35+ Famous Chinese Idioms to Learn with Study Tips

Getting to Know Chinese Idioms a.k.a. Chengyu (成語-chéngyǔ)

What are Chinese Idioms?

Chinese idioms, also known as Mandarin idioms or Chinese 4-character idioms (成語, chéngyǔ), are concise expressions typically consisting of four characters. These idioms convey precise and often profound meanings, encapsulating complex ideas and wisdom in just a few words. They are also rich in cultural and historical significance, offering insights into Chinese history, philosophy, and literature.

The structure of Chinese idioms is often metaphorical, using vivid imagery and symbolism to convey precise meanings. Each character contributes to the overall message, creating a compact expression that carries deep wisdom or insight. For example, the idiom "一箭雙雕" (yī jiàn shuāng diāo) literally translates to "one arrow, two eagles," but figuratively means to achieve two goals with one action.

Indeed, the origins of Chinese idioms are diverse and rich, drawing from a wide range of sources. Here are some notable examples:

• Confucian Classics: Many Chinese idioms find their roots in the teachings of Confucius and other Confucian scholars. For instance, the idiom "有教無類" (yǒu jiào wú lèi) comes from Confucius's philosophy, meaning "teach all kinds regardless of classes", emphasizing the importance of equal learning opportunities and highlights the principle of fairness in education.

• Historical Events: Some idioms originated from significant historical events. "完璧歸趙" (wán bì guī zhào) originates from the Warring States Period, referring to returning a precious jade intact to its rightful owner, Zhao, from Qing, the most ambitious state at the time. It symbolizes fulfilling a promise or restoring something valuable despite challenges.

• Myths and Legends: Chinese mythology and folklore have also inspired idiomatic expressions. The idiom "夸父追日" (kuā fù zhuī rì) depicts the mythical figure Kuafu's pursuit of the sun. It symbolizes an impossible or futile endeavor, as Kuafu's attempt to catch the sun ultimately led to his demise.

How Many Chinese Idioms Are There?

The number of Chinese idioms available varies depending on the source, but estimates range from 5,000 to 20,000 idioms. However, it's important to note that people don't have to memorize all of them.

On average, a native Chinese speaker may recognize and understand a few thousand commonly used idioms, typically ranging from 2,000 to 4,000. These idioms are frequently encountered in daily conversations, literature, and other forms of communication.

Why Are Chinese Idioms Important?

Chinese idioms are crucial for foreign learners as they enrich everyday communication, media, and literature, adding depth to conversations. Utilizing expressions like "畫龍點睛" (huà lóng diǎn jīng), which literally means "adding the eyes to a dragon painting," signifies the importance of providing a crucial finishing touch. By using such idiomatic expressions, foreign speakers demonstrate not only a deeper understanding of the language but also an appreciation for its cultural nuances, which is truly "畫龍點睛" to the daily conversations.

Learning Chinese idioms also provides valuable cultural insights and references. Idioms often reflect traditional values and historical events, such as "臥薪嘗膽" (wò xīn cháng dǎn), which literally means "lying on firewood and tasting gall." This idiom originated from a historical anecdote during the Warring States Period, where a vassal named Jing Ke swore vengeance against the King of Qin for the death of his master. To prepare himself for the task, Jing Ke endured hardships, lying on a bed of firewood and tasting gall to steel his resolve.

Ultimately, proficiency in Chinese idioms impresses native speakers, showcasing a high level of language proficiency and cultural awareness. Mastering idiomatic expressions not only improves language skills but also enriches the language-learning experience, facilitating effective communication and deeper cultural understanding.

Chinese Idioms List: 35 Popular Chinese Idioms: 成語範例（chéng yǔ fàn lì）

Here's a list of some of the most popular and common Chinese idioms to enhance your understanding of the language's rich cultural heritage and linguistic nuances. Let’s take a look!

