Chinese Idiom: 八斗之才 (Ba Dou Zhi Cai) English Translation: Eight Duckets of Talent pīn yīn: bā dǒu zhī cái Idiom Meaning: This idiom is used to describe someone with outstanding talent and exceptional ability. It is also written as “才高八斗.” Historical Source: The Book of the Southern Dynasties: Biography of Xie Lingyun (南史·谢灵运传); also mentioned […]
Chinese Idiom: 力不从心 (Li Bu Cong Xin) English Translation: Strength Fails the Will pīn yīn: lì bù cóng xīn Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where someone’s intentions or desires are strong, but their physical strength or abilities are insufficient to accomplish them. Historical Source: Book of the Later Han: Biography of Ban Chao
Chinese Idiom: 十行俱下 (Shi Hang Ju Xia – Ten Lines at a Glance) English Translation: Ten Lines at a Glance pīn yīn: shí háng jù xià Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes the ability to read text quickly and efficiently, often used to denote someone who reads with exceptional speed and comprehension. It can also be
Chinese Idiom: 入木三分 (Ru Mu San Fen) English Translation: Using Their Own Arguments Against Them pīn yīn: rù mù sān fēn Idiom Meaning: Describes writing, speech, or analysis that is very profound and insightful. Historical Source: The Book of Calligraphy: Wang Xizhi (书断·王羲之) Idiom Story: The idiom “入木三分” (rù mù sān fēn) is derived from
Chinese Idiom: 入室操戈 (Ru Shi Cao Ge) English Translation: Using Their Own Arguments Against Them pīn yīn: rù shì cāo gē Idiom Meaning: Refers to using an opponent’s arguments to criticize or refute them. “操” (cāo) means “to wield” and “戈” (gē) means “a spear” or “weapon.” Historical Source: Book of the Later Han: Biography
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Chinese Idiom: 人自为战 (Ren Zi Wei Zhan) English Translation: Everyone Fights for Themselves pīn yīn: rén zì wéi zhàn Idiom Meaning: Originally meant that everyone is ready to fight to the death, now it often means that everyone can independently handle tasks or situations. Historical Source: Records of the Grand Historian: Biographies of the Marquis
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Chinese Idiom: 人微权轻 (Ren Wei Quan Qing) English Translation: Insignificant Position, Limited Authority pīn yīn: rén wēi quán qīng Idiom Meaning: Describes someone whose low rank and lack of influence result in insufficient authority or respect. Historical Source: Records of the Grand Historian: Biographies of Sima Rangju (史记·司马穰苴列传) Idiom Story: The idiom “人微权轻” (Rén wēi
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Chinese Idiom: 人弃我取 (Ren Qi Wo Qu) English Translation: Taking What Others Abandon pīn yīn: rén qì wǒ qǔ Idiom Meaning: Originally meant that one picks up what others discard. Nowadays, it commonly signifies having interests or opinions different from others. Historical Source: “Records of the Grand Historian” (Shǐjì) – “Biography of Merchants.” Idiom Story:
Chinese Idiom: 人心如面 (Ren Xin Ru Mian) English Translation: People’s Hearts Are Like Faces pīn yīn: rén xīn rú miàn Idiom Meaning: People’s thoughts and feelings are as varied as their faces. It implies that each person’s mind is unique and cannot be generalized. Historical Source: “The Zuo Commentary” (Zuǒzhuàn) – Year 31 of Duke
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Chinese Idiom: 人面桃花 (Ren Mian Tao Hua) English Translation: The Face of a Peach Blossom pīn yīn: rén miàn táo huā Idiom Meaning: Refers to the beautiful face of a young woman, or to a woman one admires but can no longer meet, evoking a sense of longing and melancholy. Historical Source: “The Book of
