Chinese Idiom: 剪烛西窗 (Jian Zhu Xi Chuang) English Translation: Cutting the candle at the western window pīn yīn: jiǎn zhú xī chuāng Idiom Meaning: Originally referring to the longing for a distant spouse and wishing for a reunion; it now broadly signifies intimate conversations among friends and family. Historical Source: From Li Shangyin’s poem 夜雨寄北 […]
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Chinese Idiom: 惊天动地 (Jing Tian Dong Di) English Translation: Shocking the heavens and moving the earth pīn yīn: jīng tiān dòng dì Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a voice or reputation that is resoundingly loud and impactful, often used to characterize great undertakings or achievements. Historical Source: From Bai Juyi’s poem 李白墓 (Tomb of Li
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Chinese Idiom: 盘马弯弓 (Pan Ma Wan Gong) English Translation: Riding in circles on horseback and drawing a bow pīn yīn: pán mǎ wān gōng Idiom Meaning: Originally referring to the action of riding a horse in circles while preparing to shoot an arrow, it now metaphorically describes someone who makes a show of readiness or
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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: 清风两袖 (Qing Feng Liang Xiu) English Translation: Two sleeves of clear wind pīn yīn: qīng fēng liǎng xiù Idiom Meaning: This idiom is often used to describe a person’s integrity and uprightness, reflecting a clean and honest demeanor. Historical Source: From the Ming Dynasty poet Yu Qian’s poem 入京 (Entering the Capital). Idiom
Chinese Idiom: 请君莫奏前朝曲 (Qing Jun Mo Zou Qian Chao Qu) English Translation: Please do not play the tunes of the previous dynasty pīn yīn: qǐng jūn mò zòu qián cháo qǔ Idiom Meaning: This idiom advises against viewing new things through outdated perspectives. It encourages adaptation to the evolving historical trends and suggests that old
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Chinese Idiom: 读书破万卷，下笔如有神 (Du Shu Po Wan Juan, Xia Bi Ru You Shen) English Translation: Having read ten thousand volumes, writing feels divinely inspired pīn yīn: dú shū pò wàn juǎn, xià bǐ rú yǒu shén Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes the idea that extensive reading leads to profound knowledge, which in turn enhances one’s
Chinese Idiom: 破镜重圆 (Po Jing Chong Yuan) English Translation: A broken mirror rejoined pīn yīn: pò jìng chòng yuán Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to a couple who, after being separated or divorced, reunite once again. Historical Source: Poems on Events by Meng Xing from the Tang Dynasty (唐人孟檠《本事诗 · 情感》). Idiom Story: During the
Chinese Idiom: 倾盆大雨 (Qing Pen Da Yu) English Translation: Pouring rain pīn yīn: qīng pén dà yǔ Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a very heavy downpour of rain, evoking an image of rain pouring down as if from a bucket. Historical Source: Du Fu’s Poem “White Emperor” (唐代杜甫《白帝》诗) Idiom Story: The Yangtze River, known as
Chinese Idiom: 旁若无人 (Pang Ruo Wu Ren) English Translation: As if there were no one around pīn yīn: páng ruò wú rén Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a demeanor of arrogance or self-importance, often implying that someone acts as if they are the only one that matters, disregarding the presence of others. Historical Source: Left
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