守株待兔 (shǒu zhū dài tù)

The idiom "守株待兔" (shǒu zhū dài tù) originates from an ancient tale about a farmer who, while working in his field, witnessed a rabbit accidentally running into a tree stump and dying. The farmer, amazed by this stroke of luck, decided to replicate the scenario by constantly waiting beside the same tree stump, hoping for another rabbit to meet the same fate. However, his idleness and unrealistic expectations ultimately led to disappointment and wasted effort. Figuratively, the idiom warns against passively waiting for opportunities without proactive effort or planning.

Sentence Example: 如果你總是守株待兔，機會就會從你身邊溜走。(Rúguǒ nǐ zǒng shì shǒuzhūdàitù, jīhuì jiù huì cóng nǐ shēnbiān liūzǒu.)

Translation: If you always sit on your hands waiting for opportunities, they will slip away from you.

紙上談兵 (zhǐ shàng tán bīng)

The idiom "紙上談兵" (zhǐ shàng tán bīng) has a literal translation of discussing military strategies only on words, where "紙" (zhǐ) means "paper," "上" (shàng) means "on," "談" (tán) means "to discuss," and "兵" (bīng) means "soldiers" or "military strategy." Figuratively, it means to engage in impractical or theoretical discussions without taking action, based on a story of an official who talked about military strategy but had no real experience.

Sentence Example: 他只是紙上談兵，從來沒有真正參與過實戰。(Tā zhǐshì zhǐshàngtánbīng, cónglái méiyǒu zhēnzhèng cānyù guò shízhàn.)

Translation: He's an armchair general, only talking about military strategy without ever participating in a real battle.

閉門造車 (bì mén zào chē)

The literal meaning of this idiom is to make vehicles or carriages behind closed doors. "閉" (bì) means "to close," "門" (mén) means "door," "造" (zào) means "to build," and "車" (chē) means "carriage" or "vehicle." Figuratively, it means to work behind closed doors without considering outside input, ideas, other opinions, or practical realities.

Sentence Example: 如果閉門造車，你的設計可能會脫離實際需求。(Rúguǒ bìménzàochē, nǐ de shèjì kěnéng huì tuōlí shíjì xūqiú.)

Translation: If you work behind closed doors, your designs might be out of touch with practical needs.

心曠神怡 (xīn kuàng shén yí)

The idiom "心曠神怡" (xīn kuàng shén yí) has a literal translation where "心" (xīn) represents "heart," "曠" (kuàng) means "broad," "神" (shén) signifies "spirit," and "怡" (yí) translates to "delighted." Figuratively, it denotes a state of being relaxed, content, and at peace, typically experienced in tranquil surroundings or moments of inner calm. This idiomatic expression encapsulates the notion of finding serenity and joy within oneself or in the simplicity of nature, evoking a sense of profound tranquility and contentment.

Sentence Example: 在大自然中漫步讓我感到心曠神怡。(Zài dà zìrán zhōng mànbù ràng wǒ gǎndào xīn kuàng shén yí.)

Translation: Walking in nature makes me feel at ease and content.

愚公移山 (yú gōng yí shān)

The idiom "愚公移山" (yú gōng yí shān) tells of an elderly man determined to move two mountains blocking his path. When ridiculed for his futile efforts, he explained that even if he couldn't finish, future generations could. Impressed by his resolve, all other beings helped remove the mountains. Figuratively, it signifies perseverance in overcoming obstacles.

Sentence Example: 即使他們面對艱難困境，他們也像愚公移山一樣堅持不懈地努力工作，直到最終取得成功。(Jí shǐ tāmen miàn duì jiān nán kùn jìng, tāmen yě xiàng yú gōng yí shān yí yàng jiān chí bù xiè de nǔ lì gōng zuò, zhí dào zuì zhōng qǔ dé chéng gōng.)

Translation: "Where there's a will, there's a way." Even when faced with difficult challenges, they still work tirelessly until they achieve success.

