Chinese Idiom: 崇山峻岭 (Chong Shan Jun Ling) English Translation: Lofty and steep mountains and ridges pīn yīn: chóng shān jùn lǐng Idiom Meaning: Describes mountains that are steep and towering; “崇” means high, and “峻” means steep. Historical Source: From Wang Xizhi’s 兰亭集序 (Preface to the Orchid Pavilion Collection) during the Eastern Jin Dynasty. Idiom […]
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Chinese Idiom: 淡妆浓抹 (Dan Zhuang Nong Mo) English Translation: Light makeup and heavy makeup pīn yīn: dàn zhuāng nóng mǒ Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes two contrasting styles of decoration – subtle elegance and bold extravagance. Historical Source: From the Northern Song Dynasty poet Su Shi’s poem 饮湖上初晴后雨 (Drinking on the Lake After the Initial
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Chinese Idiom: 高山大野 (Gao Shan Da Ye) English Translation: Tall mountains and vast plains pīn yīn: gāo shān dà yě Idiom Meaning: Refers to towering mountains and expansive fields, symbolizing vast, majestic landscapes. Historical Source: Su Zhe’s Letter to Marshal Han Taiwei (北宋 苏辙《上枢密韩太尉书》) Idiom Story: Su Zhe (1039-1112), also known as Ziyou, was a
Chinese Idiom: 宾至如归 (Bin Zhi Ru Gui) English Translation: Guests Feel at Home pīn yīn: bīn zhì rú guī Idiom Meaning: Describes sincere, warm, and thoughtful hospitality that makes guests feel at home. Historical Source: This idiom comes from Zuo Zhuan (《左传》), specifically from the 31st year of Duke Xiang of Lu. Idiom Story: In
Chinese Idiom: 流连忘返 (Liu Lian Wang Fan) English Translation: Reluctant to Leave pīn yīn: liú lián wàng fǎn Idiom Meaning: Originally refers to being so immersed in enjoyment that one forgets to return; now often used to express a deep attachment to something, making it difficult to part ways. Historical Source: This idiom comes from
Chinese Idiom: 徒有四壁 (Tu You Si Bi) English Translation: Only Four Walls pīn yīn: tú yǒu sì bì Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a state of extreme poverty, where a household possesses nothing but its walls. The term “徒” means “only” or “merely,” while “壁” refers to “walls.” Historical Source: The phrase originates from Records
Chinese Idiom: 豺狼当道 (Chai Lang Dang Dao) English Translation: Wolves Block the Road pīn yīn: chái láng dāng dào Idiom Meaning: This idiom metaphorically describes a situation where bad people are in power or hold authority. Historical Source: The phrase originates from the Book of Han (《汉书》) Idiom Story: During the Southern Song Dynasty, Hu
Chinese Idiom: 海阔天空 (Hai Kuo Tian Kong) English Translation: The Sea is Vast and the Sky is High pīn yīn: hǎi kuò tiān kōng Idiom Meaning: This idiom symbolizes an open mind and unrestrained behavior. It is often used to describe aimless chatter or discussions that lack focus and direction. Historical Source: From the Song
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Chinese Idiom: 钩心斗角 (Gou Xin Dou Jiao) English Translation: Hooking Hearts and Battling Angles pīn yīn: gōu xīn dòu jiǎo Idiom Meaning: Originally describing the intricate and elaborate structures of palaces, it is now used to metaphorically represent scheming, intrigue, and covert conflicts among people. Historical Source: 唐代杜牧《樊川文集·阿房宫赋》 (Du Mu’s “A Fang Palace Ode”) Idiom
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Chinese Idiom: 狭路相逢 (Xia Lu Xiang Feng) English Translation: Narrow road encounter pīn yīn: xiá lù xiāng féng Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where adversaries meet, making it difficult for them to coexist peacefully and implying that they are unlikely to let each other off easily. Historical Source: “Encounter on a Narrow Path”
