Chinese Idiom: 滂沱大雨 (Pang Tuo Da Yu) English Translation: Pouring Rain pīn yīn: páng tuó dà yǔ Idiom Meaning: Describes heavy rainfall. Historical Source: From the Book of Songs (诗经), “Xiao Ya” (小雅), specifically the poem “Jian Jian Zhi Shi” (渐渐之石). Idiom Story: The poem “渐渐之石” reflects the hardships faced by soldiers during their eastern […]
Chinese Idiom: 源头活水 (Yuan Tou Huo Shui) English Translation: Living Water from the Source pīn yīn: yuán tóu huó shuǐ Idiom Meaning: This idiom suggests that for knowledge to advance and for enterprises to develop, one must continually absorb new ideas and explore new questions. Historical Source: From Zhu Xi’s poem “Reflections on Reading” (《观书有感》)
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Chinese Idiom: 满园春色 (Man Yuan Chun Se) English Translation: The Garden is Full of Spring Colors pīn yīn: mǎn yuán chūn sè Idiom Meaning: This idiom metaphorically refers to a scene of thriving vitality and flourishing beauty, particularly in spring. Historical Source: From the poem A Visit to the Garden (《游园不值》) by Ye Shaoweng during
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Chinese Idiom: 满城风雨 (Man Cheng Feng Yu) English Translation: The City is Full of Wind and Rain pīn yīn: mǎn chéng fēng yǔ Idiom Meaning: This idiom metaphorically describes how once something happens, it spreads quickly, causing a sensation and sparking widespread discussion. Historical Source: From Cold Studio Night Talks (《冷斋夜话》) by Shi Huihong during
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Chinese Idiom: 短褐穿结 (Duan He Chuan Jie) English Translation: Short Rags with Frayed Edges pīn yīn: duǎn hè chuān jié Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes tattered and shabby clothing. Historical Source: From The Biography of Mr. Wuliu (《五柳先生传》) by Tao Qian (also known as Tao Yuanming). Idiom Story: At the age of forty-one, Tao Qian
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Chinese Idiom: 短兵相接 (Duan Bing Xiang Jie) English Translation: Close-Quarter Combat pīn yīn: duǎn bīng xiāng jiē Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes intense and fierce fighting between two sides at close range; it can also metaphorically refer to a direct and heated debate on a particular issue. Historical Source: From The National Mourning Song (《国殇》).
Chinese Idiom: 悲欢离合 (Bei Huan Li He) English Translation: Sorrow and Joy, Separation and Reunion pīn yīn: bēi huān lí hé Idiom Meaning: It metaphorically describes the various emotions and experiences of life. Historical Source: From Su Shi’s poem Shui Diao Ge Tou (Water Melody) written during the Northern Song Dynasty. Idiom Story: According to
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Chinese Idiom: 惴惴不安 (Zhui Zhui Bu An) English Translation: Anxiously Uneasy pīn yīn: zhuì zhuì bù ān Idiom Meaning: It describes a state of worry, fear, and inner unrest. Historical Source: The Book of Songs (Shijing), specifically the poem “Huang Niao” (黄鸟). Idiom Story: In 621 BC, Duke Mu of Qin, one of the prominent
Chinese Idiom: 富贵荣华 (Fu Gui Rong Hua) English Translation: Wealth, Nobility, and Glory pīn yīn: fù guì róng huá Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a high position with great wealth and power. “富” (wealth) means having money; “贵” (nobility) refers to having a high social status; “荣华” (glory) signifies prosperity and fame. Historical Source: The
Chinese Idiom: 惩前毖后 (Cheng Qian Bi Hou) English Translation: Punish the past to prevent future mistakes pīn yīn: chéng qián bì hòu Idiom Meaning: This idiom means to take past mistakes as lessons to be cautious in the future, preventing similar errors from occurring again. Historical Source: The idiom originates from The Book of Songs
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