200+ Chinese Idioms Chengyu For Every Occasion [With PDF]

As a non-Chinese speaker, you may find Chinese idioms (Chengyu) puzzling and unfamiliar. However, once you grasp these vivid and interesting idioms, you’ll be able to better understand Chinese culture and use them effortlessly in daily conversations.

This article will provide a detailed introduction to over 200+ common Chinese idioms, including their pinyin, English explanation, and related Chinese Idioms stories. Whether you’re looking to improve your Chinese language skills or simply have a keen interest in Chinese culture, this article will be a valuable resource for you. Let’s explore the captivating world of Chinese idioms together!

Part 1. What Are Chinese Idioms (Chengyu)?

Chinese idioms (Chengyu) are an essential part of traditional Chinese culture. They are typically composed of four Chinese characters and contain rich historical anecdotes and deep-rooted meanings. Concise in form, Chinese idioms can vividly express complex concepts and emotions.

How many Chinese idioms are there?

It is estimated that there are over 5,000 Chinese idioms (Chengyu) in the Chinese language. However, only a few hundred of them are considered commonly used and widely recognized.

How and when are Chinese idioms used?

Idioms are widely applied in daily communication, literary works, and formal occasions, serving as an important tool for Chinese people to express their thoughts and feelings. Mastering common Chinese idioms not only helps you better understand Chinese culture but also allows you to communicate more vividly and uniquely.

Occasion	Role and Purpose of Idioms
Daily Conversation	Add color and depth to everyday speech, making it more expressive and memorable.
Literature & Art	Writers, poets, and artists often incorporate idioms to convey complex ideas concisely and artistically.
Formal Occasions	Commonly used in professional settings like business meetings, speeches, and academic discussions to exhibit cultural knowledge and eloquence.
Education	Integral to Chinese language education, providing insights into Chinese history, philosophy, and cultural values.

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Part 2. Famous Chinese Four Character Idioms (Chengyu)

1.指鹿为马 (zhǐ lù wéi mǎ)

This idiom originates from a story during the Warring States period in ancient China. A corrupt court official named Zhao Gao tried to deceive the Qin emperor by insisting that a deer was actually a horse. Despite the emperor and his ministers knowing it was clearly a deer, Zhao Gao threatened them, forcing them to agree that it was a horse. This illustrates how Zhao Gao blatantly distorted the facts to serve his own agenda and maintain his power.

Meaning:	To deliberately distort facts or misrepresent the truth in order to mislead or deceive others.
Example:	那个公司CEO试图指鹿为马,隐瞒财务报告中的重大问题。 The company’s CEO attempted to指鹿为马, concealing the significant issues in the financial report.

2.杀鸡取卵 (shā jī qǔ luǎn)

This idiom refers to a short-sighted farmer who, in order to get the eggs from his chicken immediately, decides to kill the chicken. By doing so, he destroys the source of a continuous supply of eggs, harming his long-term interests.

Meaning:	To sacrifice long-term benefits or sustainability for the sake of short-term gains or quick profits.
Example:	为了赚快钱,公司杀鸡取卵,大幅削减了研发投入。 English Meaning: To make a quick profit, the company杀鸡取卵, drastically reducing its R&D investment.

3.守株待兔 (shǒu zhū dài tù)

This idiom comes from a tale about a farmer who, after accidentally catching a rabbit in a tree stump, decided to wait by the same tree stump, hoping to catch more rabbits. He ended up waiting in vain for days, as no other rabbits came. This story illustrates the futility of passively waiting for opportunities to present themselves, rather than actively pursuing them.

Meaning:	To passively wait for opportunities to come, rather than taking initiative to create or seek out those opportunities.
Example:	面试官对那位求职者持守株待兔的态度,没有主动出击去寻找合适的人才。 English Meaning: The interviewer’s守株待兔attitude towards the job applicant, not actively seeking out suitable candidates.

4.洛阳纸贵 (Luò yáng zhǐ guì)

This idiom originates from a line of poetry by the Tang dynasty poet Li Shangyin, “The paper of Luoyang is precious, the fish of Xuancheng are fat.” During the Tang dynasty, the paper produced in Luoyang was of exceptionally high quality, making it a scarce and expensive luxury item.

