Chinese Idiom: 感恩图报 (Gan En Tu Bao) English Translation: Gratefulness and Plans for Repayment pīn yīn: gǎn ēn tú bào Idiom Meaning: To feel gratitude for the kindness of others and to find ways to repay it. Historical Source: From Guwen Guanzhi (古文观止) – a collection of classic essays, specifically from the letter “To Ouyang […]
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Chinese Idiom: 痛饮黄龙 (Tong Yin Huang Long) English Translation: Heartily Drinking from the Yellow Dragon pīn yīn: tòng yǐn huáng lóng Idiom Meaning: It describes the heroic spirit of triumph over enemies. It is also expressed as “直捣黄龙” (Zhí dǎo huáng lóng), which means directly attacking the enemy’s stronghold. The “Yellow Dragon” refers to the
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Chinese Idiom: 馋涎欲滴 (Chan Xian Yu Di) English Translation: Drooling with desire pīn yīn: chán xián yù dī Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes an intense craving for food or strong desire for something. Historical Source: The idiom originates from a poem by Su Shi (苏轼) titled Jiang Zhi Huzhou Xi Zeng Xin Lao (《将之湖州戏赠莘老》) during
Chinese Idiom: 程门立雪 (Cheng Men Li Xue) English Translation: Standing in the snow at Cheng’s door pīn yīn: chéng mén lì xuě Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes the respect for a teacher and the earnestness in seeking knowledge. Historical Source: The idiom is derived from the Song History (《宋史》) in the biography of Yang Shi.
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Chinese Idiom: 脚踏实地 (Jiao Ta Shi Di) English Translation: Feet on solid ground pīn yīn: jiǎo tà shí dì Idiom Meaning: To work diligently and earnestly; to be pragmatic and realistic, avoiding exaggeration or superficiality. Historical Source: From the Song Dynasty scholar Shao Bowen’s “Records of Shao’s Observations” (《邵氏闻见录》), Volume 18; also found in Ma
Chinese Idiom: 萎靡不振 (Wei Mi Bu Zhen) English Translation: Withered and listless pīn yīn: wěi mí bù zhèn Idiom Meaning: Refers to a state of being dispirited and lacking energy or motivation. Historical Source: Song History (宋史) – “Biography of Yang Shi.” Idiom Story: Yang Shi was a prominent scholar during the Northern Song Dynasty,
Chinese Idiom: 黄袍加身 (Huang Pao Jia Shen) English Translation: Donning the yellow robe pīn yīn: huáng páo jiā shēn Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to being crowned or recognized as an emperor. The “yellow robe” symbolizes the imperial attire of ancient Chinese emperors. Historical Source: From the 宋史 (History of the Song) in the biography
Chinese Idiom: 胸有成竹 (Xiong You Cheng Zhu) English Translation: Having a bamboo forest in one’s heart pīn yīn: xiōng yǒu chéng zhú Idiom Meaning: This idiom metaphorically means that one has a clear plan or understanding of a task before starting, indicating confidence in success. Historical Source: From Su Shi’s essay On Wen Tong’s Bamboo
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Chinese Idiom: 高山大野 (Gao Shan Da Ye) English Translation: Tall mountains and vast plains pīn yīn: gāo shān dà yě Idiom Meaning: Refers to towering mountains and expansive fields, symbolizing vast, majestic landscapes. Historical Source: Su Zhe’s Letter to Marshal Han Taiwei (北宋 苏辙《上枢密韩太尉书》) Idiom Story: Su Zhe (1039-1112), also known as Ziyou, was a
Chinese Idiom: 春风送暖 (Chun Feng Song Nuan) English Translation: Spring breeze brings warmth pīn yīn: chūn fēng sòng nuǎn Idiom Meaning: This idiom metaphorically refers to the positive changes, new policies, or measures that bring about fresh vitality and achievements. Historical Source: Poem “元日” (New Year’s Day) by Wang Anshi Idiom Story: Wang Anshi (王安石),
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