Chinese Idiom: 怨声载道 (Yuan Sheng Zai Dao) English Translation: Complaints fill the roads pīn yīn: yuàn shēng zài dào Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where the voices of resentment and complaints are widespread, signifying strong discontent among the people. Historical Source: “诗经” (Book of Songs), specifically the section “大雅·生民” (Great Odes: The People). […]
Chinese Idiom: 柳暗花明 (Liu An Hua Ming) English Translation: Dark willows and bright flowers pīn yīn: liǔ àn huā míng Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a transition from difficulties or twists to smooth and favorable circumstances. It is also used to depict beautiful scenery, characterized by lush greenery and vibrant flowers. Historical Source: Poem titled
Liu An Hua Ming – Dark willows and bright flowers Read More »
Chinese Idiom: 逃之夭夭 (Tao Zhi Yao Yao) English Translation: Escape swiftly and gracefully pīn yīn: táo zhī yāo yāo Idiom Meaning: This idiom humorously refers to fleeing or running away. The term “夭夭” originally describes flourishing flowers and trees, but here it serves no literal meaning. Historical Source: Poem “桃夭,” found in “The Book of
Chinese Idiom: 结不解缘 (Jie Bu Jie Yuan) English Translation: A bond that cannot be untied pīn yīn: jié bù jiě yuán Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a deep romantic connection between lovers that is inseparable; it can also refer to close relationships between people that are hard to break. Historical Source: Poem “客从远方来” (A Guest
Chinese Idiom: 狭路相逢 (Xia Lu Xiang Feng) English Translation: Narrow road encounter pīn yīn: xiá lù xiāng féng Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where adversaries meet, making it difficult for them to coexist peacefully and implying that they are unlikely to let each other off easily. Historical Source: “Encounter on a Narrow Path”
Chinese Idiom: 牵一发而动全身 (Qian Yi Fa Er Dong Quan Shen) English Translation: Pull one hair and move the whole body pīn yīn: qiān yī fà ér dòng quán shēn Idiom Meaning: This idiom means that even a small action can have significant consequences, implying that a minor change or influence can affect the entire situation.
Qian Yi Fa Er Dong Quan Shen – Pull one hair and move the whole body Read More »
Chinese Idiom: 秋月春风 (Qiu Yue Chun Feng) English Translation: Autumn moon and spring breeze pīn yīn: qiū yuè chūn fēng Idiom Meaning: This idiom metaphorically represents a beautiful youth, often referring to delightful moments and pleasant scenery. Historical Source: Bai Juyi’s poem “琵琶行” (Song of the Pipa), a renowned narrative poem from the Tang Dynasty.
Qiu Yue Chun Feng – Autumn moon and spring breeze Read More »
Chinese Idiom: 春梦无痕 (Chun Meng Wu Hen) English Translation: Spring dreams leave no trace pīn yīn: chūn mèng wú hén Idiom Meaning: This idiom metaphorically describes the fleeting nature of life and events, likening them to dreams in spring that vanish without leaving any marks. Historical Source: Poem by Su Shi (苏轼) titled “与潘郭二生出郊寻春” (Going
Chinese Idiom: 春风得意 (Chun Feng De Yi) English Translation: In the spring breeze, one feels accomplished pīn yīn: chūn fēng dé yì Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a state of happiness and satisfaction when things are going well, often after achieving success or experiencing good fortune. Historical Source: Poem by the Tang dynasty poet Meng
Chun Feng De Yi – In the spring breeze, one feels accomplished Read More »
Chinese Idiom: 信誓旦旦 (Xin Shi Dan Dan) English Translation: Solemnly vow pīn yīn: xìn shì dàn dàn Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where promises or vows are made with great sincerity and earnestness. Historical Source: Poem “氓” (Máng) in the Book of Songs (《诗经》). Idiom Story: During the Spring and Autumn period, a
