{"id":59588,"date":"2026-03-27T16:49:40","date_gmt":"2026-03-27T08:49:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wukongsch.com\/blog\/?p=59588"},"modified":"2026-03-27T16:49:42","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T08:49:42","slug":"perfect-chinese-idioms-list","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wukongsch.com\/blog\/perfect-chinese-idioms-list-post-59588\/","title":{"rendered":"Chinese Idioms: 150 Must-Know Chengyu + Meanings"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Idioms are the soul of the Chinese language, embodying thousands of years of cultural heritage, historical stories, fables, and philosophical wisdom. Known as chengyu (\u6210\u8bed), most are fixed four-character phrases that condense profound meanings into concise expressions\u2014used widely in daily communication, writing, and cultural exchanges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>150 Beautiful Chinese Idioms<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This Chinese idiom(chengyu) list includes 150 classic and commonly used Chinese idioms, covering high-frequency phrases for daily use. Each entry includes pinyin, literal meaning, and practical explanation, making it easy to understand and apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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No.<\/th>Idiom\uff08Chengyu\uff09<\/th>Pinyin<\/th>Literal Meaning<\/th>Explanation<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
1<\/td>\u4e00\u4e3e\u4e24\u5f97<\/td>y\u012b j\u01d4 li\u01ceng d\u00e9<\/td>One action, two gains<\/td>Achieve two goals with a single action; similar to “kill two birds with one stone”.<\/td><\/tr>
2<\/td>\u5fc3\u76f4\u53e3\u5feb<\/td>x\u012bn zh\u00ed k\u01d2u ku\u00e0i<\/td>Frank heart, quick mouth<\/td>Describe someone who is outspoken and speaks their mind without hesitation.<\/td><\/tr>
3<\/td>\u4e71\u4e03\u516b\u7cdf<\/td>lu\u00e0n q\u012b b\u0101 z\u0101o<\/td>Chaotic seven, eight bad<\/td>Describe something very messy, disorganized, or in a state of disorder.<\/td><\/tr>
4<\/td>\u8d70\u9a6c\u89c2\u82b1<\/td>z\u01d2u m\u01ce k\u00e0n hu\u0101<\/td>Look at flowers while riding a horse<\/td>Give a quick, superficial glance at something; not examine it thoroughly.<\/td><\/tr>
5<\/td>\u4e09\u5fc3\u4e8c\u610f<\/td>s\u0101n x\u012bn \u00e8r y\u00ec<\/td>Three hearts, two minds<\/td>Be indecisive, half-hearted, or not fully committed to something.<\/td><\/tr>
6<\/td>\u72ec\u4e00\u65e0\u4e8c<\/td>d\u00fa y\u012b w\u00fa \u00e8r<\/td>Unique; one of a kind<\/td>Describe something or someone that has no equal; completely unique.<\/td><\/tr>
7<\/td>\u529b\u4e0d\u4ece\u5fc3<\/td>l\u00ec b\u00f9 c\u00f3ng x\u012bn<\/td>The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak<\/td>Have the desire to do something but lack the ability or energy to do it.<\/td><\/tr>
