Chinese Idioms from Spring and Autumn Period

Zhao Yao Guo Shi – Flaunt oneself while passing through the market

Idioms about People /

Chinese Idiom: 招摇过市 (Zhao Yao Guo Shi) English Translation: Flaunt oneself while passing through the market pīn yīn: zhāo yáo guò shì Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes someone who deliberately flaunts themselves in front of the crowd to attract attention, displaying an ostentatious demeanor. Historical Source: Records of the Grand Historian (《史记》) in the biography […]

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Sang Jia Zhi Gou – A Dog of a Deceased Family

Idioms about People /

Chinese Idiom: 丧家之狗 (Sang Jia Zhi Gou) English Translation: A Dog of a Deceased Family pīn yīn: sàng jiā zhī gǒu Idiom Meaning: Originally referred to someone who was eager to serve their master but was not utilized; it now often describes a person who has lost their owner, wandering aimlessly and without direction. Historical

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Kun Shou You Dou – A Cornered Beast Will Still Fight

Idioms about People /

Chinese Idiom: 困兽犹斗 (Kun Shou You Dou) English Translation: A Cornered Beast Will Still Fight pīn yīn: kùn shòu yóu dòu Idiom Meaning: This idiom metaphorically signifies that even a desperate or cornered individual or group, faced with imminent defeat or danger, will resist and fight back vigorously. It emphasizes the instinctual will to survive

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Yu Yin Rao Liang – The lingering sound wraps around the beams

Idioms about Objects /

Chinese Idiom: 余音绕梁 (Yu Yin Rao Liang) English Translation: The lingering sound wraps around the beams pīn yīn: yú yīn rào liáng Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes beautiful singing that is captivating and memorable, leaving a lasting impression. Historical Source: Originating from Liezi, specifically the chapter Tang Wen (汤问), which contains various anecdotes and philosophical

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Yan Bu You Zhong – Words not from the heart

Idioms about Objects /

Chinese Idiom: 言不由衷 (Yan Bu You Zhong) English Translation: Words not from the heart pīn yīn: yán bù yóu zhōng Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to insincere speech or behavior that lacks genuine emotion. It describes situations where a person does not speak their true feelings, often leading to hypocritical or perfunctory actions. Historical Source:

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Yan You Zai Er – The words still linger in the ear

Idioms about Objects /

Chinese Idiom: 言犹在耳 (Yan You Zai Er) English Translation: The words still linger in the ear pīn yīn: yán yóu zài ěr Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes the vivid memory of someone’s words, as if they are still echoing in one’s ears. It conveys the idea of remembering something that was said clearly and profoundly.

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Yan Gui Yu Hao – Reconcile and return to friendship

Idioms about Events /

Chinese Idiom: 言归于好 (Yan Gui Yu Hao) English Translation: Reconcile and return to friendship pīn yīn: yán guī yú hǎo Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to the act of resolving past conflicts or disagreements and restoring a friendly relationship. It emphasizes the idea of returning to a state of goodwill after a period of discord.

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Zuo Huai Bu Luan – Sitting in embrace without being disturbed

Idioms about People /

Chinese Idiom: 坐怀不乱 (Zuo Huai Bu Luan) English Translation: Sitting in embrace without being disturbed pīn yīn: zuò huái bù luàn Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a man with high moral integrity and upright behavior, particularly in matters of sexuality and relationships. Historical Source: Xunzi (《荀子·大略》). Idiom Story: Liu Xia Hui was a distinguished official

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Si Er Bu Xiu – Dead but not decayed

Idioms about People /

Chinese Idiom: 死而不朽 (Si Er Bu Xiu) English Translation: Dead but not decayed pīn yīn: sǐ ér bù xiǔ Idiom Meaning: Refers to a person who, although deceased, has left a lasting reputation or legacy, with their name and accomplishments enduring over time. Historical Source: “Zuo Zhuan” (《左传·襄公二十四年》). Idiom Story: During the Spring and Autumn

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