Chinese is a rich and expressive language, deeply rooted in history and culture. One of the most fascinating aspects of the Chinese language is its extensive use of idioms, or 成语 (chéngyǔ). These idioms often carry profound meanings in just a few characters, drawing on stories, fables, and historical events that have been passed down through generations. Understanding and using these idioms correctly not only enhances your language skills but also helps you gain a deeper appreciation of Chinese culture and history.
In this article, we will explore some interesting and commonly used Chinese idioms, delving into their origins and meanings. These idioms are not just fun to learn but are also widely used in everyday conversation, literature, and even in professional settings. For those looking to master Chinese idioms and improve their overall language proficiency, consider enrolling in Chinese classes at LC Chinese School in Oslo. Our flexible classes cater to learners at all levels, ensuring that you can progress at your own pace. You can sign up here.
What Are Chinese Idioms (成语)?
Chinese idioms, or 成语 (chéngyǔ), are typically four-character phrases that encapsulate complex ideas or moral lessons in a concise way. These idioms often have literary, historical, or philosophical origins, with many tracing back to ancient texts and fables. Understanding their context and origins is key to using them correctly, as many idioms are specific to certain situations or carry nuances that might not be immediately apparent.
Let’s take a look at some of the most famous and interesting Chinese idioms, their origins, and how you can use them in everyday conversation.
1. 刻舟求剑 (kè zhōu qiú jiàn) – “Carving a mark on the boat to find the sword”
Origin:
This idiom comes from a story in the Han Feizi, an ancient Chinese philosophical text. The story tells of a man who accidentally dropped his sword into the river while crossing it by boat. Instead of stopping the boat or diving into the water immediately, he decided to carve a mark on the side of the boat to remember where the sword had fallen. When he reached the shore, he jumped into the water at the place where the mark was, expecting to find his sword there. Of course, the boat had already moved, and the sword was nowhere near the mark.
Meaning:
The idiom 刻舟求剑 refers to someone who rigidly sticks to outdated methods or logic without considering changes in circumstances. It warns against the futility of using an outdated approach to solve new problems.
How to use it:
You might use this idiom when discussing someone who refuses to adapt to new methods or insists on following an old-fashioned approach despite changing conditions.
- Example:
他一直坚持旧的方法，真是刻舟求剑。
(Tā yīzhí jiānchí jiù de fāngfǎ, zhēn shì kè zhōu qiú jiàn.)
“He insists on using old methods, which is really like ‘carving a mark on the boat to find the sword.'”
2. 盲人摸象 (máng rén mō xiàng) – “The blind men touching an elephant”
Origin:
This idiom comes from an ancient Indian parable that was later adapted into Chinese culture. In the story, several blind men encounter an elephant for the first time. Since they can’t see, each man touches a different part of the elephant. One touches the tusk and thinks the elephant is like a spear, another touches the leg and believes it’s like a tree, and so on. Each man believes that his understanding of the elephant is correct, though none of them have the full picture.
Meaning:
盲人摸象 describes people who judge a situation based on limited knowledge or experience. It emphasizes the importance of seeing the bigger picture before making conclusions.
How to use it:
This idiom is often used to criticize people who jump to conclusions without having all the facts.
- Example:
他们只是根据一部分的信息做出判断，简直是盲人摸象。
(Tāmen zhǐshì gēnjù yībùfèn de xìnxī zuòchū pànduàn, jiǎnzhí shì mángrén mō xiàng.)
“They are making judgments based on only part of the information, like blind men touching an elephant.”
3. 画蛇添足 (huà shé tiān zú) – “Drawing legs on a snake”
Origin:
This idiom comes from a fable during the Warring States period. A group of men found a jar of wine and decided to share it. Since there wasn’t enough for everyone, they agreed that whoever could draw the best picture of a snake first would get to drink the wine. One man finished drawing his snake quickly and, confident of his victory, decided to add legs to the snake to make his drawing “better.” However, the addition of legs meant it was no longer a snake, and he lost the contest.
Meaning:
画蛇添足 means to ruin something by overdoing it or adding unnecessary details. It highlights the importance of keeping things simple and not making unnecessary changes.
How to use it:
You can use this idiom to describe someone who complicates a simple task or goes beyond what is necessary, making the situation worse.