8<\/td>\u4e3e\u4e16\u95fb\u540d<\/td>j\u01d4 sh\u00ec w\u00e9n m\u00edng<\/td>World-renowned<\/td>Be famous all over the world; well-known internationally.<\/td><\/tr>
9<\/td>\u805a\u7cbe\u4f1a\u795e<\/td>j\u00f9 j\u012bng hu\u00ec sh\u00e9n<\/td>To concentrate one\u2019s attention<\/td>Focus all your attention and energy on something; be fully concentrated.<\/td><\/tr>
10<\/td>\u7433\u7405\u6ee1\u76ee<\/td>l\u00edn l\u00e1ng m\u01cen m\u00f9<\/td>A dazzling, impressive lineup of items<\/td>Describe a wide variety of beautiful or valuable things that are pleasing to the eye.<\/td><\/tr>
11<\/td>\u5168\u5fc3\u5168\u610f<\/td>qu\u00e1n x\u012bn qu\u00e1n y\u00ec<\/td>Wholeheartedly<\/td>Do something with all your heart and soul; without holding back.<\/td><\/tr>
12<\/td>\u4e00\u843d\u5343\u4e08<\/td>y\u012b lu\u00f2 qi\u0101n zh\u00e0ng<\/td>To drop drastically (like a fall of a thousand feet)<\/td>Decline rapidly in status, reputation, or performance.<\/td><\/tr>
13<\/td>\u4e07\u4e8b\u5f00\u5934\u96be<\/td>w\u00e0n sh\u00ec k\u0101i t\u00f3u n\u00e1n<\/td>The first step is always the hardest<\/td>Starting a new task or project is always the most difficult part; perseverance is needed.<\/td><\/tr>
14<\/td>\u753b\u86c7\u6dfb\u8db3<\/td>hu\u00e0 sh\u00e9 ti\u0101n z\u00fa<\/td>Add feet to a snake<\/td>Ruin something by adding unnecessary extras; do more than is needed.<\/td><\/tr>
15<\/td>\u5bf9\u725b\u5f39\u7434<\/td>du\u00ec ni\u00fa t\u00e1n q\u00edn<\/td>Play the lute to a cow<\/td>Talk to the wrong audience; communicate with someone who cannot understand or appreciate.<\/td><\/tr>
16<\/td>\u585e\u7fc1\u5931\u9a6c<\/td>s\u00e0i w\u0113ng sh\u012b m\u01ce<\/td>The old man lost his horse<\/td>A blessing in disguise; misfortune may bring unexpected good luck (from “\u585e\u7fc1\u5931\u9a6c\uff0c\u7109\u77e5\u975e\u798f”).<\/td><\/tr>
17<\/td>\u62d4\u82d7\u52a9\u957f<\/td>b\u00e1 mi\u00e1o zh\u00f9 zh\u01ceng<\/td>Pull shoots to help them grow<\/td>Spoil something through excessive enthusiasm or forcing results; go against natural laws.<\/td><\/tr>
18<\/td>\u60ca\u5f13\u4e4b\u9e1f<\/td>j\u012bng g\u014dng zh\u012b ni\u01ceo<\/td>A bird startled by a bow<\/td>Be easily frightened due to past trauma or experiences.<\/td><\/tr>
19<\/td>\u6c89\u9c7c\u843d\u96c1<\/td>ch\u00e9n y\u00fa lu\u00f2 y\u00e0n<\/td>Fish sink, geese land<\/td>Describe a woman of extreme beauty; so beautiful that fish sink and geese fall from the sky.<\/td><\/tr>
20<\/td>\u4ead\u4ead\u7389\u7acb<\/td>t\u00edng t\u00edng y\u00f9 l\u00ec<\/td>Gracefully standing<\/td>Describe a slender, attractive young woman with an elegant posture.<\/td><\/tr>
21<\/td>\u7709\u6e05\u76ee\u79c0<\/td>m\u00e9i q\u012bng m\u00f9 xi\u00f9<\/td>Clear eyebrows, bright eyes<\/td>Describe someone with delicate, refined facial features; good-looking in a gentle way.<\/td><\/tr>
