Chinese Idiom: 为富不仁 (Wei Fu Bu Ren) English Translation: Wealth Without Compassion pīn yīn: wéi fù bù rén Idiom Meaning: Describes individuals who, in their pursuit of wealth, are ruthless and lacking in compassion. They exploit others to become rich, showing no kindness or concern for their well-being. Historical Source: Mencius (《孟子·滕文公上》) Idiom Story After […]
Chinese Idiom: 亡羊补牢 (Wang Yang Bu Lao) English Translation: Fix the pen after the sheep is lost pīn yīn: wáng yáng bǔ láo Idiom Meaning: This idiom means that it is not too late to take corrective measures even after a mistake or loss has occurred. It emphasizes the importance of remedying problems promptly, regardless
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Chinese Idiom: 亡戟得矛 (Wang Ji De Mao) English Translation: Lost a spear, gained a lance pīn yīn: wáng jì dé máo Idiom Meaning: This idiom is used to express the idea that losing something is compensated by gaining something of equivalent value. It implies that the loss and gain balance each other out, and one
Chinese Idiom: 门庭若市 (Meng Ting Ruo Shi) English Translation: A Thriving Scene at the Door pīn yīn: mén tíng ruò shì Idiom Meaning: Describes a scene where there is a constant flow of people coming and going, akin to a busy marketplace. Historical Source: Strategies of the Warring States – Qi’s Strategy One Idiom Story:
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Chinese Idiom: 引而不发 (Yin Er Bu Fa) English Translation: Draw the Bow without Shooting pīn yīn: yǐn ér bù fā Idiom Meaning: This idiom signifies readiness to take action while waiting for the right opportunity. It also implies guiding or preparing others to act independently when they are ready. Historical Source: Mencius – The Book
Chinese Idiom: 五十步笑百步 (Wu Shi Bu Xiao Bai Bu) English Translation: Fifty Steps Laughing at a Hundred Steps pīn yīn: wǔ shí bù xiào bǎi bù Idiom Meaning: This idiom suggests that while both parties have flaws or errors, one criticizes the other for a problem they themselves also possess, only to a lesser extent.
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Chinese Idiom: 三人成虎 (San Ren Cheng Hu) English Translation: Three Men Make a Tiger pīn yīn: sān rén chéng hǔ Idiom Meaning: This idiom illustrates that if a false rumor is repeated often enough, it can be believed as true. Historical Source: Strategies of the Warring States (战国策), specifically the strategies of the state of
Chinese Idiom: 人给家足 (Ren Ji Jia Zu) English Translation: People Enjoy Abundance at Home pīn yīn: rén jǐ jiā zú Idiom Meaning: Everyone is well-fed and warm, and every family is prosperous and comfortable. “给” and “足” imply affluence and abundance. Historical Source: “Records of the Grand Historian” (Shǐjì) – “The Preface by the Grand
Chinese Idiom: 人弃我取 (Ren Qi Wo Qu) English Translation: Taking What Others Abandon pīn yīn: rén qì wǒ qǔ Idiom Meaning: Originally meant that one picks up what others discard. Nowadays, it commonly signifies having interests or opinions different from others. Historical Source: “Records of the Grand Historian” (Shǐjì) – “Biography of Merchants.” Idiom Story:
Chinese Idiom: 一去不复返 (Yi Qu Bu Fu Fan) English Translation: Never to Return pīn yīn: yī qù bù fù fǎn Idiom Meaning: Originally, it means that once someone leaves, they will never return. Nowadays, it is often used to describe something that has passed and cannot reoccur. “返” means to come back. Historical Source: Strategies
