Chinese idioms, known as 成语 (chéng yǔ), are a unique and integral part of the Chinese language and culture. These idioms are usually four characters long and often carry deep historical and cultural significance. For language learners, understanding and using these idioms can not only enhance your fluency but also provide insight into Chinese culture and history. In this article, we’ll explore some commonly used Chinese idioms, their meanings, and how to use them appropriately in conversation.
1. 胸有成竹 (xiōng yǒu chéng zhú)
Literal Meaning: To have bamboo in one’s chest.
Figurative Meaning: To have a well-thought-out plan or to be confident in one’s approach.
Origin: This idiom originates from a story about a painter who could paint bamboo with great precision because he had studied bamboo so thoroughly that he had a clear image of it in his mind.
Usage: You can use this idiom when you want to express confidence in your plan or strategy. For example, if you have prepared thoroughly for a presentation, you might say, “我对这个演讲胸有成竹” (wǒ duì zhège yǎnjiǎng xiōng yǒu chéng zhú), which means “I am very confident about this presentation.”
2. 亡羊补牢 (wáng yáng bǔ láo)
Literal Meaning: To mend the pen after the sheep are lost.
Figurative Meaning: To take action to prevent further loss after a mistake or failure.
Origin: This idiom comes from a story in which a shepherd, after losing sheep to a wolf, decides to mend the pen to prevent future losses.
Usage: This idiom is used to emphasize the importance of learning from mistakes and taking corrective action. For instance, if a student fails an exam and then decides to study harder, you could say, “亡羊补牢，未为晚也” (wáng yáng bǔ láo, wèi wéi wǎn yě), meaning “It is not too late to mend the pen after the sheep are lost.”
3. 对牛弹琴 (duì niú tán qín)
Literal Meaning: To play the lute to a cow.
Figurative Meaning: To speak to someone who does not understand or appreciate what you are saying.
Origin: This idiom comes from a story where a musician plays beautiful music to a cow, which, of course, does not appreciate it.
Usage: You can use this idiom when you feel your efforts or words are wasted on someone who cannot appreciate them. For example, if you’re explaining a complex scientific concept to someone with no background in science, you might say, “跟他讲这些简直是对牛弹琴” (gēn tā jiǎng zhèxiē jiǎnzhí shì duì niú tán qín), meaning “Explaining this to him is like playing the lute to a cow.”
4. 狐假虎威 (hú jiǎ hǔ wēi)
Literal Meaning: The fox exploits the tiger’s power.
Figurative Meaning: To bully people by flaunting one’s powerful connections or backing.
Origin: This idiom comes from a fable in which a fox tricks other animals into thinking it is powerful by walking alongside a tiger.
Usage: Use this idiom to describe someone who uses another person’s power or influence to intimidate others. For instance, “他只是狐假虎威，自己并没有什么实力” (tā zhǐshì hú jiǎ hǔ wēi, zìjǐ bìng méiyǒu shénme shílì), which means “He is just exploiting others’ power; he has no real strength himself.”
5. 画蛇添足 (huà shé tiān zú)
Literal Meaning: To draw legs on a snake.
Figurative Meaning: To ruin something by adding unnecessary details.
Origin: This idiom comes from a story where someone, after drawing a perfect snake, ruins it by adding legs.
Usage: You can use this idiom to caution against over-complicating something. For example, “这篇文章已经很好了，不要再改了，画蛇添足” (zhè piān wénzhāng yǐjīng hěn hǎo le, bù yào zài gǎi le, huà shé tiān zú), which means “This article is already very good; don’t make any more changes, or you’ll ruin it.”
6. 入乡随俗 (rù xiāng suí sú)
Literal Meaning: When entering a village, follow the local customs.
Figurative Meaning: When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
Origin: This idiom emphasizes the importance of adapting to local customs and practices when you are in a new place.
Usage: Use this idiom to advise someone to adapt to new environments or cultures. For example, “你刚到这里，应该入乡随俗” (nǐ gāng dào zhèlǐ, yīnggāi rù xiāng suí sú), which means “You’ve just arrived here; you should follow the local customs.”
7. 盲人摸象 (máng rén mō xiàng)
Literal Meaning: Blind men touching an elephant.
Figurative Meaning: To draw conclusions based on incomplete information.
Origin: This idiom comes from a story where blind men touch different parts of an elephant and each describes it differently, leading to a fragmented and inaccurate understanding.
Usage: Use this idiom to describe situations where people make judgments without having the whole picture. For instance, “我们不能盲人摸象，要全面了解情况” (wǒmen bù néng máng rén mō xiàng, yào quánmiàn liǎojiě qíngkuàng), which means “We shouldn’t draw conclusions without complete information; we need to understand the whole situation.”
8. 背水一战 (bèi shuǐ yī zhàn)
Literal Meaning: To fight with one’s back to the river.
Figurative Meaning: To fight a battle with no chance of retreat; to take a bold, all-or-nothing approach.