狗急跳牆 (gǒu jí tiào qiáng)

The idiom "狗急跳牆" (gǒu jí tiào qiáng) has a literal translation where "狗" (gǒu) means "dog," "急" (jí) means "urgent," "跳" (tiào) means "to jump," and "牆" (qiáng) means "wall." Figuratively, it means to act out of desperation or to take extreme measures when cornered or in an emergency.

Sentence Example: 他們已經把我逼到絕境，我不得不狗急跳牆了。(Tāmen yǐjīng bǎ wǒ bī dào juéjìng, wǒ bùdébù gǒujítiàoqiáng le.)

Translation: They have pushed me to the brink, and I have no choice but to take desperate measures.

愛屋及烏 (ài wū jí wū)

The idiom "愛屋及烏" (ài wū jí wū) has a literal translation of if loving someone, one also cares for the crows resting on their house., where "愛" (ài) means "love," "屋" (wū) represents "house," "及" (jí) means "covering, reaching," and "烏" (wū) signifies "crow." Figuratively, it means to love everything associated with someone or something, including the unattractive aspects.

Sentence Example: 他不僅愛自己的孩子，連鄰居家的小孩也都照顧得很好。(Tā bùjǐn ài zìjǐ de háizi, lián línjū jiā de xiǎo hái yě dōu zhào gu de hěn hǎo.)

Translation: He not only loves his own children but also looks after the neighbor's kids.

破釜沉舟 (pò fǔ chén zhōu)

The idiom "破釜沉舟" (pò fǔ chén zhōu) means to make a resolute decision by burning bridges and committing fully to a course of action. It originates from a story about the Chinese general Xiang Yu, who, during a war, crossed a river to confront his enemies. To show his determination and prevent retreat, he ordered his soldiers to destroy their cooking pots and sink their boats. This bold act signified their unwavering commitment to fight to the end, leaving no choice but to move forward with absolute resolve. Figuratively, the idiom emphasizes the importance of wholeheartedly pursuing a goal without any possibility of turning back.

Sentence Example: 他破釜沉舟，毅然决定放棄退路，全力投入新的事業。(Tā pò fǔ chén zhōu, yì rán jué dìng fàng qì tuì lù, quán lì tóu rù xīn de shìyè.)

Translation: He burned his bridges and committed wholeheartedly, leaving no room for retreat as he ventured into a new business endeavor.

無事生非 (wú shì shēng fēi)

The idiom "無事生非" (wú shì shēng fēi) has a literal translation where "無" (wú) means "without," "事" (shì) represents "matters," "生" (shēng) means "to give rise to," and "非" (fēi) signifies "troubles or wrongs." Figuratively, it means to create trouble out of nothing or to make a mountain out of a molehill.

Sentence Example: 他常常因小事情而大動肝火，真是無事生非。(Tā chángcháng yīn xiǎoshìqíng ér dàdòng gān huǒ, zhēnshi wúshì shēng fēi.)

Translation: He often gets angry over trivial matters, truly making a mountain out of a molehill.

班門弄斧 (bān mén nòng fǔ)

The idiom "班門弄斧" (bān mén nòng fǔ) has a literal translation where "班" (bān) refers to “魯班” (lǔ bān), a famous carpenter in ancient China, "門" (mén) means "door," "弄" (nòng) means "to wield," and "斧" (fǔ) means "axe", wielding the axes in front of a carpentry genius. Figuratively, the idiom "班門弄斧" refers to the act of displaying one's inferior skills in front of an expert, often resulting in embarrassment and highlighting the contrast between true expertise and superficial attempts at mastery. It is typically used in expressions of modesty.

Sentence Example: 在這些專家面前講解，我真是班門弄斧。(Zài zhèxiē zhuānjiā miànqián jiǎngjiě, wǒ zhēn shì bānménnòngfǔ.)

Translation: Explaining things in front of these experts makes me feel like I'm trying to teach a fish to swim.

