Chinese Idiom: 兼听则明，偏听则暗 (Jian Ting Ze Ming, Pian Ting Ze An) English Translation: Listen Broadly to Be Enlightened, Listen Narrowly to Be in the Dark pīn yīn: jiān tīng zé míng, piān tīng zé àn Idiom Meaning: This idiom emphasizes the importance of listening to a variety of opinions and perspectives when observing or handling […]
Chinese Idiom: 兼收并蓄 (Jian Shou Bing Xu) English Translation: Collect and Store All pīn yīn: jiān shōu bìng xù Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to the practice of collecting and preserving various different things together, encompassing a wide range of items or ideas. Historical Source: This idiom comes from a passage in Han Yu’s Advise
Chinese Idiom: 载舟覆舟 (Zai Zhou Fu Zhou) English Translation: The Water that Carries the Boat Can Also Capsize It pīn yīn: zài zhōu fù zhōu Idiom Meaning: This idiom means that the people are like water; they can support a boat (representing authority) or capsize it, highlighting the importance of winning the hearts of the
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Chinese Idiom: 笑里藏刀 (Xiao Li Cang Dao) English Translation: A Knife Hidden Behind a Smile pīn yīn: xiào lǐ cáng dāo Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to someone who appears friendly and pleasant on the outside but is actually treacherous and malicious at heart. Historical Source: The phrase comes from the New Book of Tang
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Chinese Idiom: 冥顽不灵 (Ming Wan Bu Ling) English Translation: Stubborn and Unenlightened pīn yīn: míng wán bù líng Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes someone who is foolish and ignorant, unable to understand or comprehend. “冥顽” signifies ignorance and stubbornness, while “灵” refers to intelligence or enlightenment. Historical Source: The idiom originates from Han Yu’s On
Chinese Idiom: 轻车熟路 (Qing Che Shu Lu) English Translation: Light Car on Familiar Road pīn yīn: qīng chē shú lù Idiom Meaning: This idiom means being very familiar with a task or situation, making it easy to accomplish. Historical Source: Han Yu’s Preface to the Departure of Shi Chushi (唐代韩愈《送石处士序》) Idiom Story: Shi Chushi, also
Chinese Idiom: 南山可移 (Nan Shan Ke Yi) English Translation: The Southern Mountain Can Be Moved pīn yīn: nán shān kě yí Idiom Meaning: This idiom signifies a determination that is as unwavering as the Southern Mountain, emphasizing a decision that cannot be changed or shaken. It reflects a strong commitment to justice and integrity. Historical
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Chinese Idiom: 将信将疑 (Jiang Xin Jiang Yi) English Translation: Half believe, half doubt pīn yīn: jiāng xìn jiāng yí Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a state of being both believing and doubting at the same time. The term “将” (jiāng) signifies “again” or “both,” indicating a duality of feelings. Historical Source: Li Hua’s “Elegy for
Chinese Idiom: 所向披靡 (Suo Xiang Pi Mi) English Translation: Wherever one goes, all obstacles fall away pīn yīn: suǒ xiàng pī mí Idiom Meaning: This phrase is used to describe an unstoppable force or influence, indicating that nothing can stand in the way of one’s power or determination. Historical Source: From New Book of Tang
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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》).
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