22<\/td>\u4e03\u4e0a\u516b\u4e0b<\/td>q\u012b sh\u00e0ng b\u0101 xi\u00e0<\/td>Seven up, eight down<\/td>Be in an anxious or unsettled state of mind; feel nervous and worried.<\/td><\/tr>
23<\/td>\u9178\u751c\u82e6\u8fa3<\/td>su\u0101n ti\u00e1n k\u01d4 l\u00e0<\/td>Sour, sweet, bitter, hot<\/td>The joys and sorrows of life; all the ups and downs one experiences.<\/td><\/tr>
24<\/td>\u7231\u4e0d\u91ca\u624b<\/td>\u00e0i b\u00f9 sh\u00ec sh\u01d2u<\/td>Love too much to put down<\/td>Be so fond of something that you cannot bear to put it down.<\/td><\/tr>
25<\/td>\u4e00\u7bad\u53cc\u96d5<\/td>y\u012b ji\u00e0n shu\u0101ng di\u0101o<\/td>One arrow, two eagles<\/td>Achieve two goals with a single action; similar to “\u4e00\u4e3e\u4e24\u5f97”.<\/td><\/tr>
26<\/td>\u4ea1\u7f8a\u8865\u7262<\/td>w\u00e1ng y\u00e1ng b\u01d4 l\u00e1o<\/td>Fixing the pen after the sheep are lost<\/td>Take corrective action in time to avoid further loss; it\u2019s never too late to fix a mistake.<\/td><\/tr>
27<\/td>\u4e95\u5e95\u4e4b\u86d9<\/td>j\u01d0ng d\u01d0 zh\u012b w\u0101<\/td>A frog at the bottom of the well<\/td>Be a person with a narrow vision and limited knowledge; ignorant of the outside world.<\/td><\/tr>
28<\/td>\u9e21\u72ac\u4e0d\u5b81<\/td>j\u012b qu\u01cen b\u00f9 n\u00edng<\/td>The chicken and dog are not at peace<\/td>Describe a noisy and chaotic situation where no one can live in peace.<\/td><\/tr>
29<\/td>\u81ea\u76f8\u77db\u76fe<\/td>z\u00ec xi\u0101ng m\u00e1o d\u00f9n<\/td>Self-contradiction<\/td>Say or do things that conflict with each other; be inconsistent.<\/td><\/tr>
30<\/td>\u7834\u91dc\u6c89\u821f<\/td>p\u00f2 f\u01d4 ch\u00e9n zh\u014du<\/td>Breaking the pot and sinking the boat<\/td>Be determined to fight to the end with no retreat; burn one\u2019s bridges.<\/td><\/tr>
31<\/td>\u676f\u5f13\u86c7\u5f71<\/td>b\u0113i g\u014dng sh\u00e9 y\u01d0ng<\/td>Seeing a snake shadow in the cup<\/td>Be overly suspicious and anxious; mistake an illusion for reality.<\/td><\/tr>
32<\/td>\u5165\u6728\u4e09\u5206<\/td>r\u00f9 m\u00f9 s\u0101n f\u0113n<\/td>Penetrating three-tenths of a centimeter<\/td>Describe incisive comments or powerful calligraphy; have a deep insight.<\/td><\/tr>
33<\/td>\u72d0\u5047\u864e\u5a01<\/td>h\u00fa ji\u01ce h\u01d4 w\u0113i<\/td>The fox borrows the tiger\u2019s power<\/td>Bully others by relying on someone else\u2019s authority or influence.<\/td><\/tr>
34<\/td>\u80f8\u6709\u6210\u7af9<\/td>xi\u014dng y\u01d2u ch\u00e9ng zh\u00fa<\/td>Having bamboo in mind<\/td>Be fully prepared and confident in doing something; know exactly what to do.<\/td><\/tr>
35<\/td>\u63a9\u8033\u76d7\u94c3<\/td>y\u01cen \u011br d\u00e0o l\u00edng<\/td>Covering ears while stealing a bell<\/td>Deceive oneself and ignore facts; think others cannot see or know what you are doing.<\/td><\/tr>