Meaning:	To describe something that is rare and expensive.
Example:	自从这位年轻作家的小说出版以来，洛阳纸贵，书店的库存很快就销售一空。 Since the publication of this young writer’s novel, there has been such a high demand that the stock in bookstores has sold out quickly, reminiscent of the phrase ‘the price of paper in Luoyang becomes expensive’

5.韦编三绝 (Wéi biān sān jué)

This idiom comes from the poetry of the Tang dynasty poet Wei Yingwu, who was renowned for his exceptional calligraphy skills. This sstory is about Wei Yingwu’s calligraphic works were considered to be of the highest possible standard, unparalleled in their excellence.

Meaning:	To describe someone who has reached the pinnacle of mastery in a particular skill or craft, without equal.
Example:	张教授为了准备这次的讲座，几乎把图书馆的历史文献翻了个遍，他的认真程度可以用韦编三绝来形容。 Professor Zhang, in preparation for his lecture, nearly combed through every historical document in the library, his dedication to the task could be described as “repeatedly breaking the thongs binding the bamboo slips,” echoing the profound commitment embodied in the idiom “wéi biān sān jué.”

6.凿壁透光 (Záo bì tòu guāng)

Chengyu story: This idiom originates from a story in the classical Chinese text “Zhuangzi”. In the story, a man named Ranchao was trying to solve a problem, but was stuck. One day, he noticed a beam of light shining through a crack in the wall, and realized that by chiseling a hole in the wall, he could let in more light and better see the solution to his problem.

Meaning:	To metaphorically describe finding a solution to a problem through one’s own efforts and persistence.
Example:	小明凿壁透光，勤学不倦，终于考上了理想大学。 Xiaoming, by dint of his diligence and ceaseless study, metaphorically ‘pierced the wall to let light in,’ and finally got admitted to his dream university.

7.事半功倍 (shì bàn gōng bèi)

This idiom suggests that by using the right methods and strategies, one can achieve more with less effort, similar to the concept of “working smarter, not harder.” The idea is that the proper application of skills and resources can lead to a disproportionately greater outcome compared to the input.

Meaning:	To accomplish a task efficiently and effectively, often with less effort or resources than would typically be required.
Example:	我们通过精心策划和高效执行,事半功倍地完成了这个项目。 Through careful planning and efficient execution, we were able to accomplish this project with half the effort.

8.画龙点睛 (huà lóng diǎn jīng)

This idiom originates from the ancient Chinese art of painting dragons. It was believed that the final step of adding the pupils to the dragon’s eyes was the key to bringing the painting to life and making it truly captivating. The idea is that the small, final touch can make a significant difference in the overall quality and impact of a work.

Meaning:	To add the final, crucial touches that make something complete and perfect, transforming it into a masterpiece.
Example:	导演对这部电影进行最后的小小修改,画龙点睛,使其成为了一部杰作。 The director’s final小小改动画龙点睛, transforming the film into a masterpiece.

9.纸上谈兵 (zhǐ shàng tán bīng)

This Chinese idiom comes from a story in the “Historical Records”. Qin dynasty general Li Xin suffered a defeat in battle, but his military advisor only discussed strategies on paper without any real military action. This behavior of only theorizing on paper without actual implementation is called “纸上谈兵”.

Meaning:	To discuss strategies and plans only on paper, without taking concrete action.
Example:	李经理在会议上提出了很多策略，但他从未亲自执行过任何一项，这就像是纸上谈兵，让人怀疑他的实际操作能力。 English Meaning: During the meeting, Manager Li proposed numerous strategies, but he had never personally executed any of them himself. It felt like armchair generalship, raising doubts about his ability to apply theory in practice.

10.揠苗助长 (yà miáo zhù zhǎng)

This Chinese idiom describes a person who, in order to make a young seedling grow faster, pulls it up. This not only fails to help, but ends up killing the seedling. It metaphorically refers to someone who is impatient for success and uses inappropriate methods, which ends up hindering the normal development of things.