Origin: This idiom originates from a historical battle where a general positioned his troops with their backs to the river, forcing them to fight bravely as there was no chance of escape.
Usage: Use this idiom when describing a situation where someone is taking a bold and decisive action with no option for retreat. For example, “我们已经没有退路，只能背水一战” (wǒmen yǐjīng méiyǒu tuìlù, zhǐ néng bèi shuǐ yī zhàn), which means “We have no way out; we can only fight with our backs to the river.”
9. 画龙点睛 (huà lóng diǎn jīng)
Literal Meaning: To dot the eyes of the dragon.
Figurative Meaning: To add the finishing touch.
Origin: This idiom comes from a legend about an artist who painted dragons without eyes. When he finally added the eyes, the dragons came to life and flew away.
Usage: Use this idiom to describe adding a crucial detail that brings something to completion or makes it perfect. For instance, “这最后一句话真是画龙点睛” (zhè zuìhòu yījù huà zhēn shì huà lóng diǎn jīng), which means “This last sentence really is the finishing touch.”
10. 纸上谈兵 (zhǐ shàng tán bīng)
Literal Meaning: Discussing military tactics on paper.
Figurative Meaning: To have unrealistic or impractical ideas; to talk about things in theory without taking action.
Origin: This idiom comes from a story about a military strategist who was great at discussing tactics but failed miserably in actual combat.
Usage: Use this idiom to criticize someone who only talks about plans or ideas without taking practical steps. For example, “他只是纸上谈兵，从来不付诸行动” (tā zhǐshì zhǐ shàng tán bīng, cónglái bù fùzhū xíngdòng), which means “He just talks about plans on paper and never takes action.”
11. 草船借箭 (cǎo chuán jiè jiàn)
Literal Meaning: Borrowing arrows with thatched boats.
Figurative Meaning: To use someone else’s resources for one’s own benefit.
Origin: This idiom comes from a story in the “Romance of the Three Kingdoms,” where a military strategist borrowed arrows from the enemy using boats covered in straw.
Usage: Use this idiom to describe the clever use of someone else’s resources to achieve your goal. For instance, “他真聪明，用了草船借箭的办法” (tā zhēn cōngmíng, yòngle cǎo chuán jiè jiàn de bànfǎ), which means “He is really smart; he used the method of borrowing arrows with thatched boats.”
12. 坐井观天 (zuò jǐng guān tiān)
Literal Meaning: To view the sky from the bottom of a well.
Figurative Meaning: To have a narrow or limited perspective.
Origin: This idiom comes from a fable about a frog that lives at the bottom of a well and believes the sky is only as big as the well opening.
Usage: Use this idiom to describe someone with a limited perspective or narrow view of the world. For example, “你不能坐井观天，要多出去看看” (nǐ bùnéng zuò jǐng guān tiān, yào duō chūqù kànkàn), which means “You shouldn’t have such a narrow view; you need to go out and see more.”
13. 如鱼得水 (rú yú dé shuǐ)
Literal Meaning: Like a fish in water.
Figurative Meaning: To feel perfectly comfortable or at home in a particular situation.
Origin: This idiom emphasizes the natural fit and comfort of a fish in water, symbolizing someone in an environment where they can thrive.
Usage: Use this idiom to describe someone who is in their element and performing well. For instance, “他在新公司如鱼得水” (tā zài xīn gōngsī rú yú dé shuǐ), which means “He is like a fish in water at his new company.”
14. 半途而废 (bàn tú ér fèi)
Literal Meaning: To give up halfway.
Figurative Meaning: To abandon something before completion.
Origin: This idiom emphasizes the futility of starting something but not seeing it through to the end.
Usage: Use this idiom to criticize someone for not finishing what they started. For example, “我们不能半途而废，一定要完成这个项目” (wǒmen bù néng bàn tú ér fèi, yīdìng yào wánchéng zhège xiàngmù), which means “We can’t give up halfway; we must complete this project.”
15. 画饼充饥 (huà bǐng chōng jī)
Literal Meaning: To draw a cake to satisfy hunger.
Figurative Meaning: To feed on illusions or daydreams.
Origin: This idiom comes from a story about a man who drew pictures of cakes to try to satisfy his hunger, highlighting the futility of relying on illusions.
Usage: Use this idiom to describe someone who relies on unrealistic expectations or dreams. For instance, “你不能画饼充饥，要脚踏实地去努力” (nǐ bùnéng huà bǐng chōng jī, yào jiǎotàshídì qù nǔlì), which means “You can’t rely on illusions; you need to work hard and be practical.”
Conclusion
Chinese idioms are a fascinating and enriching aspect of the Chinese language. They provide not only a linguistic challenge but also a window into Chinese culture, history, and philosophy. By learning and using these idioms, language learners can enhance their communication skills and deepen their understanding of the cultural context in which the language is used. So, next time you encounter a situation that one of these idioms fits perfectly, don’t hesitate to use it and impress your Chinese-speaking friends!