36<\/td>\u753b\u9f99\u70b9\u775b<\/td>hu\u00e0 l\u00f3ng di\u01cen j\u012bng<\/td>Drawing a dragon and adding eyes<\/td>Add a crucial touch to perfect something; make something excellent with a final detail.<\/td><\/tr>
37<\/td>\u6c34\u843d\u77f3\u51fa<\/td>shu\u01d0 lu\u00f2 sh\u00ed ch\u016b<\/td>The water recedes and rocks appear<\/td>The truth will eventually come to light; facts will be revealed over time.<\/td><\/tr>
38<\/td>\u5982\u9c7c\u5f97\u6c34<\/td>r\u00fa y\u00fa d\u00e9 shu\u01d0<\/td>Like a fish in water<\/td>Be in a comfortable and suitable environment; feel at ease.<\/td><\/tr>
39<\/td>\u4e3e\u4e00\u53cd\u4e09<\/td>j\u01d4 y\u012b f\u01cen s\u0101n<\/td>Learn one and infer three<\/td>Be able to draw inferences from examples; apply what you\u2019ve learned to similar situations.<\/td><\/tr>
40<\/td>\u9752\u51fa\u4e8e\u84dd<\/td>q\u012bng ch\u016b y\u00fa l\u00e1n<\/td>Blue comes from indigo<\/td>A student surpasses their teacher; the younger generation is better than the older one.<\/td><\/tr>
41<\/td>\u996e\u6c34\u601d\u6e90<\/td>y\u01d0n shu\u01d0 s\u012b yu\u00e1n<\/td>Drinking water and thinking of its source<\/td>Be grateful to those who have helped you; never forget one\u2019s roots.<\/td><\/tr>
42<\/td>\u9a91\u864e\u96be\u4e0b<\/td>q\u00ed h\u01d4 n\u00e1n xi\u00e0<\/td>Riding a tiger and unable to dismount<\/td>Be stuck in a difficult situation where you cannot stop or retreat.<\/td><\/tr>
43<\/td>\u9e21\u6bdb\u849c\u76ae<\/td>j\u012b m\u00e1o su\u00e0n p\u00ed<\/td>Chicken feathers and garlic skins<\/td>Trivial and unimportant matters; small, petty things.<\/td><\/tr>
44<\/td>\u5426\u6781\u6cf0\u6765<\/td>p\u01d0 j\u00ed t\u00e0i l\u00e1i<\/td>After adversity comes prosperity<\/td>Good luck follows hard times; when things are at their worst, they will get better.<\/td><\/tr>
45<\/td>\u56db\u9762\u695a\u6b4c<\/td>s\u00ec mi\u00e0n ch\u01d4 g\u0113<\/td>Surrounded by enemies<\/td>Be in a desperate and isolated situation where everyone is against you.<\/td><\/tr>
46<\/td>\u5b64\u638c\u96be\u9e23<\/td>g\u016b zh\u01ceng n\u00e1n m\u00edng<\/td>A single hand cannot clap<\/td>One person cannot achieve great things alone; teamwork is needed.<\/td><\/tr>
47<\/td>\u5929\u8863\u65e0\u7f1d<\/td>ti\u0101n y\u012b w\u00fa f\u00e8ng<\/td>Heavenly clothes with no seams<\/td>Be perfect and flawless with no defects; well-executed with no mistakes.<\/td><\/tr>
48<\/td>\u96ea\u4e2d\u9001\u70ad<\/td>xu\u011b zh\u014dng s\u00f2ng t\u00e0n<\/td>Sending charcoal in the snow<\/td>Offer timely help to those in need; help someone when they are in trouble.<\/td><\/tr>
49<\/td>\u4e5d\u725b\u4e00\u6bdb<\/td>ji\u01d4 ni\u00fa y\u012b m\u00e1o<\/td>One hair from nine oxen<\/td>Be extremely insignificant and trivial; a tiny part of something much larger.<\/td><\/tr>