畫蛇添足 (huà shé tiān zú)

The idiom "畫蛇添足" (huà shé tiān zú) comes from a tale in ancient China where a talented painter was asked to paint a snake. After finishing the snake, he decided to add legs to make it look more complete. However, by doing so, he ruined the natural simplicity and beauty of the snake. This story illustrates the idiom's figurative meaning: to ruin something by adding unnecessary or superfluous details or to overcomplicate what was originally sufficient.

Sentence Example: 他本來的計劃已經很完美了，加上這些額外的步驟只是畫蛇添足。(Tā běnlái de jìhuà yǐjīng hěn wánměi le, jiāshàng zhèxiē éwài de bùzhòu zhǐshì huà shé tiān zú.)

Translation: His original plan was already perfect; adding these extra steps is just gilding the lily.

狐假虎威 (hú jiǎ hǔ wēi)

The idiom "狐假虎威" (hú jiǎ hǔ wēi) originates from a fable where a fox, lacking strength, would boast about being as fearsome as a tiger. One day, the fox encountered other animals and claimed authority under the tiger's name. The animals, believing the fox was backed by the tiger's power, obeyed out of fear. This story illustrates the idiom's meaning: to exploit another's authority or power to intimidate others.

Sentence Example: 他只是狐假虎威，其實並沒有真正的能力。(Tā zhǐshì hú jiǎ hǔ wēi, qíshí bìng méiyǒu zhēnzhèng de nénglì.)

Translation: He's just putting on airs, but he doesn't have any real abilities.

井底之蛙 (jǐng dǐ zhī wā)

The idiom "井底之蛙" (jǐng dǐ zhī wā) originates from the story of a frog living at the bottom of a well. This frog believed its small world in the well was the entirety of the universe. Figuratively, it describes individuals who have a narrow or limited perspective due to their lack of exposure to the broader world, experiences, or knowledge beyond their immediate surroundings.

Sentence Example: 他是個井底之蛙，對外界的事情一無所知。(Tā shì gè jǐng dǐ zhī wā, duì wàijiè de shìqing yīwú suǒzhī.)

Translation: He is like a frog in a well, unaware of the world beyond his limited perspective.

天下無敵 (tiān xià wú dí)

The idiom "天下無敵" (tiān xià wú dí) has a literal translation where "天下" (tiān xià) means "under heaven," "無" (wú) represents "without," and "敵" (dí) signifies "enemy." Figuratively, it means to be invincible or unbeatable.

Sentence Example: 這位選手實力強大，被譽為天下無敵。(Zhè wèi xuǎnshǒu shílì qiángdà, bèi yù wèi tiānxià wúdí.)

Translation: This athlete is incredibly strong and often considered a force to be reckoned with.

自相矛盾 (zì xiāng máo dùn)

The idiom "自相矛盾" (zì xiāng máo dùn) literally translates to "mutually spear and shield." Legend has it that an ancient merchant of spears and shields once boasted, "My shield is impenetrable," and "My spear can pierce anything." When asked what would happen if his own spear struck his shield, he was speechless. Figuratively, it means to contradict oneself.

Sentence Example: 他的話總是自相矛盾，讓人難以相信他。(Tā de huà zǒng shì zì xiāng máo dùn, ràng rén nányǐ xiāngxìn tā.)

Translation: His words are always at odds with each other, making it hard for people to trust him.

亡羊補牢 (wáng yáng bŭ láo)

The idiom "亡羊補牢" (wáng yáng bŭ láo) has a literal translation where "亡" (wáng) means "lose," "羊" (yáng) represents "sheep," "補" (bŭ) means "to mend," and "牢" (láo) signifies "pen." It means to mend the pend after the sheep are lost. Figuratively, it means to take action to remedy a situation after it has already gone wrong.

Sentence Example: 他現在才意識到問題的嚴重性，像亡羊補牢一樣採取行動。(Tā xiànzài cái yìshí dào wèntí de yánzhòng xìng, xiàng wáng yáng bŭ láo yīyàng cǎiqǔ xíngdòng.)