Meaning:	To be impatient for success and use inappropriate methods that end up hindering the normal progress of things.
Example:	父母对孩子过度的保护和溺爱，其实是在揠苗助长，不利于孩子独立性格的培养。 English Meaning: Parents’ over-protection and indulgence of their children is akin to helping rice seedlings grow by pulling them up, which does not foster independence.

11.买椟还珠 (mǎi dú huán zhū)

This Chinese idiom comes from a story about a person who buys what appears to be an ordinary small box, but inside it contains invaluable pearls. Due to his ignorance, he ends up exchanging precious resources for something of little value.

Meaning:	To unknowingly exchange valuable things for something of much less value.
Example:	只注重外表而忽视内在品质，就如同买椟还珠，得不偿失。 English Meaning: Focusing solely on appearance while ignoring inner quality is like buying the casket and returning the pearl, resulting in a poor trade.

12.塞翁失马 (sài wēng shī mǎ)

This Chinese idiom comes from a story about a farmer named Sai Weng. When Sai Weng’s horse ran away, his neighbors thought it was a misfortune. But later, the horse came back with a wild horse, making Sai Weng even wealthier. Later, Sai Weng’s son broke his leg while riding a horse, which was seen as another misfortune. But this eventually saved the son from being conscripted into the army and suffering the hardships of war. This shows that what appears to be misfortune may ultimately turn out to be good luck.

Meaning:	What appears to be misfortune may ultimately turn out to be good luck.
Example:	虽然这次投资失败看似损失惨重，但谁知道这会不会是塞翁失马，焉知非福呢？ English Meaning: Although this investment failure seems costly, who knows if it isn’t a case of the old man from Sai losing his horse — it might yet turn out to be a blessing in disguise.

13.望梅止渴 (wàng méi zhǐ kě)

This Chengyu originates from a story about a thirsty soldier who, when seeing a plum tree in the distance, imagined the refreshing taste of plums, which temporarily quenched his thirst.

Meaning:	To find solace or temporary relief in the mere thought of something, without actually obtaining or experiencing it.
Example:	在长途跋涉中，士兵们通过想象前方有甘甜的梅子来缓解口渴，这就是望梅止渴。 During a long march, soldiers would imagine sweet plums ahead to relieve their thirst — an instance of quenching one’s thirst by thinking of plums.

14.画蛇添足 (huà shé tiān zú)

This idiom comes from a story about a person who, after drawing a snake, decided to add feet to it. This extra “improvement” ended up ruining the original simple and elegant depiction of the snake.

Meaning:	To add unnecessary embellishments or details that only serve to spoil or ruin something simple and effective.
Example:	本来计划已经很完善了，你再加一些不必要的细节就是画蛇添足。 English Meaning: The plan was already well-designed; adding unnecessary details would be like adding feet to a snake — superfluous and potentially detrimental.

15.叶公好龙 (yè gōng hào lóng)

This idiom refers to an ancient Chinese official named Ye Gong, who pretended to love and appreciate dragons, but in reality, knew little about them.

Meaning:	To pretend to like or appreciate something, when you actually know very little about it.
Example:	对于新兴技术,他总是一副恨不得掌握全部的样子,但实际上只是在装腔作势,叶公好龙。(When it comes to new technologies, he always acts like he wants to master everything, but in reality, he’s just pretending, like Ye Gong loved dragons.)

Part 3. 10 Popular Chinese idioms (Chengyu) to Learn Today

1.一鼓作气 (yī gǔ zuò qì)

This idiom originates from a military strategy of launching an all-out attack with full force to overwhelm the enemy.

Meaning:	To tackle a task or problem with full determination and energy, without hesitation.
Example:	我们必须一鼓作气,把这个项目在本周内完成。(We must make a concerted effort to finish this project within this week.)

2.一石二鸟 (yī shí èr niǎo)

This idiom originates from an ancient fable about a hunter who skillfully hit two birds with a single thrown stone. Meaning: To accomplish two goals or tasks with a single action.

Meaning:	The English word “yī shí èr niǎo” (一石二鸟) means “to kill two birds with one stone”, and is used to describe the achievement of two purposes or effects at the same time through one action.
Example:	我们可以一石二鸟，既完成了这项工作，又可以顺便去买些食材。(We can kill two birds with one stone – we can complete this task and also go buy some groceries at the same time.)

