Chinese Idiom: 汗流浃背 (Han Liu Jia Bei) English Translation: Sweat flows and soaks the back pīn yīn: hàn liú jiā bèi Idiom Meaning: This idiom is used to describe someone who is extremely ashamed or frightened; it can also refer to someone who is drenched in sweat. Historical Source: “Records of the Grand Historian · […]
Han Liu Jia Bei – Sweat flows and soaks the back Read More »
Chinese Idiom: 老牛舐犊 (Lao Niu Shi Du) English Translation: The old cow licks its calf pīn yīn: lǎo niú shì dú Idiom Meaning: This idiom metaphorically describes the deep affection and love that a parent has for their children. Historical Source: “Book of the Later Han · Biography of Yang Biao” (《后汉书 · 杨彪传》) Idiom
Chinese Idiom: 妇人之仁 (Fu Ren Zhi Ren) English Translation: The compassion of a woman pīn yīn: fù rén zhī rén Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to an overly soft-hearted and indulgent attitude, particularly in dealing with matters that require strength and decisiveness. It is often used to criticize someone for being too lenient or lacking
Chinese Idiom: 仰人鼻息 (Yang Ren Bi Xi) English Translation: Relying on the breath of others pīn yīn: yǎng rén bí xī Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where one is entirely dependent on others for survival or support, unable to act independently. It implies a lack of self-sufficiency and the need to rely on
Yang Ren Bi Xi – Relying on the breath of others Read More »
Chinese Idiom: 多多益善 (Duo Duo Yi Shan) English Translation: The more, the better pīn yīn: duō duō yì shàn Idiom Meaning: This idiom expresses the idea that having more of something is preferable and beneficial. Historical Source: 《史记·淮阴侯列传》 (Records of the Grand Historian: Biography of Han Xin). Idiom Story: Han Xin was a renowned general
Chinese Idiom: 论功行赏 (Lun Gong Xing Shang) English Translation: Rewarding based on merit pīn yīn: lùn gōng xíng shǎng Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to the practice of awarding rewards or honors according to the size of one’s contributions or achievements. Historical Source: 《史记·萧相国世家》 (Records of the Grand Historian: Biography of Xiao He). Idiom Story:
Chinese Idiom: 妄自尊大 (Wang Zi Zun Da) English Translation: Foolishly considering oneself great pīn yīn: wàng zì zūn dà Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to a blind and inflated sense of self-importance, where one has an exaggerated opinion of their own abilities or status. Historical Source: 《后汉书·马援传》 (Book of the Later Han: Biography of Ma
Wang Zi Zun Da – Foolishly considering oneself great Read More »
Chinese Idiom: 安如泰山 (An Ru Tai Shan) English Translation: As stable as Mount Tai pīn yīn: ān rú tài shān Idiom Meaning: This idiom metaphorically describes a situation that is very stable and reliable. It can also be used to characterize something that is extremely solid and unshakeable. Historical Source: 西汉枚乘《上书谏吴王》 (Western Han Dynasty, Mei
Chinese Idiom: 百折不挠 (Bai Zhe Bu Nao) English Translation: Unyielding despite a hundred setbacks pīn yīn: bǎi zhé bù náo Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a strong character that remains steadfast and refuses to yield or retreat, no matter how many setbacks one faces. Historical Source: 《蔡中郎集·太尉桥玄碑》 (Cai Zhonglang Ji · Stele of General Qiao
Bai Zhe Bu Nao – Unyielding despite a hundred setbacks Read More »
Chinese Idiom: 百川归海 (Bai Chuan Gui Hai) English Translation: Hundred rivers return to the sea pīn yīn: bǎi chuān guī hǎi Idiom Meaning: This idiom signifies the convergence of numerous entities into one place. It can also metaphorically refer to the trend of the times and the collective expectations of the people. Historical Source: 《淮南子·汜论训》
Bai Chuan Gui Hai – Hundred rivers return to the sea Read More »