Translation: He now realizes the severity of the problem and is locking the stable door after the horse has bolted.

一箭雙雕 (yí jiàn shuāng diāo)

The idiom "一箭雙雕" (yí jiàn shuāng diāo) has a literal translation where "一" (yí) means "one," "箭" (jiàn) represents "arrow," "雙" (shuāng) means "double," and "雕" (diāo) signifies "bird." Figuratively, it means to kill two birds with one stone or to achieve two objectives with a single action.

Sentence Example: 這項計劃不僅可以提高效率，還能省下成本，實在是一箭雙雕的好主意。(Zhè xiàng jìhuà bù jǐn kěyǐ tí gāo xiàolǜ, hái néng shěng xià chéngběn, shízài shì yí jiàn shuāng diāo de hǎo zhǔyì.)

Translation: This plan not only increases efficiency but also saves costs, truly a great idea to kill two birds with one stone.

揠苗助長 (yà miáo zhù zhǎng)

The idiom "揠苗助長" (yà miáo zhù zhǎng) literally translates to "pulling up seedlings to help them grow." Legend has it that a farmer once impatiently pulled up young seedlings to make them grow faster, but ended up killing all the plants. Figuratively, it means to disrupt natural processes out of impatience, often resulting in unintended consequences.

Sentence Example: 他的急躁只會揠苗助長，無法取得預期的結果。(Tā de jízào zhǐ huì yà miáo zhù zhǎng, wúfǎ qǔdé yùqī de jiéguǒ.)

Translation: His impatience will only hinder progress, unable to achieve the desired results.

對牛彈琴 (duì niú tán qín)

The idiom "對牛彈琴" (duì niú tán qín) has a literal translation where "對" (duì) means "to," "牛" (niú) means "cow," "彈" (tán) means "to play," and "琴" (qín) signifies "zither" or "instrument." Figuratively, it means to offer something valuable to someone who cannot appreciate it.

Sentence Example: 跟他討論這麼深奧的問題就像是對牛彈琴，他根本聽不懂。(Gēn tā tǎolùn zhème shēn'ào de wèntí jiù xiàng shì duì niú tán qín, tā gēnběn tīng bù dǒng.)

Translation: Discussing such profound issues with him is like casting pearls before swine; he simply doesn't understand.

九牛一毛 (jiǔ niú yì máo)

The idiom "九牛一毛" (jiǔ niú yì máo) has a literal translation of nine cows with one missing hair have no impact whatsoever, where "九" (jiǔ) means "nine," "牛" (niú) means "cows," "一" (yì) means "one," and "毛" (máo) signifies "hair." Figuratively, it means one hair from nine cows or something that is extremely small and insignificant in comparison to the whole.

Sentence Example: 這筆錢對他來說只是九牛一毛，根本不算什麼。(Zhè bǐ qián duì tā lái shuō zhǐ shì jiǔ niú yì máo, gēnběn bù suàn shénme.)

Translation: This amount of money is just a drop in the bucket for him, hardly worth mentioning.

如魚得水 (rú yú dé shuǐ)

The idiom "如魚得水" (rú yú dé shuǐ) has a literal translation where "如" (rú) means "like," "魚" (yú) means "fish," "得" (dé) means "get," and "水" (shuǐ) signifies "water." Figuratively, it means like a fish in water, or being in a very comfortable or suitable environment.

Sentence Example: 他在新公司如魚得水，工作起來非常順利。(Tā zài xīn gōngsī rú yú dé shuǐ, gōngzuò qǐlái fēicháng shùnlì.)

Translation: He feels like a fish in the water at the new company, working very smoothly.

虎頭蛇尾 (hǔ tóu shé wěi)

The idiom "虎頭蛇尾" (hǔ tóu shé wěi) has a literal translation where "虎" (hǔ) means "tiger," "頭" (tóu) means "head," "蛇" (shé) means "snake," and "尾" (wěi) signifies "tail." A large tiger head with a thin snake tail. Figuratively, it means something with a strong start but a weak finish.

