Chinese Idiom: 风起云涌 (Feng Qi Yun Yong) English Translation: Surge of Activity or Events pīn yīn: fēng qǐ yún yǒng Idiom Meaning: This idiom vividly describes the dramatic rise of events or movements, akin to how wind stirs up the clouds into a tumultuous surge. It can also imply a situation where many elements come […]
Chinese Idiom: 开卷有益 (Kai Juan You Yi) English Translation: Reading is Always Rewarding pīn yīn: kāi juàn yǒu yì Idiom Meaning: This idiom encourages people to read more, suggesting that engaging with books is always beneficial and enriching. Historical Source: Song Shilu (《宋实录》) and Mianshui Yantan Lu (《渑水燕谈录》) by Wang Banzhi. Idiom Story The idiom
Chinese Idiom: 心旷神怡 (Xin Kuang Shen Yi) English Translation: Relaxed and Delighted pīn yīn: xīn kuàng shén yí Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a state of mental clarity and emotional happiness, often achieved when one is in a pleasant environment or situation.. Historical Source: Yueyang Tower Memorial (《岳阳楼记》) by Fan Zhongyan Idiom Story The idiom
Chinese Idiom: 山肴野蔌 (Shan Yao Ye Su) English Translation: Mountain delicacies and wild vegetables pīn yīn: shān yáo yě sù Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to the various wild delicacies and vegetables found in the mountains. It is often used to describe a meal that includes rustic, natural, and local food. Historical Source: From Ouyang
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Chinese Idiom: 万紫千红 (Wan Zi Qian Hong) English Translation: A myriad of purples and thousands of reds pīn yīn: wàn zǐ qiān hóng Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a scene or situation that is beautiful, vibrant, and full of color. It can also be used to depict a thriving and prosperous state. Historical Source: Spring
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Chinese Idiom: 之乎者也 (Zhi Hu Zhe Ye) English Translation: Overly Pedantic and Focus on Trivial pīn yīn: Zhī Hū Zhě Yě Idiom Meaning: This idiom mocks scholars who are overly pedantic and focus on trivial, literary details rather than practical matters. Historical Source: Records of Xiangshan by Wenying (文莹). Idiom Story: After Zhao Kuangyin (赵匡胤)
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Chinese Idiom: 一误再误 (Yi Wu Zai Wu) English Translation: Repeated Mistakes pīn yīn: yī wù zài wù Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to making a mistake once and, without learning from it, making the same mistake again. “误” means error. Historical Source: “History of the Song Dynasty · Biography of Prince Wei, Tingmei.” Idiom Story:
Chinese Idiom: 一筹莫展 (Yi Chou Mo Zhan) English Translation: No Way Out pīn yīn: yī chóu mò zhǎn Idiom Meaning: It refers to being at one’s wit’s end, unable to come up with any solution. “筹” refers to a tally or counter, and in this context, it signifies a plan or strategy; “莫” means not
Chinese Idiom: 一日千里 (Yi Ri Qian Li) English Translation: A Thousand Miles a Day pīn yīn: yī rì qiān lǐ Idiom Meaning: Describes someone’s rapid progress or the swift development of something. Historical Source: “Xiangshan Yelu” (湘山野录) and “Xunzi: Self-Cultivation.” Idiom Story: During the Tang and Song dynasties, China produced eight great literary figures known