3.刻舟求剑 (kè zhōu qiú jiàn)

This idiom is based on a story about a man who, after accidentally dropping his sword into a river, tried to retrieve it by cutting a mark on the boat, thinking he could find the sword at that exact spot later.

Meaning:	To stubbornly adhere to a course of action that is no longer relevant or feasible.
Example:	试图获得去年申请的那份工作就像试图刻舟求剑一样——是时候寻找新的机会了。（Trying to get that job you applied for last year is just like trying to retrieve a sword from a boat – it’s time to move on to new opportunities.）

4.朝三暮四 (zhāo sān mù sì)

This idiom originates from a story about a person who kept changing their mind about how many fruits they had picked, saying three in the morning and four in the evening.

Meaning:	To be indecisive or change one’s mind frequently.
Example:	他对于是否参加这次比赛一直朝三暮四,最后还是决定放弃了。(He kept changing his mind about whether to participate in the competition, and in the end, he decided to give up.)

5.半途而废 (Bàn tú ér fèi)

This idiom comes from a story in the Book of Han – Wang Mang’s Biography. Wang Mang used to study reasoning when he was young, but he found it difficult in the process and eventually chose to give up. This story reflects his lack of perseverance in pursuing his ideal, and eventually failed to realize his goal.
The phrase “giving up halfway” is often used to warn people to persevere in their endeavors and not to give up lightly.

Meaning:	To start something but give up halfway, failing to complete it.
Example:	他原本打算学习编程，可惜 “半途而废”，最终放弃了这个目标。 He originally planned to learn programming, but unfortunately “半途而废” (gave up halfway), ultimately abandoning that goal.

6.井底之蛙 (jǐng dǐ zhī wā)

This idiom comes from Zhuangzi – The Outer Things. The story is about a frog living at the bottom of a well, who thinks that his well is all there is in the world, and is unable to comprehend the wider world outside. When a sea turtle tells him about the vastness of the sea, the frog is unable to imagine and accept it.

This idiom is often used to describe those who only see their own small circle, warning people to broaden their horizons and understand the wider world.

Meaning:	To have a narrow or limited perspective, being unaware of the larger world outside one’s immediate surroundings.
Example:	“当地政客过时的观点表明，他只是一只’井底之蛙’，无法理解现代全球社会所面临的复杂问题”。 “The local politician’s outdated views showed that he was just a ‘frog at the bottom of the well’, unable to comprehend the complex issues facing the modern global community.”

7.三人成虎 (sān rén chéng hǔ)

The origin of this idiom can be traced back to “Strategies of the Warring States”. The story is about a man who told others that “there is a tiger in the city”. At first, no one believed him, but if two more people said the same thing, everyone would start to believe him, which eventually led to people believing in the rumor.

This idiom is often used to warn people to be alert to information and not to easily believe unfounded rumors.

Meaning:	A rumor or false information can become accepted as true if repeated often enough, even without evidence.
Example:	“The misinformation about the company’s financial troubles spread quickly through social media, as ‘three people made a tiger’ and turned a minor issue into a major crisis.”

8.先发制人 (Xiān fā zhì rén)

This idiom comes from The Art of War by Sun Tzu. In military strategy, Sun Tzu mentions that in battle, taking the initiative can often give an advantage and constrain the enemy’s actions. By striking first, one can effectively disrupt the enemy’s plans and thus achieve victory.

This idiom is often used to describe taking the first action in order to seize the initiative in a competition or confrontation, and is applicable to many fields such as business and politics.

Meaning:	“Striking first” metaphorically means to take the initiative and act before the other party, in order to prevent their attack or obstruction.
Example:	面对竞争对手的新产品上市,我们必须”先发制人”,迅速推出更优质的新品才行。 To gain the upper hand, we must “strike first” by quickly launching a superior new product before our competitors.

9.人山人海(rénshān-rénhǎi)

The origin of this idiom is not clear, but it graphically depicts the spectacular scene of a crowd gathering. In ancient poems and literature, it is often used to describe lively scenes, such as temple fairs, bazaars or festival celebrations.

