Chinese idioms, or 成语 (chéngyǔ), are an integral part of the Chinese language and culture. They condense complex ideas into short, memorable phrases, often derived from historical stories, myths, or philosophical lessons. While many of these idioms are widely taught in language textbooks, there are countless idiomatic expressions that are just as valuable but rarely make it into standard curricula. Some of these idioms are deeply embedded in everyday conversations, reflecting modern Chinese society and its evolving linguistic trends.
In this article, we will explore Chinese idioms that you’re unlikely to find in textbooks but are frequently used by native speakers. These expressions not only add richness to your language skills but also offer you a window into the cultural nuances of contemporary China. If you’re serious about mastering Chinese, including idiomatic expressions, consider enrolling in Chinese classes at LC Chinese School in Oslo. Our flexible classes are designed to cater to all levels, helping you reach your language goals. You can register here.
What Makes Idioms So Special in Chinese?
Idioms are like linguistic shortcuts. They encapsulate entire concepts or stories in just a few characters, often packing deep meanings or moral lessons. Many of the idioms found in textbooks are derived from ancient sources such as The Analects of Confucius, The Strategies of the Warring States, or Chinese folklore. However, the language is constantly evolving, and native speakers often incorporate lesser-known idioms and expressions into their daily speech. These idioms offer insight into the living, breathing nature of Mandarin Chinese, reflecting modern concerns, humor, and social commentary.
Why Are Some Idioms Left Out of Textbooks?
There are a few reasons why certain idioms don’t make it into textbooks:
- Cultural Context: Some idioms are highly context-specific, relying on an understanding of modern Chinese society or current events. Textbooks often focus on more universally applicable idioms.
- Complexity: Some idioms are difficult to translate or teach because their meanings are derived from subtle, culturally embedded ideas.
- Obsolescence: Certain idioms fall out of favor or are considered outdated, but may still be used colloquially by older generations or in specific regions.
- Modern Slang: As with any living language, new idioms emerge over time, often influenced by pop culture, the internet, or social trends.
Chinese Idioms Not Commonly Found in Textbooks
Now, let’s delve into some fascinating idioms that you’re unlikely to come across in traditional Chinese textbooks but that are alive and well in everyday Chinese conversations.
1. 皇帝不急太监急 (huángdì bù jí tài jiān jí) – “The emperor is not anxious, but the eunuch is”
Origin:
This idiom paints a vivid image of a situation where a person is more anxious or worried than the one who should actually be concerned. Historically, eunuchs served emperors in China, and while they had no official power, they were often concerned with the affairs of the emperor.
Meaning:
皇帝不急太监急 refers to a situation where someone is more worried about another person’s problem than the person themselves. It’s often used to describe people who overreact to someone else’s issues or are unnecessarily involved in other people’s business.
How to use it:
- Example: 他工作很轻松，倒是他的家人担心得要命，真是皇帝不急太监急。
(Tā gōngzuò hěn qīngsōng, dàoshì tā de jiārén dānxīn dé yàomìng, zhēn shì huángdì bù jí tài jiān jí.)
“His work is really relaxed, but his family is worried sick. It’s truly a case of the eunuch being more anxious than the emperor.”
2. 狗急跳墙 (gǒu jí tiào qiáng) – “A cornered dog will leap over a wall”
Origin:
This idiom comes from the observation that even a normally timid or docile dog, when cornered, will do something extreme, like jump over a wall, to escape danger.
Meaning:
狗急跳墙 is used to describe someone who is forced into a desperate situation and takes extreme measures to deal with it. It’s often employed to explain reckless actions taken when someone has no other choice.
How to use it:
- Example: 他现在已经走投无路了，我怕他狗急跳墙，做出什么疯狂的事。
(Tā xiànzài yǐjīng zǒutóuwúlù le, wǒ pà tā gǒu jí tiào qiáng, zuòchū shénme fēngkuáng de shì.)
“He’s cornered now. I’m afraid he might act recklessly out of desperation.”
3. 猪八戒照镜子 (zhū bā jiè zhào jìngzi) – “Zhu Bajie looks in the mirror”
Origin:
This idiom refers to Zhu Bajie, a pig-like character from the famous Chinese novel Journey to the West. Zhu Bajie is known for his unattractive appearance and his lack of self-awareness.
Meaning:
猪八戒照镜子 means someone is failing to see their own flaws. It can also imply that someone is overly critical of others while ignoring their own faults.
How to use it:
- Example: 他老是嘲笑别人不聪明，自己却连最简单的题目也做不出来，真是猪八戒照镜子。
(Tā lǎoshì cháoxiào biérén bù cōngmíng, zìjǐ què lián zuì jiǎndān de tímù yě zuò bù chūlái, zhēn shì zhū bā jiè zhào jìngzi.)
