reward. The term “chicken ribs” refers to
Chinese Idiom: 歧路亡羊 (Qi Lu Wang Yang) English Translation: The lost sheep at the fork in the road pīn yīn: qí lù wáng yáng Idiom Meaning: This idiom signifies that one must have a clear direction when seeking the truth; otherwise, one risks going astray. It also refers to the complexity and variability of matters,
Qi Lu Wang Yang – The lost sheep at the fork in the road Read More »
Chinese Idiom: 郑卫之音 (Zheng Wei Zhi Yin) English Translation: The music of Zheng and Wei pīn yīn: zhèng wèi zhī yīn Idiom Meaning: Originally referred to the folk music of the states of Zheng and Wei during the Spring and Autumn period. Confucian scholars viewed it as contrary to the “elegant music” advocated by Confucius,
Chinese Idiom: 终南捷径 (Zhong Nan Jie Jing) English Translation: A shortcut in Zhongnan Mountain pīn yīn: zhōng nán jié jìng Idiom Meaning: Refers to a convenient route for seeking fame and fortune. It can also mean an easy path to achieve a goal. Historical Source: From Liu Su’s New Sayings of the Tang Dynasty (《大唐新语》).
Zhong Nan Jie Jing – A shortcut in Zhongnan Mountain Read More »
Chinese Idiom: 虎狼之国 (Hu Lang Zhi Guo) English Translation: A country of tigers and wolves pīn yīn: hǔ láng zhī guó Idiom Meaning: Originally referring to a country that is as ferocious as tigers and wolves, this idiom now often denotes a powerful nation that is untrustworthy and aggressive in its dealings. Historical Source: Shiji
Hu Lang Zhi Guo – A country of tigers and wolves Read More »
Chinese Idiom: 金城汤池 (Jin Cheng Tang Chi) English Translation: Golden city and boiling moat pīn yīn: jīn chéng tāng chí Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a place that is heavily fortified and extremely difficult to attack. It is often used metaphorically to refer to a strong defense. Historical Source: Han Shu · Biography of Kuai
Jin Cheng Tang Chi – Golden city and boiling moat Read More »
Chinese Idiom: 金石为开 (Jin Shi Wei Kai) English Translation: Gold and stone can be opened pīn yīn: jīn shí wéi kāi Idiom Meaning: This idiom means that with a determined will and wholehearted effort, one can overcome any difficulties. It emphasizes the idea that even the hardest materials, such as gold and stone, can be
Chinese Idiom: 金戈铁马 (Jin Ge Tie Ma) English Translation: Golden spears and iron horses pīn yīn: jīn gē tiě mǎ Idiom Meaning: This phrase describes a strong military presence, often symbolizing the vigor of soldiers and horses. It can also refer to the concept of war itself. Historical Source: Yong Yu Le · Jing Kou
Chinese Idiom: 金城千里 (Jin Cheng Qian Li) English Translation: A city of gold stretching for a thousand miles pīn yīn: jīn chéng qiān lǐ Idiom Meaning: This phrase describes a vast and solid territory, emphasizing the strength and security of a nation or state. Historical Source: Guo Qin Lun (《过秦论》) by Jia Yi from the
Jin Cheng Qian Li – A city of gold stretching for a thousand miles Read More »