Meaning:	“A human mountain, a human sea” refers to a very crowded, densely packed, and large crowd of people.
Example:	春节期间,各大商场的人流量都呈现”人山人海”的场面。 During the Chinese New Year, the large shopping malls were filled with “a human mountain, a human sea” of crowds.

10.庐山真面目 (lú shān zhēn miàn mù)

This proverb originates from a story in the famous Chinese novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms. The story goes that Zhuge Liang, a brilliant strategist, organized an expedition to the Lushan mountains. When the troops climbed to the top, they were surprised to see the true appearance of the mountain, which was very different from their preconceived notions.

Meaning:	To see the true nature or essence of something, rather than basing one’s understanding on superficial appearances or hearsay.
Example:	在与新任首席执行官密切合作数月后，董事会终于看到了’庐山真面目’–深入了解了她真实的领导风格和对公司的愿景。 After working closely with the new CEO for several months, the board of directors finally got to see the ‘true face of Lushan’ – an insight into her authentic leadership style and vision for the company.

Part 4. Longer Chinese Idioms Or Proverbs

Chinese idioms often condense rich historical stories or philosophical thoughts. Some longer idioms are usually composed of eight characters or more. They not only reflect the rhythmic beauty of Chinese, but also carry profound cultural connotations. The following are 10 longer idioms, including their Chinese form, pinyin, origin and story, meaning, and usage examples:

1.善恶到头终有报 (shàn è dào tóu zhōng yǒu bào)

This phrase is often used to emphasize the law of cause and effect, reflecting the importance of justice and morality in traditional Chinese culture. Its exact origin is unknown, but similar themes are found in many classical literatures and folktales, emphasizing that those who do good deeds will eventually be happy, while those who do evil will eventually be punished.

The phrase is often used to exhort people to be good and virtuous and to remind them to be concerned about their actions and their consequences.

Meaning:	Good and evil deeds will eventually be rewarded or punished accordingly.
Example:	这位腐败的政客本以为可以逃脱法律的制裁，但善恶到头终有报（善恶终有报应），他最终因罪被捕。 The corrupt politician thought he could escape justice, but 善恶到头终有报 (good and evil deeds will eventually be rewarded or punished accordingly), and he was eventually arrested for his crimes.

2.一波未平，一波又起 (yī bō wèi píng, yī bō yòu qǐ)

One wave has not yet subsided, and another wave has arisen. It is a metaphor for things going on with many twists and turns, one problem has not yet been solved, and another problem has occurred again.

This idiom is from the Tang Dynasty’s Liu Yuxi’s “Wave Amassing Sand”: “The flowing water does not pause to amass sand; the first wave is not yet extinguished, and the next wave is born.” Song – Jiang Kui (姜夔)《白石道人诗说》：”Waves and waves open and close, as in a river and lake; one wave has not yet calmed down, and another has already been made.”

Meaning:	Before one problem is resolved, another one emerges.
Example:	就在公司从上次危机中恢复过来的时候，“一波未平，一波又起”，新的丑闻又爆发了。 Just as the company recovered from the last crisis, 一波未平，一波又起 (before one problem is resolved, another one emerges), with a new scandal breaking out.

3.前事不忘,后事之师 (qián shì bù wàng, hòu shì zhī shī)

“前事不忘，后事之师” (qián shì bù wàng, hòu shì zhī shī) is an idiom that means to remember the lessons of the past as a reference and guide for future actions.
The specific origin of this idiom can be traced back to the Strategies of the Warring States. During the Warring States period, the struggle between countries was very intense, and many countries experienced both victory and defeat in war. In order to avoid repeating the same mistakes, rulers and generals began to realize the importance of summarizing historical experiences.

Meaning:	It’s crucial to reflect on and learn from past mistakes and successes in order to make informed decisions going forward.
Example:	在制定新的战略计划时,我们必须前事不忘,后事之师,吸取以往的经验教训。(When formulating the new strategic plan, we must not forget past events, as they are the teachers of the future, and draw upon the lessons learned from previous experiences.)