50<\/td>\u5b88\u682a\u5f85\u5154<\/td>sh\u01d2u zh\u016b d\u00e0i t\u00f9<\/td>Waiting by the stump for a rabbit<\/td>Rely on luck instead of working hard; expect good things to happen without effort.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
No.<\/th>Idiom\uff08Chengyu\uff09<\/th>Pinyin<\/th>Literal Meaning<\/th>Explanation<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
51<\/td>\u89c1\u98ce\u4f7f\u8235<\/td>ji\u00e0n f\u0113ng sh\u01d0 du\u00f2<\/td>Adjusting the rudder with the wind<\/td>Change your attitude or opinions to adapt to the current situation; be opportunistic.<\/td><\/tr>
52<\/td>\u9a6c\u5230\u6210\u529f<\/td>m\u01ce d\u00e0o ch\u00e9ng g\u014dng<\/td>Success upon arrival<\/td>Wish someone immediate success; achieve success quickly and smoothly.<\/td><\/tr>
53<\/td>\u80dc\u4e0d\u9a84\u8d25\u4e0d\u9981<\/td>sh\u00e8ng b\u00f9 ji\u0101o b\u00e0i b\u00f9 n\u011bi<\/td>Not proud of victory, not discouraged in defeat<\/td>Keep a calm and humble attitude in both success and failure.<\/td><\/tr>
54<\/td>\u9526\u4e0a\u6dfb\u82b1<\/td>j\u01d0n sh\u00e0ng ti\u0101n hu\u0101<\/td>Adding flowers to brocade<\/td>Make a good thing even better; add something extra to an already good situation.<\/td><\/tr>
55<\/td>\u987a\u624b\u7275\u7f8a<\/td>sh\u00f9n sh\u01d2u qi\u0101n y\u00e1ng<\/td>Taking a sheep by chance<\/td>Steal small things casually; take advantage of an opportunity to take something.<\/td><\/tr>
56<\/td>\u6740\u9e21\u5106\u7334<\/td>sh\u0101 j\u012b j\u01d0ng h\u00f3u<\/td>Killing a chicken to warn the monkey<\/td>Punish one person to warn others; use an example to deter others.<\/td><\/tr>
57<\/td>\u9e64\u7acb\u9e21\u7fa4<\/td>h\u00e8 l\u00ec j\u012b q\u00fan<\/td>A crane standing among chickens<\/td>Stand out from others; be much better or more outstanding than those around you.<\/td><\/tr>
58<\/td>\u5bb3\u7fa4\u4e4b\u9a6c<\/td>h\u00e0i q\u00fan zh\u012b m\u01ce<\/td>A horse that harms the herd<\/td>Be a person who damages the group or causes trouble for others in the same group.<\/td><\/tr>
59<\/td>\u4ee5\u5375\u51fb\u77f3<\/td>y\u01d0 lu\u01cen j\u012b sh\u00ed<\/td>Throwing an egg against a rock<\/td>Do something futile and reckless; try to fight against a much stronger force.<\/td><\/tr>
60<\/td>\u676f\u6c34\u8f66\u85aa<\/td>b\u0113i shu\u01d0 ch\u0113 x\u012bn<\/td>A cup of water for a burning cart<\/td>Effort that is too small to solve a big problem; insufficient to make a difference.<\/td><\/tr>
61<\/td>\u6625\u98ce\u5f97\u610f<\/td>ch\u016bn f\u0113ng d\u00e9 y\u00ec<\/td>Proud like a spring breeze<\/td>Be successful and satisfied; feel proud and happy due to success.<\/td><\/tr>
62<\/td>\u753b\u997c\u5145\u9965<\/td>hu\u00e0 b\u01d0ng ch\u014dng j\u012b<\/td>Drawing a cake to satisfy hunger<\/td>Comfort yourself with empty hopes; promise something that cannot be fulfilled.<\/td><\/tr>
