Chinese Idioms from Spring and Autumn Period

Chinese Idiom: 名垂后世 (Ming Chui Hou Shi) English Translation: A name that will be honored and remembered by future generations. pīn yīn: míng chuí hòu shì Idiom Meaning: Refers to a person’s good reputation that will be passed down through history, signifying lasting fame. Historical Source: “Records of the Grand Historian: Biography of King Goujian […]

Chinese Idiom: 休戚相关 (Xiu Qi Xie Guan) English Translation: Joys and sorrows are interrelated pīn yīn: xiū qī xiāng guān Idiom Meaning: To share a common interest, indicating a very close relationship where one’s fortunes and misfortunes are interconnected. Historical Source: “Guo Yu” (《国语 ·周语下》) Idiom Story: In 580 BC, after Duke Li of Jin

Chinese Idiom: 亦步亦趋 (Yi Bu Yi Qu) English Translation: To follow in someone’s footsteps, step by step pīn yīn: yì bù yì qū Idiom Meaning: To imitate others closely, lacking independent thoughts or opinions. Historical Source: “Zhuangzi” (《庄子·田子方》) Idiom Story: Yan Hui was one of Confucius’s most esteemed disciples, often praised for his dedication and

Chinese Idiom: 有备无患 (You Bei Wu Huan) English Translation: Preparedness averts misfortune pīn yīn: yǒu bèi wú huàn Idiom Meaning: Being prepared in advance can help avoid foreseeable disasters or problems. Historical Source: “The Zuo Tradition” (《左传·襄公十一年》) Idiom Story: During the Spring and Autumn period, Duke Dao of Jin became the overlord of the central

Chinese Idiom: 有则改之，无则加勉 (You Ze Gai Zhi, Wu Ze Jia Mian) English Translation: Correct what you have; if you have none, encourage yourself. pīn yīn: yǒu zé gǎi zhī, wú zé jiā miǎn Idiom Meaning: This idiom advises people to correct their faults when pointed out and to encourage themselves to strive for improvement when

Chinese Idiom: 有恃无恐 (You Shi Wu Kong) English Translation: Fearless because of reliance pīn yīn: yǒu shì wú kǒng Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to having confidence and feeling unafraid due to having support or a source of reliance. Historical Source: “Zuo Zhuan” (《左传·僖公二十六年》) Idiom Story: The story behind this idiom occurs during the reign

Chinese Idiom: 有名无实 (You Ming Wu Shi) English Translation: Famous but without substance pīn yīn: yǒu míng wú shí Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where someone or something has a reputation or name but lacks actual substance, value, or effectiveness. Historical Source: “The Book of Documents” (《国语，晋语八》) Idiom Story: The story behind this