4.温故知新,久而弥新 (wēn gù zhī xīn, jiǔ ér mí xīn)

“Wēn gù zhī xīn, jiǔ ér mí xīn” (温故知新，久而弥新) is an idiom which means that by reviewing old knowledge, one can gain new understandings and experiences, which become deeper and deeper with the passage of time. This idiom is derived from the Analects of Confucius, which emphasizes the importance of review by saying, “To learn from the past is to understand the new”.

Meaning:	Continuously reviewing and reinforcing one’s existing knowledge while also learning new things leads to a deeper and more lasting understanding.
Example:	要想在这个行业中取得长期成功,我们需要温故知新,不断学习和改进,让自己的专业知识久而弥新。(To achieve long-term success in this industry, we need to review the old and learn the new, continuously learning and improving, so that our professional knowledge becomes more and more refined over time.)

5.三人成虎, 十人成军 (sān rén chéng hǔ, shí rén chéng jūn)

This proverb is an extension of the idiom “三人成虎” (sān rén chéng hǔ), which means that a rumor or false information can become accepted as true if repeated often enough. The additional part “十人成军” suggests that the more people who believe and spread the rumor, the more powerful and convincing it becomes.

Meaning:	A small falsehood can snowball into a widely accepted “truth” if repeated by enough people, and a large group of people can have a much greater impact than a few individuals.
Example:	“’三人成虎，十人成军’–一个小小的谣言通过社交媒体的力量变成了一种广为流传的说法，这种网络阴谋论迅速获得了关注”。 “The online conspiracy theory gained traction quickly, as ‘three people made a tiger and ten people made an army’ – a small rumor transformed into a widely believed narrative through the power of social media.”

6.不以规矩，不能成方圆 (bù yǐ guī jǔ, bù néng chéng fāng yuán)

It describes that without rules, there will be no regularity and squareness.
This is the cry of Mencius for those in power to implement benevolent government. Specifically realized in two aspects: first, “the law of the former king”; second is to choose the wise and talented. Later, this idiom evolved into aphorisms and aphorisms commonly used by people in their daily lives.

Source:	《孟子 “孟子》“离娄上 ”篇 (“Li Lou Shang” chapter of “The Book of Mencius”)
Meaning:	Mencius used this idiom to illustrate that any endeavor requires following certain rules and methods to be successful; without rules, one cannot achieve order or completion.
Example:	在制定公司规章制度时，我们强调“不以规矩，不能成方圆”，确保每个人都能明确自己的职责和行为准则。（When establishing company regulations, we emphasize “without rules, one cannot make a square or a circle”, ensuring everyone understands their responsibilities and behavioral standards.）

7.临渊羡鱼，不如退而结网 (lín yuān xiàn yú, bù rú tuì ér jié wǎng)

This idiom means that it is better to stand at the edge of the water and think of getting fish than to go home and make a net.

It is a metaphor for only wishing but not taking measures, which is not beneficial to the matter. Or it is a metaphor for only wishing for something without putting the wish into action. The original text says, “It is better to envy the fish at the river than to go home and weave a net.”

Source:	《孟子 “孟子》“离娄上 ”篇 (“Li Lou Shang” chapter of “The Book of Mencius”)
Meaning:	It’s better to take action than to envy what others have; admiring someone else’s fishing success is not as productive as making your own net.
Example:	如果你想在事业上有所成就，记住“临渊羡鱼，不如退而结网”，踏踏实实地提升自己的能力。 Example Usage: If you wish to achieve success in your career, remember “wishing for fish at the water’s edge is not as good as going back to weave a net”, and diligently improve your abilities.

8.一叶障目，不见泰山 (yī yè zhàng mù, bù jiàn tài shān)

It is a compound idiom derived from a fable story, which was first appeared in “Crossbill Tree – Heavenly Rules”. The idiom of “A Leaf Blocks the Eyes, Cannot See Mount Tai” means that a leaf blocks the eyes, and even the tall Mount Tai in front of the eyes cannot be seen;
The idiom of “A leaf blinds one’s eyes” is used to describe a leaf blocking one’s eyes, so that one can’t even see the tall Mount Taishan in front of one’s eyes.

Source:	“The Biography of Dong Zhongshu” chapter of “The Book of Han”
Meaning:	Being preoccupied with trivial matters can blind one to more important issues; a small thing can prevent seeing the bigger picture.
Example:	他过于关注细节，以至于一叶障目，不见泰山，失去了整体的战略眼光。 Example Usage: He was so focused on details that he lost sight of the overall strategy, a case of “a leaf obscuring the sight of Mount Tai”.

