Chinese Idiom: 一事无成 (Yi Shi Wu Cheng) English Translation: Accomplishing Nothing pīn yīn: yī shì wú chéng Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes someone who fails to achieve anything; it means that no task or endeavor is successfully completed. Historical Source: Records of the Three Kingdoms, “Biography of Zhao Yun.” Idiom Story: In the Tang Dynasty, […]
Chinese Idiom: 一片丹心 (Yi Pian Dan Xin) English Translation: A Heart of Loyalty pīn yīn: yī piàn dān xīn Idiom Meaning: This idiom is used to describe someone who is wholeheartedly loyal and dedicated to their country or cause. Historical Source: Southern Song Dynasty, Lu You’s poem “The Gold-Inlaid Knife.” Idiom Story: Lu You, whose
Chinese Idiom: 一诺千金 (Yi Nuo Qian Jin) English Translation: Yi Nuo Qian Jin – A Promise Worth a Thousand Gold Pieces pīn yīn: yī nuò qiān jīn Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a person who keeps their promises and values integrity. “Promise” (诺) refers to a commitment or pledge, and “thousand gold pieces” (千金) signifies
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Chinese Idiom: 一片冰心 (Yi Pian Bing Xin) English Translation: A Heart of Pure Ice pīn yīn: yī piàn bīng xīn Idiom Meaning: This idiom symbolizes a person’s integrity, purity, and incorruptibility, indicating a heart that remains honest and untainted by evil. Historical Source: Tang Dynasty, Wang Changling’s poem “Farewell to Xin Jian at Hibiscus Tower.”
Chinese Idiom: 一鸣惊人 (Yi Ming Jing Ren) English Translation: A Sudden Startling Achievement pīn yīn: yī míng jīng rén Idiom Meaning: Refers to someone who is usually unnoticed but suddenly achieves something extraordinary. “鸣” means to make a sound or to call out; “惊人” means to surprise or startle. Historical Source: “Records of the Grand
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Chinese Idiom: 一日千里 (Yi Ri Qian Li) English Translation: A Thousand Miles a Day pīn yīn: yī rì qiān lǐ Idiom Meaning: Describes someone’s rapid progress or the swift development of something. Historical Source: “Xiangshan Yelu” (湘山野录) and “Xunzi: Self-Cultivation.” Idiom Story: During the Tang and Song dynasties, China produced eight great literary figures known
Chinese Idiom: 一身是胆 (Yi Shen Shi Dan) English Translation: One’s Whole Body is Courage pīn yīn: yī shēn shì dǎn Idiom Meaning: Refers to someone who is extremely brave and fearless. “一身” signifies totality, while “胆” represents boldness and bravery. Historical Source: “Records of the Three Kingdoms: Shu Book: Biography of Zhao Yun,” annotated from
Chinese Idiom: 一家之言 (Yi Jia Zhi Yan) English Translation: A View from a Single Scholar pīn yīn: yī jiā zhī yán Idiom Meaning: Refers to unique insights or theories from a particular scholar or school of thought; can also broadly refer to the views or theories of an individual or group. “家” signifies a scholarly
Chinese Idiom: 一钱不值 (Yi Qian Bu Zhi) English Translation: Not Worth A Penny pīn yīn: yī qián bù zhí Idiom Meaning: Worthless; of no value at all. Historical Source: “Book of Han · Biography of Guan Fu.” Idiom Story: During the Western Han Dynasty, Guan Fu was known for his straightforward and principled nature, adhering
Chinese Idiom: 一寒如此 or 一寒至此 (Yi Han Ru Ci) English Translation: Utter Poverty pīn yīn: yī hán rú cǐ Idiom Meaning: Expresses the extreme state of poverty in a dramatic way. “如此” can also be written as “至此.” Historical Source: “Old Book of Tang · Biography of Li Jing.” Idiom Story: During the Warring States
