Chinese Idiom: 退思补过 (Tui Si Bu Guo) English Translation: Retreat and Reflect to Amend Mistakes pīn yīn: tuì sī bǔ guò Idiom Meaning: Originally referred to the practice of examining one’s words and actions after a court session to correct mistakes; it is now often used to signify the need to reflect on one’s conduct […]
Tui Si Bu Guo – Retreat and Reflect to Amend Mistakes Read More »
Chinese Idiom: 结草衔环 (Jie Cao Xian Huan) English Translation: Tie grass and carry a ring in the beak pīn yīn: jié cǎo xián huán Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes the idea of being grateful and repaying kindness, highlighting the importance of gratitude and loyalty. Historical Source: The idiom combines two stories from the “Zuo Zhuan”
Jie Cao Xian Huan – Tie grass and carry a ring in the beak Read More »
Chinese Idiom: 秋风过耳 (Qiu Feng Guo Er) English Translation: Autumn wind passing by the ear pīn yīn: qiū fēng guò ěr Idiom Meaning: This idiom signifies that something is irrelevant or of no concern to oneself; it expresses indifference toward certain matters. Historical Source: “吴越春秋” (Spring and Autumn Annals of Wu and Yue) by Zhao
Qiu Feng Guo Er – Autumn wind passing by the ear Read More »
Chinese Idiom: 食言而肥 (Shi Yan Er Fei) English Translation: Grow fat on broken promises pīn yīn: shí yán ér féi Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a person who does not keep their word, is untrustworthy, and only seeks personal gain. Historical Source: “左传” (Zuo Zhuan), specifically in the entry for the 25th year of Duke
Chinese Idiom: 艰难险阻 (Jian Nan Xian Zu) English Translation: Difficulties and dangers pīn yīn: jiān nán xiǎn zǔ Idiom Meaning: This phrase describes a challenging and perilous path forward, filled with difficulties, dangers, and obstacles. Historical Source: From Zuo Zhuan: Annals of Duke Xi, Year 28. Idiom Story: The idiom originates from the historical events
Chinese Idiom: 贪天之功 (Tan Tian Zhi Gong) English Translation: Coveting the achievements of heaven pīn yīn: tān tiān zhī gōng Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to the act of taking credit for the accomplishments of others or for collective efforts, reflecting a sense of dishonesty and a lack of integrity. Historical Source: From Zuo Zhuan:
Tan Tian Zhi Gong – Coveting the achievements of heaven Read More »
Chinese Idiom: 卧薪尝胆 (Wo Xin Chang Dan) English Translation: Lie on firewood and taste gall pīn yīn: wò xīn cháng dǎn Idiom Meaning: This idiom signifies enduring hardship and self-discipline in pursuit of one’s goals. It embodies a spirit of perseverance and determination to overcome past failures and strive for future success. Historical Source: From
Wo Xin Chang Dan – Lie on firewood and taste gall Read More »
Chinese Idiom: 郑卫之音 (Zheng Wei Zhi Yin) English Translation: The music of Zheng and Wei pīn yīn: zhèng wèi zhī yīn Idiom Meaning: Originally referred to the folk music of the states of Zheng and Wei during the Spring and Autumn period. Confucian scholars viewed it as contrary to the “elegant music” advocated by Confucius,
Chinese Idiom: 兔死狗烹 (Tu Si Gou Peng) English Translation: When the rabbit dies, the dog is cooked pīn yīn: tú sǐ gǒu pēng Idiom Meaning: This phrase is used to describe a situation where individuals can only share hardships together but cannot enjoy successes or happiness together. Historical Source: Records of the Grand Historian (《史记》)
Tu Si Gou Peng – When the rabbit dies, the dog is cooked Read More »
Chinese Idiom: 玩火自焚 (Wan Huo Zi Fen) English Translation: Play with fire and end up burning oneself pīn yīn: wán huǒ zì fén Idiom Meaning: This idiom means engaging in harmful or malicious activities that ultimately lead to self-destruction, emphasizing that those who do evil will face the consequences of their actions. Historical Source: Zuo
Wan Huo Zi Fen – Play with fire and end up burning oneself Read More »