9.鹬蚌相争，渔翁得利 (yù bàng xiāng zhēng, yú wēng dé lì)

Sandpiper and Clam, Fisherman’s Profit is a Chinese idiom with the pinyin: yù bàng xiāng zhēng, yú wēng dé lì, which means a metaphor for a quarrel between two parties that results in both losing and letting a third party take advantage of the situation. From “Strategies of the Warring States – Yan Ce II” by Liu Xiang, Western Han Dynasty (西汉·刘向《战国策·燕策二》).

Meaning:	When two equally matched opponents fight, an outsider may reap unexpected benefits; conflict between rivals can inadvertently benefit a third party.
Example:	在商业竞争中，我们应该避免陷入“鹬蚌相争，渔翁得利”的局面，以免让竞争对手有机可乘。 Example Usage: In business competition, we should avoid falling into the trap of “when the clam and the egret quarrel, the fisher benefits”, lest we give our competitors an opportunity to gain advantage.

10.青出于蓝而胜于蓝 (qīng chū yú lán ér shèng yú lán)

The expression “the green is superior to the blue” comes from the Confucian master Xunzi’s “Advice on Learning”, which is a common saying that a person can be improved after learning or education. It is often used as a metaphor for a student surpassing his teacher or a descendant surpassing his predecessor.

Meaning:	Xunzi used this to express the idea that students can surpass their teachers and successors can outshine their predecessors; the refined color indigo comes from blue but is deeper in hue.
Example:	“青出于蓝而胜于蓝”，我们期待年轻一代能在各个领域展现出更加出色的能力。 Example Usage: “Blue transformed becomes indigo,” we anticipate that the younger generation will demonstrate superior capabilities in various fields.

Part 5. Beautiful Chinese Idioms

The following are 10 Chinese idioms with beautiful artistic conception. These idioms not only show the aesthetics of Chinese, but also carry rich cultural history. Each story is full of profound morals and philosophy. Appropriately quoting these idioms in daily communication and literary creation can add color and depth to the language.

1.春风十里 (chūn fēng shí lǐ)

This idiom originates from a romantic poem, describing the beauty and gentleness of a spring breeze that extends for miles. Meaning: To describe something or someone of exceptional beauty, grace, and charm.

Example: 她的笑容就像春风十里,迷人又温暖。(Her smile is like a spring breeze for ten miles, captivating and warm.)

2.岁寒知松柏 (suì hán zhī sōngbǎi)

Shihan Songbai (岁寒松柏, pinyin suì hán sōng bǎi) is a Chinese idiom derived from the works of ancient Chinese literati. The idiom first came from The Analects of Confucius – Zihan (论语-子罕).

Meaning:	In the cold of winter, one recognizes the strength of pine and cypress trees; true friendship is tested in adversity.
Example:	在困难时期，我才真正了解了我的朋友，这真是岁寒知松柏。 During hard times, I truly understood my friends, it’s really like knowing the strength of pine and cypress in the cold.

3.春华秋实 (chūn huá qiū shí)

Spring and Autumn is an idiom that first came from Western Jin Dynasty-Chen Shou’s “Three Kingdoms Zhi-Wei Zhi-Biography of Xing Stern.

Meaning:	“Chun Hua Qiu Shi” (春华秋实) (Hua: ancient same as ‘flower’; Shi: fruit) refers to the blossoming of flowers in the spring and the bearing of fruit in the fall. It is a metaphor for literacy and virtue, and also extends to profound knowledge, high character and pure behavior, as well as the cause and effect relationship of things.
Example:	经过多年的潜心研究，李博士终于发表了开创性的论文，真正体现了 “春华秋实 ”的精神。 After years of dedicated research, Dr. Li finally published his groundbreaking paper, truly embodying the spirit of “spring flowers and autumn fruits.”

