Chinese Idiom: 耳熟能详 (Er Shu Neng Xiang) English Translation: Familiar enough to recount in detail pīn yīn: ěr shú néng xiáng Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to something that has been heard so often that one can recount it in detail. Historical Source: Ouyang Xiu’s work “Liangong Qianbiao” (《泷风阡表》), written during the Northern Song Dynasty. […]
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Chinese Idiom: 百废俱兴 (Bai Fei Ju Xing) English Translation: All neglected affairs flourish pīn yīn: bǎi fèi jù xīng Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where all previously neglected or abandoned tasks and projects are revived and flourishing. It signifies a period of revitalization and progress. Historical Source: 《岳阳楼记》 (The Yueyang Tower Essay) by
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Chinese Idiom: 如泣如诉 (Ru Qi Ru Su) English Translation: Like weeping, like lamenting pīn yīn: rú qì rú sù Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a voice or sound that is full of sadness and sorrow, resembling crying or complaining. It conveys a sense of deep emotional expression. Historical Source: 《前赤壁赋》 (Preface to the Red Cliffs),
Chinese Idiom: 出人头地 (Chu Ren Tou Di) English Translation: Stand out from the crowd pīn yīn: chū rén tóu dì Idiom Meaning: This idiom means to excel or surpass others, achieving a level of prominence or success that distinguishes oneself from the rest. Historical Source: Letter by the Northern Song dynasty scholar Ouyang Xiu (欧阳修)
Chinese Idiom: 立谈之间 (Li Tan Zhi Jian) English Translation: In the time it takes to stand and talk pīn yīn: lì tán zhī jiān Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a very brief period of time, equivalent to the short duration of standing and chatting. Historical Source: Su Shi’s (苏轼) essay “Jia Yi Lun” (《贾谊论》) during
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Chinese Idiom: 正襟危坐 (Zheng Jin Wei Zuo) English Translation: Adjust the collar and sit upright pīn yīn: zhèng jīn wēi zuò Idiom Meaning: This idiom originally referred to straightening one’s clothing and sitting up straight, but it is now commonly used to describe a serious, respectful, or solemn demeanor. Historical Source: Su Shi’s (苏轼) “Preface
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Chinese Idiom: 水滴石穿 (Shui Di Shi Chuan) English Translation: Water dripping through stone pīn yīn: shuǐ dī shí chuān Idiom Meaning: This idiom means that even the most insignificant effort, when applied persistently, can achieve seemingly impossible results. It emphasizes the power of perseverance and the idea that continuous, small actions can overcome great obstacles.
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Chinese Idiom: 水落石出 (Shui Luo Shi Chu) English Translation: When the water recedes, the rocks emerge pīn yīn: shuǐ luò shí chū Idiom Meaning: This idiom means that the truth of a matter will eventually become clear. It suggests that just as rocks are revealed when water levels fall, the truth will be exposed over
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Chinese Idiom: 不动声色 (Bu Dong Sheng Se) English Translation: Without changing one’s voice or expression pīn yīn: bù dòng shēng sè Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes someone who remains calm, composed, and does not show any emotions or reactions, even in stressful or difficult situations. It conveys the idea of maintaining self-control and a steady
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Chinese Idiom: 天真烂漫 (Tian Zhen Lan Man) English Translation: Innocent and Unaffected pīn yīn: tiān zhēn làn màn Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a person who is simple-hearted, candid, and natural. It is often used to refer to the pure and kind-hearted nature of children or young people. “天真” means simple or naive, and “烂漫”
