Chinese Idiom: 晓风残月 (Xiao Feng Can Yue) English Translation: Morning breeze and the waning moon pīn yīn: xiǎo fēng cán yuè Idiom Meaning: This idiom evokes a sense of desolation and melancholy, often describing a lonely and somber atmosphere. It can also refer to the scene of dawn, when the gentle breeze blows and the […]
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Chinese Idiom: 爱莫能助 (Ai Mo Neng Zhu) English Translation: Love Is There, But Help Is Not Possible pīn yīn: ài mò néng zhù Idiom Meaning: This phrase expresses sympathy for someone in difficulty, yet indicates an inability to provide assistance. Historical Source: This idiom is derived from the Book of Songs (《诗经》), specifically from the
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Chinese Idiom: 桃花潭水 (Tao Hua Tan Shui) English Translation: Peach Blossom Pool Water pīn yīn: táo huā tán shuǐ Idiom Meaning: This idiom metaphorically expresses deep friendship and affection. Historical Source: The idiom originates from the poem “赠汪伦” (A Gift to Wang Lun) by the Tang dynasty poet Li Bai. Idiom Story: During his travels,
Chinese Idiom: 耿耿于怀 (Geng Geng Yu Huai) English Translation: Lingering in One’s Heart pīn yīn: gěng gěng yú huái Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a state of being preoccupied with a matter, unable to forget or let it go. “耿耿” signifies an unsettled heart, while “于怀” means in the heart or mind. Historical Source: The
Chinese Idiom: 粉身碎骨 (Fen Shen Sui Gu) English Translation: To Be Crushed to Pieces pīn yīn: fěn shēn suì gǔ Idiom Meaning: This idiom metaphorically refers to sacrificing one’s life for a certain purpose or ideal. Historical Source: Originates from the poem “Yong Shihui” (《咏石灰》) by Yu Qian during the Ming Dynasty. Idiom Story: Yu
Chinese Idiom: 乘风破浪 (Cheng Feng Po Lang) English Translation: Riding the Wind and Breaking the Waves pīn yīn: chéng fēng pò làng Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes ambitious aspirations and the courage to move forward, regardless of obstacles. Historical Source: From Li Bai’s poem Xing Lu Nan (《行路难三首》), specifically the first of three. Idiom Story:
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Chinese Idiom: 海内存知己，天涯若比邻 (Hai Nei Cun Zhi Ji, Tian Ya Ruo Bi Lin) English Translation: A True Friend is a Treasure, Even if Far Apart pīn yīn: hǎi nèi cún zhī jǐ, tiān yá ruò bǐ lín Idiom Meaning: This idiom emphasizes that as long as there is a true friendship, distance cannot diminish the
Chinese Idiom: 班门弄斧 (Ban Men Nong Fu) English Translation: Show Off One’s Ax Before Lu Ban pīn yīn: bān mén nòng fǔ Idiom Meaning: This idiom mocks those who show off their limited skills in front of experts, reflecting a lack of self-awareness. It can also serve as a self-deprecating remark, indicating humility in the
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Chinese Idiom: 语不惊人 (Yu Bu Jing Ren) English Translation: Words That Do Not Startle pīn yīn: yǔ bù jīng rén Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes language or phrases that are plain and do not stand out in any remarkable way. “语” refers to language or sentences. Historical Source: Poem by Du Fu, 江上值水如海势聊短述 Idiom Story:
Chinese Idiom: 窃窃私语 (Qie Qie Si Yu) English Translation: Whispering Secretly pīn yīn: qiè qiè sī yǔ Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes the act of conversing quietly and secretly, often about private matters. Historical Source: The Lute Song (唐代白居易《琵琶行》) Idiom Story: In the tenth year of the Yuanhe period during the Tang dynasty (A.D. 815),