4. 高山流水 (gāo shān liú shuǐ)

“High Mountains and Flowing Water” belongs to one of the ten most ancient Chinese songs. Legend has it that the pre-Qin qin master Bo Ya once played the qin in a deserted mountain wilderness, and the woodcutter Zhong Ziqi was able to comprehend that this was a depiction of “E’e Ruoxi Taishan” and “Yang Yang Ruoxi Jianghe”.
Bo Ya was shocked and said, “Good, the heart of the son is the same as my heart.” After Zhong Ziqi’s death, Bo Ya lost his soulmate, dropped his zither and stopped playing for the rest of his life, hence the song “High Mountains and Flowing Water”.

Meaning:	Later, the idiom of “High Mountains and Flowing Water” evolved into a metaphor for a close friend or soulmate, as well as for a beautiful piece of music.
Example:	这首交响乐是真正的杰作，是 “高山流水 ”的完美典范，打动了所有听众的心。 The symphony was a true masterpiece, a perfect example of “high mountains and flowing water” that touched the hearts of all who listened.

5.柳暗花明 (liǔ àn huā míng)

Liu Di Hua Ming (pinyin: liǔ àn huā míng) is an idiom derived from the poetry of the literati, and the idiom is first found in Tang dynasty Wang Wei’s poem “The Morning Morning Morning.

The original line describes the sudden appearance of a village after passing through a dark grove of willows and a field of bright flowers, illustrating a moment of surprise and delight.

Meaning:	The original meaning of the idiom “Liu Di Hua Ming” is to describe the spring scene of willow trees and blossoms, and to compare it with the situation of suddenly finding a way out of a difficult situation after many twists and turns. It is used to describe a sudden change from adversity to a positive situation.
Example:	经过几个月的奋斗，公司终于获得了一份大合同，证明了 “柳暗花明又一村”。 After months of struggle, the company finally secured a major contract, proving that “after the willows grow dark, the flowers become bright.”

Part 6. 200 Common Chinese Idioms List (With PDF)

Here is a list of 200 common Chinese idioms (Chengyu), including their Chinese characters, pinyin, and English meanings. This list contains idioms expressed from various perspectives, covering different topics from historical stories, natural phenomena to life philosophy. Each idiom has its own unique cultural background and meaning.

Common Chinese Idioms List – Download PDF

FAQs about Chinese Idioms (Chengyu)

Q1. How to memorize Chinese characters with idioms?

Memorizing Chinese characters can be greatly aided by learning and using idioms (Chengyu). Here are some effective strategies:

1. Read stories and anecdotes about the origins of Chinese idioms to create mental associations.
2. Break down the individual characters within the idiom and analyze their meanings.
3. Use the Pandanese app to practice mnemonics and contextual learning of idioms.

Q2. How did Chinese idioms originate?

Chinese idioms, or Chengyu, have their roots in ancient Chinese literature, philosophy, history, and folklore. Many of them originated from classical texts, ancient fables, and the wisdom of renowned philosophers and scholars. Over thousands of years, these concise and evocative phrases have become an integral part of the Chinese language and culture.

Q4. Ancient Chinese idioms vs. Modern Chinese idioms?

While the majority of commonly used Chinese idioms originate from classical sources, there are also modern Chengyu that have emerged in recent decades. Ancient Chinese idioms tend to be more literary, philosophical, and rooted in traditional culture, while modern idioms often reflect contemporary societal trends, technological advancements, and popular culture references.

Q5. What are the literal and figurative meanings of Chinese idioms?

Chinese idioms, or Chengyu, often have both a literal and a figurative meaning. The literal meaning is the direct translation of the four characters, while the figurative meaning is the idiomatic, metaphorical, or symbolic interpretation. Understanding both the literal and figurative meanings is crucial for effectively using and comprehending Chinese idioms in context.

Conclusion:

Chinese idioms (Chengyu) are a fascinating and essential aspect of the Chinese language and culture. This article’s exploration of over 50 common Chinese idioms has provided significant insights into the rich history, fascinating stories, and profound meanings of these linguistic gems.

Whether you’re a language learner, a cultural enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates the beauty of language, this comprehensive guide to Chinese idioms will help you better understand and appreciate the Chinese language. Accept the power of these four-character phrases and allow them add depth, color, and subtlety to your conversation and understanding of Chinese culture.