- Example:
这个方案已经很好了，不要画蛇添足。
(Zhège fāng’àn yǐjīng hěn hǎo le, bùyào huà shé tiān zú.)
“This plan is already good; don’t ruin it by adding unnecessary details.”
4. 塞翁失马 (sài wēng shī mǎ) – “The old man who lost his horse”
Origin:
This idiom is derived from a story in Huainanzi, a classic Chinese text. In the story, an old man who lived near the border lost one of his horses. His neighbors came to console him, but he responded that losing the horse might actually be a good thing. Some time later, the horse returned, bringing with it a strong stallion. The neighbors congratulated him, but the old man replied that this might lead to misfortune. Later, his son was thrown from the stallion and broke his leg. Once again, the old man remarked that this could be a blessing in disguise. When war broke out, his son’s injury saved him from being drafted into the army.
Meaning:
塞翁失马 conveys the idea that good luck and bad luck are often intertwined, and what seems like a setback may turn out to be a blessing in disguise. It’s a reminder to stay calm and balanced in the face of changing circumstances.
How to use it:
You can use this idiom when someone experiences a loss or setback, reminding them that things may turn out positively in the end.
- Example:
虽然你失去了这个机会，但别担心，也许是塞翁失马，焉知非福。
(Suīrán nǐ shīqùle zhège jīhuì, dàn bié dānxīn, yěxǔ shì sàiwēngshīmǎ, yān zhī fēi fú.)
“Even though you missed this opportunity, don’t worry, it might be a blessing in disguise.”
5. 狐假虎威 (hú jiǎ hǔ wēi) – “The fox borrows the tiger’s might”
Origin:
This idiom comes from a story in The Strategies of the Warring States. A tiger was hunting in the forest when it caught a fox. The fox, desperate to save itself, told the tiger that it had been sent by the gods to rule over all animals. The fox dared the tiger to walk behind it and see if the other animals would run away. The tiger agreed, and as the fox led the way, all the animals indeed fled in fear. The tiger didn’t realize that they were actually afraid of him, not the fox.
Meaning:
狐假虎威 refers to someone who uses the power or influence of someone else to intimidate others or achieve their own goals. It describes people who rely on borrowed authority to assert dominance.
How to use it:
This idiom is often used to criticize someone who pretends to have power or authority by aligning themselves with a powerful person or group.
- Example:
他只是靠老板狐假虎威，自己没有真正的能力。
(Tā zhǐshì kào lǎobǎn hú jiǎ hǔ wēi, zìjǐ méiyǒu zhēnzhèng de nénglì.)
“He only relies on the boss’s power to intimidate others; he has no real ability of his own.”
6. 井底之蛙 (jǐng dǐ zhī wā) – “A frog at the bottom of a well”
Origin:
This idiom comes from the Daoist classic Zhuangzi. In the story, a frog living in a well is visited by a sea turtle from the ocean. The frog boasts about how comfortable and perfect his life in the well is, not realizing how vast the ocean beyond his little world is. The sea turtle, who had seen the enormity of the ocean, can only smile at the frog’s ignorance.
Meaning:
井底之蛙 refers to someone with a narrow perspective or limited worldview. It’s often used to describe people who are unaware of the broader picture or lack the ability to see beyond their immediate surroundings.
How to use it:
This idiom can be used to describe someone who is overconfident in their limited knowledge, unaware of how much more there is to learn or experience.
- Example:
他总觉得自己什么都知道，真是井底之蛙。
(Tā zǒng juéde zìjǐ shénme dōu zhīdào, zhēn shì jǐngdǐzhīwā.)
“He always thinks he knows everything, but he’s really just a frog at the bottom of a well.”
Conclusion
Chinese idioms are not only a reflection of the language’s beauty but also a window into the country’s rich cultural and historical heritage. By learning and using these idioms, you can communicate more effectively and gain deeper insights into Chinese thought and wisdom. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, mastering idioms like these will enhance your fluency and cultural understanding.
If you’re interested in expanding your Chinese language skills and learning more idioms like these, consider joining LC Chinese School in Oslo. Our classes are designed to provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to communicate confidently in Chinese. For more details and to register, visit this link.
By integrating idioms into your language practice, you’ll not only improve your ability to express yourself but also develop a richer connection with Chinese culture.