Sentence Example: 這個計劃開始時聲勢浩大，卻以虎頭蛇尾收場，讓人失望。(Zhège jìhuà kāishǐ shí shēngshì hàodà, què yǐ hǔ tóu shé wěi shōuchǎng, ràng rén shīwàng.)

Translation: This project started with great momentum but fizzled out in the end, disappointing everyone.

對號入座 (duì hào rù zuò)

The idiom "對號入座" (duì hào rù zuò) has a literal translation where "對" (duì) means "to," "號" (hào) means "number," "入" (rù) means "enter," and "座" (zuò) means "seat." It originally refers to theatergoers taking their seats according to the numbers on their tickets. Figuratively, it is often used to describe someone who cannot stay calm and identifies themselves when a criticism or comment has not named anyone specifically.

Sentence Example: 老闆批評工作不認真的人，他馬上對號入座，顯得非常緊張。(Lǎobǎn pīpíng gōngzuò bù rènzhēn de rén, tā mǎshàng duìhào rùzuò, xiǎnde fēicháng jǐnzhāng.)

Translation: When the boss criticized those who were not diligent in their work, he immediately took it to heart and looked very nervous.

有氣無力(yǒu qì wú lì)

The idiom "有氣無力" (yǒu qì wú lì) has a literal translation where "有" (yǒu) means "have," "氣" (qì) means "energy," "無" (wú) means "without," and "力" (lì) means "strength." Figuratively, it means to be weak or feeble, lacking energy or vitality.

Sentence Example:: 他病了幾天，看起來有氣無力的樣子。(Tā bìng le jǐ tiān, kàn qǐlái yǒu qì wú lì de yàngzi.)

Translation: He has been under the weather for a few days and looks weak and feeble.

別出心裁 (bié chū xīn cái)

The idiom "別出心裁" (bié chū xīn cái) has a literal translation where "別" (bié) means "different," "出" (chū) means "come up with," "心" (xīn) means "heart," and "裁" (cái) means "to cut or design." Figuratively, it means to be original or to come up with something creative and unique.

Sentence Example:: 他的設計總是別出心裁，讓人眼前一亮。(Tā de shèjì zǒng shì bié chū xīn cái, ràng rén yǎnqián yī liàng.)

Translation: His designs are always original and eye-catching.

冰山一角 (bīng shān yì jiǎo)

The idiom "冰山一角" (bīng shān yì jiǎo) has a literal translation where "冰" (bīng) means "ice," "山" (shān) means "mountain," "一" (yì) means "one," and "角" (jiǎo) means "corner." Figuratively, it means the tip of the iceberg, referring to a small, visible part of a much larger hidden problem or situation.

Sentence Example: 我們看到的問題只是冰山一角，背後還有更多的困難。(Wǒmen kàndào de wèntí zhǐshì bīngshān yì jiǎo, bèihòu hái yǒu gèng duō de kùnnán.)

Translation: The problems we see are just the tip of the iceberg; there are more difficulties behind the scenes.

拭目以待 (shì mù yǐ dài)

The idiom "拭目以待" (shì mù yǐ dài) has a literal translation where "拭" (shì) means "to wipe," "目" (mù) means "eyes," "以" (yǐ) means "with," and "待" (dài) means "to wait." Figuratively, it means to wait and see, often with anticipation or expectation.

Sentence Example: 新產品即將上市，我們拭目以待它的表現。(Xīn chǎnpǐn jíjiāng shàngshì, wǒmen shìmù yǐ dài tā de biǎoxiàn.)

Translation: The new product is about to hit the market, and we eagerly await its performance.