“He’s always making fun of others for being slow, but he can’t even solve the simplest problems. It’s like Zhu Bajie looking in the mirror.”
4. 马马虎虎 (mǎ mǎ hū hū) – “So-so”
Origin:
This idiom has a playful, onomatopoeic quality and is widely used in casual conversations.
Meaning:
马马虎虎 literally translates to “horse horse tiger tiger,” but it means “so-so” or “mediocre.” It’s often used to describe something that’s neither very good nor very bad, just average.
How to use it:
- Example: 你觉得那家餐厅怎么样？
(Nǐ juéde nà jiā cāntīng zěnme yàng?)
“How do you think that restaurant was?”- 马马虎虎，没什么特别的。
(Mǎ mǎ hū hū, méi shénme tèbié de.)
“It was just so-so, nothing special.”
- 马马虎虎，没什么特别的。
5. 打肿脸充胖子 (dǎ zhǒng liǎn chōng pàngzi) – “Slap your own face to make it look fat”
Origin:
This idiom has a humorous visual origin, implying that someone is trying to appear more successful or important than they actually are, even at the cost of discomfort or pain.
Meaning:
打肿脸充胖子 is used to describe someone who pretends to be wealthy or important, even though they clearly aren’t. It can also refer to people who go to great lengths to maintain appearances, often beyond their means.
How to use it:
- Example: 他明明没多少钱，还要请所有人吃饭，真是打肿脸充胖子。
(Tā míngmíng méi duō shǎo qián, hái yào qǐng suǒyǒu rén chīfàn, zhēn shì dǎ zhǒng liǎn chōng pàngzi.)
“He clearly doesn’t have much money, but he insists on treating everyone to dinner. He’s slapping his own face to make it look fat.”
6. 黔驴技穷 (qián lǘ jì qióng) – “The donkey in Qian is out of tricks”
Origin:
This idiom comes from a story about a donkey in the region of Qian that relied on the same trick (kicking) to defend itself. Once its opponent realized the donkey had no other defenses, it easily defeated the donkey.
Meaning:
黔驴技穷 means someone has run out of tricks or ideas. It’s often used to describe someone who has exhausted all their options and is now powerless or out of strategies.
How to use it:
- Example: 他们用尽了所有的办法来拖延工期，但最后还是黔驴技穷，只能按时交工。
(Tāmen yòng jìn le suǒyǒu de bànfǎ lái tuōyán gōngqí, dàn zuìhòu háishì qiánlǘjìqióng, zhǐ néng ànshí jiāogōng.)
“They tried every trick to delay the project, but in the end, they ran out of ideas and had to complete it on time.”
7. 鸡飞蛋打 (jī fēi dàn dǎ) – “The chicken flies away, and the eggs are broken”
Origin:
This idiom refers to a situation where both sides of a plan fail, leaving the person empty-handed.
Meaning:
鸡飞蛋打 is used to describe a situation where everything goes wrong, and you end up losing everything.
How to use it:
- Example: 他投资失败，房子也被卖了，真是鸡飞蛋打。
(Tā tóuzī shībài, fángzi yě bèi màile, zhēn shì jī fēi dàn dǎ.)
“He failed in his investment and had to sell his house. He ended up losing everything.”
Why Should You Learn Idioms Beyond the Textbooks?
While textbooks offer essential foundational knowledge, real fluency comes from understanding the subtleties of everyday language. These idioms reflect the richness of Chinese culture, and learning them will not only make your speech more colorful but also help you better connect with native speakers. Many of these idioms carry cultural references that give you insights into Chinese society, humor, and values.
How Can You Incorporate These Idioms Into Your Chinese Learning?
Learning idioms outside of textbooks can be challenging, but here are some strategies to help:
- Practice with Native Speakers: Try using idioms in conversations with Chinese speakers. They’ll appreciate your effort and can help you understand the right context for each idiom.
- Watch Chinese TV Shows and Movies: Many modern Chinese dramas, films, and comedies use idioms that are not commonly found in textbooks. Watching these will help you pick up idioms naturally.
- Read Chinese Literature: Classical Chinese novels and modern fiction alike are great sources for idiomatic expressions.
- Join a Class: If you want structured learning and expert guidance, consider joining a Chinese class. At LC Chinese School in Oslo, we offer flexible classes tailored to your level. You can register here.
By expanding your knowledge of idioms, you’ll find that your Chinese becomes more nuanced, and your ability to understand and express yourself will significantly improve.
