Chinese Idiom: 痴人说梦 (Chi Ren Shuo Meng) English Translation: The Fool Speaks of Dreams pīn yīn: chī rén shuō mèng Idiom Meaning: Refers to foolish people speaking absurd words; also used to mock someone for saying ridiculous things based on unrealistic fantasies. Historical Source: From Cold Studio Night Talks (冷斋夜话) by Song dynasty monk Huihong […]
Chinese Idiom: 鹏程万里 (Peng Cheng Wan Li) English Translation: A Thousand Miles of the Roc’s Journey pīn yīn: péng chéng wàn lǐ Idiom Meaning: To describe grand aspirations and an unlimited future. Historical Source: From Zhuangzi (庄子), specifically the chapter “Free and Easy Wandering” (逍遥游). Idiom Story: “Free and Easy Wandering” is one of the
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Chinese Idiom: 滥竽充数 (Lan Yu Chong Shu) English Translation: Fake Musicians Filling the Ranks pīn yīn: làn yú chōng shù Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to individuals who lack genuine skills or abilities but manage to get by by merely pretending to contribute. It can also express humility by downplaying one’s talents. Historical Source: From
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Chinese Idiom: 塞翁失马 (Sai Weng Shi Ma) English Translation: The Old Man Loses His Horse pīn yīn: sài wēng shī mǎ Idiom Meaning: This idiom illustrates that what seems like a misfortune may turn out to be a blessing, and vice versa. It highlights the unpredictability of life and that losses can sometimes lead to
Chinese Idiom: 解铃还须系铃人 (Jie Ling Hai Xu Xi Ling Ren) English Translation: To Untie the Bell, One Must Find the Person Who Tied It pīn yīn: jiě líng hái xū xì líng rén Idiom Meaning: This idiom implies that a problem or knot that one has created must be solved by the same person; it
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Chinese Idiom: 愚公移山 (Yu Gong Yi Shan) English Translation: The Foolish Old Man Moves the Mountains pīn yīn: yú gōng yí shān Idiom Meaning: This idiom metaphorically refers to having determination and perseverance in overcoming difficulties and obstacles. Historical Source: From the text Liezi (《列子 · 汤问》). Idiom Story: The story of “愚公移山” originates from
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Chinese Idiom: 量体裁衣 (Liang Ti Cai Yi) English Translation: Measuring the Body to Tailor Clothes pīn yīn: liàng tǐ cái yī Idiom Meaning: This idiom means to make decisions and handle problems based on actual circumstances. Historical Source: From Jiyuan Jisou by Zhao Jishi, a writer from the Qing Dynasty. Idiom Story: During the Ming
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Chinese Idiom: 朝三暮四 (Zhao San Mu Si) English Translation: Three in the Morning, Four in the Evening pīn yīn: zhāo sān mù sì Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to deceptive manipulation and is often used to describe fickleness or inconsistency in behavior or promises. Historical Source: The idiom originates from Liezi (Liezi: Huangdi). Idiom Story:
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Chinese Idiom: 凿壁偷光 (Zao Bi Tou Guang) English Translation: Bore a hole in the wall to steal light pīn yīn: záo bì tōu guāng Idiom Meaning: Originally, this idiom referred to the act of digging through a wall to read by a neighbor’s light; it is now often used to describe diligent study and hard
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Chinese Idiom: 随月读书 (Sui Yue Du Shu) English Translation: Reading by the light of the moon pīn yīn: suí yuè dú shū Idiom Meaning: This phrase describes a person’s diligent and hardworking spirit in studying, regardless of the hardships faced. Historical Source: Legend. Idiom Story: In ancient times, there was a man named Jiang Bi.
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