多才多藝 (duō cái duō yì)

The idiom "多才多藝" (duō cái duō yì) has a literal translation where "多" (duō) means "many," "才" (cái) means "talents," and "藝" (yì) means "skills." Figuratively, it means to be versatile or to have many talents and skills.

Sentence Example: 她是一位多才多藝的藝術家，能歌善舞，還會畫畫。(Tā shì yī wèi duō cái duō yì de yìshùjiā, néng gē shàn wǔ, hái huì huà huà.)

Translation: She is a versatile artist, who can sing and dance, and also paint.

左右為難 (zuǒ yòu wéi nán)

The idiom "左右為難" (zuǒ yòu wéi nán) has a literal translation where "左右" (zuǒ yòu) means "left and right," and "為難" (wéi nán) means "to be difficult." Figuratively, it means to be in a dilemma or to be caught in a difficult situation where making a choice is hard.

Sentence Example: 他在兩個朋友之間左右為難，不知道該幫助哪一個。(Tā zài liǎng gè péngyǒu zhī jiān zuǒ yòu wéi nán, bù zhīdào gāi bāngzhù nǎ yī gè.)

Translation: He was caught between a rock and a hard place for his friends, not knowing which friend to help.

臥虎藏龍 (wò hǔ cáng lóng)

The idiom "臥虎藏龍" (wò hǔ cáng lóng) has a literal translation where "臥" (wò) means "to crouch," "虎" (hǔ) means "tiger," "藏" (cáng) means "to hide," and "龍" (lóng) means "dragon." Figuratively, it means hidden talents or undiscovered talents and abilities.

Sentence Example: 這個小村莊臥虎藏龍，許多著名的藝術家都來自這裡。(Zhège xiǎo cūnzhuāng wò hǔ cáng lóng, xǔduō zhùmíng de yìshùjiā dōu láizì zhèlǐ.)

Translation: This small village is a hidden gem, full of talent; many famous artists come from here.

廢寢忘食 (fèi qǐn wàng shí)

The idiom "廢寢忘食" (fèi qǐn wàng shí) has a literal translation where "廢" (fèi) means "to abandon," "寢" (qǐn) means "sleep," "忘" (wàng) means "to forget," and "食" (shí) means "food." Figuratively, it means to neglect sleep and forget to eat, describing someone who is so engrossed in their work or passion that they forget to take care of basic needs.

Sentence Example: 他為了完成這個項目廢寢忘食，最終成功了。(Tā wèile wánchéng zhège xiàngmù fèiqǐnwàngshí, zuìzhōng chénggōngle.)

Translation: He burned the midnight oil to complete this project, and ultimately succeeded.

半途而廢 (Bàn tú’ér fèi)

Figuratively, it means to give up halfway or to leave something unfinished. The idiom has a literal translation where "半" (bàn) means "half," "途" (tú) means "way," "而" (ér) means "and," and "廢" (fèi) means "to abandon."

Sentence Example: 我們不能在這個時候半途而廢，一定要堅持到底。(Wǒmen bùnéng zài zhège shíhòu bàntú'érfèi, yídìng yào jiānchí dàodǐ.)

Translation: We cannot throw in the towel now; we must see this through to the end.

一絲不苟 (yī sī bù gǒu)

The idiom "一絲不苟" (yī sī bù gǒu) has a literal translation where "一絲" (yī sī) means "a thread," "不" (bù) means "not," and "苟" (gǒu) means "careless." Figuratively, it means to be meticulous or to not overlook even the smallest detail.

Sentence Example: 他做事一絲不苟，從不放過任何細節。(Tā zuòshì yīsībùgǒu, cóng bù fàngguò rènhé xìjié.)

Translation: He is meticulous in his work, never missing any detail.

理所當然 (lǐ suǒ dāng rán)

The idiom "理所當然" (lǐ suǒ dāng rán) has a literal translation where "理" (lǐ) means "reason," "所" (suǒ) means "that which," "當" (dāng) means "should be," and "然" (rán) means "so." Figuratively, it means something that is naturally or as a matter of course, or something that goes without saying.

