Chinese Idiom: 落月屋梁 (Luo Yue Wu Liang) English Translation: The moon falls upon the roof beams pīn yīn: luò yuè wū liáng Idiom Meaning: This idiom expresses a deep longing and remembrance for a friend. Historical Source: The idiom originates from a poem titled Dreaming of Li Bai (《梦李白》) by the Tang Dynasty poet Du […]
Luo Yue Wu Liang – The moon falls upon the roof beams Read More »
Chinese Idiom: 硬语盘空 (Ying Yu Pan Kong) English Translation: Hard language spiraling in the sky pīn yīn: yìng yǔ pán kōng Idiom Meaning: This idiom metaphorically describes writing that is vigorous, powerful, and full of momentum. Historical Source: The idiom originates from a poem titled Recommending Scholars (《荐士》) by Han Yu during the Tang Dynasty.
Ying Yu Pan Kong – Hard language spiraling in the sky Read More »
Chinese Idiom: 温情脉脉 (Wen Qing Mo Mo) English Translation: Warm feelings flowing silently pīn yīn: wēn qíng mò mò Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a state of deep emotional connection towards something, characterized by a desire to express those feelings through one’s demeanor or actions. Historical Source: The idiom originates from the poem “Mo Yu
Chinese Idiom: 跋山涉水 (Ba Shan She Shui) English Translation: Crossing mountains and fording rivers pīn yīn: bá shān shè shuǐ Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes the difficulties and hardships of a long journey. Historical Source: The idiom comes from the poem Zai Chi (载驰) in the Book of Songs (诗经). Idiom Story: The author of
Ba Shan She Shui – Crossing mountains and fording rivers Read More »
Chinese Idiom: 啼笑皆非 (Ti Xiao Jie Fei) English Translation: Crying and laughing both are inappropriate pīn yīn: tí xiào jiē fēi Idiom Meaning: This phrase describes a situation that is so awkward or absurd that one cannot decide whether to laugh or cry. Historical Source: This idiom originates from the poem “Emotions” (情感) by the
Ti Xiao Jie Fei – Crying and laughing both are inappropriate Read More »
Chinese Idiom: 野火烧不尽，春风吹又生 (Ye Huo Shao Bu Jin, Chun Feng Chui You Sheng) English Translation: Wildfire cannot burn it out; the spring breeze blows and it grows again pīn yīn: yě huǒ shāo bù jìn, chūn fēng chuī yòu shēng Idiom Meaning: This phrase symbolizes the resilience of new life and ideas, suggesting that they
Chinese Idiom: 虚无缥缈 (Xu Wu Piao Miao) English Translation: Illusory and ethereal pīn yīn: xū wú piāo miǎo Idiom Meaning: something that does not exist or cannot be realized. Historical Source: Bai Juyi’s “Song of Everlasting Regret” (《长恨歌》) from the Tang Dynasty. Idiom Story: Bai Juyi, one of the three great poets of the Tang
Chinese Idiom: 绰约多姿 (Graceful and charming) English Translation: Graceful and charming pīn yīn: chuò yuē duō zī Idiom Meaning: Describes a woman’s graceful and beautiful Historical Source: From Bai Juyi’s poem 长恨歌 (Song of Everlasting Regret) during the Tang Dynasty. Idiom Story: The Song of Everlasting Regret is a famous narrative poem by Bai Juyi
Chinese Idiom: 聊胜于无 (Liao Sheng Yu Wu) English Translation: Slightly better than nothing pīn yīn: liáo shèng yú wú Idiom Meaning: Indicates that having something is slightly better than having nothing at all. Historical Source: From Tao Yuanming’s poem 和刘柴桑 (Responding to Liu Chaisang) during the Eastern Jin Dynasty. Idiom Story: This poem was composed
Chinese Idiom: 晨钟暮鼓 (Chen Zhong Mu Gu) English Translation: Morning bell and evening drum pīn yīn: chén zhōng mù gǔ Idiom Meaning: Originally refers to the solitary life of monks and nuns; it also symbolizes words or teachings that awaken reflection and insight. Historical Source: From Du Fu’s poem 游龙门奉先寺 (Visiting the Fengxian Temple at
Chen Zhong Mu Gu – Morning bell and evening drum Read More »