Sentence Example: 幫助有需要的人是理所當然的事。(Bāngzhù yǒu xūyào de rén shì lǐsuǒdāngrán de shì.)

Translation: Helping those in need is something that should be done as a matter of course.

獨一無二 (dú yī wú’èr)

The idiom "獨一無二" (dú yī wú’èr) has a literal translation where "獨" (dú) means "alone," "一" (yī) means "one," "無" (wú) means "none," and "二" (èr) means "two." Figuratively, it means unique or one-of-a-kind.

Sentence Example: 這位藝術家的作品獨一無二，無法模仿。(Zhè wèi yìshùjiā de zuòpǐn dúyīwú’èr, wúfǎ mófǎng.)

Translation: The works of this artist are unique and cannot be imitated.

一見鍾情 (yī jiàn zhōng qíng)

The idiom "一見鍾情" (yī jiàn zhōng qíng) has a literal translation where "一" (yī) means "one," "見" (jiàn) means "to see," "鍾" (zhōng) means "to accumulate," and "情" (qíng) means "love." Figuratively, it means love at first sight.

Sentence Example: 他們在派對上相遇，彼此一見鍾情。(Tāmen zài pàiduì shàng xiāngyù, bǐcǐ yījiànzhōngqíng.)

Translation: They met at a party and fell in love at first sight.

亂七八糟 (luàn qī bā zāo)

The idiom "亂七八糟" (luàn qī bā zāo) has a literal translation where "亂" (luàn) means "messy," "七" (qī) means "seven," "八" (bā) means "eight," and "糟" (zāo) also means "mess." Figuratively, it means in a mess or disorder.

Sentence Example: 他的房間總是亂七八糟，很難找到東西。(Tā de fángjiān zǒng shì luànqībāzāo, hěn nán zhǎodào dōngxī.)

Translation: His room is always in a mess, making it hard to find things.

指鹿為馬 (zhǐ lù wéi mǎ)

The idiom "指鹿為馬" (zhǐ lù wéi mǎ) originates from a historical incident during the Qin Dynasty in ancient China. Zhao Gao, a cunning eunuch, tested his power by presenting a deer as a horse to the Emperor. Courtiers, fearing Zhao's influence, went along with the deception, illustrating how power can manipulate truth, giving rise to the idiom's meaning of deliberate deception or distortion of reality or truth.

Sentence Example: 那個政客經常指鹿為馬，企圖誤導公眾。(Nàgè zhèngkè jīngcháng zhǐlùwéimǎ, qìtú wùdǎo gōngzhòng.)

Translation: That politician often distorts the truth, trying to mislead the public.

How to Memorize the Chinese Characters of an Idiom?

Learning Chinese idioms presents challenges: using them incorrectly due to context misunderstanding, difficulty memorizing lengthy phrases, and understanding cultural references without knowledge of Chinese history, literature, or folklore can complicate comprehension and usage.

To overcome these challenges and effectively memorize the Chinese characters of idioms, consider the following tips:

1. Start with simple idioms and gradually progress to more complex ones to build confidence and familiarity.
2. Break down the words or characters within each idiom, learning their meanings, pronunciations, and stroke orders to facilitate memorization.
3. Dive into the stories or origins behind idioms to gain a deeper understanding of their meanings and cultural context.
4. Pay attention to how idioms are used in movies, TV shows, or music, and practice identifying and understanding them in context.
5. Engage in conversation exercises to practice using idioms appropriately and confidently in real-life situations.
6. Seek guidance from tutors, language partners, or native speakers to clarify any uncertainties and deepen your understanding of idioms and their usage.

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Mastering Chinese idioms is essential for deepening your understanding of Mandarin and immersing yourself in Chinese culture. These idiomatic expressions not only enhance your language proficiency but also offer valuable insights into the nuances of communication. To sharpen your skills and expand your repertoire of idioms, consistent practice is key.

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