63<\/td>\u7eb8\u4e0a\u8c08\u5175<\/td>zh\u01d0 sh\u00e0ng t\u00e1n b\u012bng<\/td>Talking about war on paper<\/td>Only talk about theory without putting it into practice; be impractical.<\/td><\/tr>
64<\/td>\u6c34\u6ef4\u77f3\u7a7f<\/td>shu\u01d0 d\u012b sh\u00ed chu\u0101n<\/td>Dripping water wears through stone<\/td>Persistence leads to success; constant effort can achieve great things.<\/td><\/tr>
65<\/td>\u72fc\u72c8\u4e3a\u5978<\/td>l\u00e1ng b\u00e8i w\u00e9i ji\u0101n<\/td>A wolf and a leopard working together<\/td>Two bad people collude to do evil; work together for selfish purposes.<\/td><\/tr>
66<\/td>\u6b32\u901f\u5219\u4e0d\u8fbe<\/td>y\u00f9 s\u00f9 z\u00e9 b\u00f9 d\u00e1<\/td>Haste makes waste<\/td>Rushing to finish something quickly often leads to failure; patience is needed.<\/td><\/tr>
67<\/td>\u6253\u8349\u60ca\u86c7<\/td>d\u01ce c\u01ceo j\u012bng sh\u00e9<\/td>Striking grass to scare the snake<\/td>Alert the enemy or target by careless actions; reveal your intentions prematurely.<\/td><\/tr>
68<\/td>\u72d7\u6025\u8df3\u5899<\/td>g\u01d2u j\u00ed ti\u00e0o qi\u00e1ng<\/td>A desperate dog jumps over a wall<\/td>Do reckless or extreme things when cornered or desperate.<\/td><\/tr>
69<\/td>\u5403\u91cc\u6252\u5916<\/td>ch\u012b l\u01d0 p\u00e1 w\u00e0i<\/td>Benefiting others while being supported<\/td>Betray your own side or group for external benefits; be disloyal.<\/td><\/tr>
70<\/td>\u6276\u6447\u76f4\u4e0a<\/td>f\u00fa y\u00e1o zh\u00ed sh\u00e0ng<\/td>Rising high with the wind<\/td>Make rapid and great progress; rise quickly in status or achievement.<\/td><\/tr>
71<\/td>\u865a\u5f20\u58f0\u52bf<\/td>x\u016b zh\u0101ng sh\u0113ng sh\u00ec<\/td>Making a false show of power<\/td>Boast or pretend to be powerful without real strength; put on a false front.<\/td><\/tr>
72<\/td>\u5343\u94a7\u4e00\u53d1<\/td>qi\u0101n j\u016bn y\u012b f\u00e0<\/td>A thousand pounds hanging by a hair<\/td>An extremely dangerous or critical moment; disaster is imminent.<\/td><\/tr>
73<\/td>\u76f2\u4eba\u6478\u8c61<\/td>m\u00e1ng r\u00e9n m\u014d xi\u00e0ng<\/td>A blind man touches an elephant<\/td>Judge things only from partial information; have an incomplete understanding.<\/td><\/tr>
74<\/td>\u767e\u53d1\u767e\u4e2d<\/td>b\u01cei f\u0101 b\u01cei zh\u00f2ng<\/td>A hundred shots, a hundred hits<\/td>Be extremely accurate and successful in everything you do.<\/td><\/tr>
75<\/td>\u9c7c\u4e0e\u718a\u638c\u4e0d\u53ef\u517c\u5f97<\/td>y\u00fa y\u01d4 xi\u00f3ng zh\u01ceng b\u00f9 k\u011b ji\u0101n d\u00e9<\/td>Cannot have both fish and bear paws<\/td>I have to make a choice between two good things.<\/td><\/tr>
76<\/td>\u8001\u9a6c\u8bc6\u9014<\/td>l\u01ceo m\u01ce sh\u00ed t\u00fa<\/td>An old horse knows the way<\/td>An experienced person knows the right path; rely on veterans for guidance.<\/td><\/tr>
77<\/td>\u72fc\u5fc3\u72d7\u80ba<\/td>l\u00e1ng x\u012bn g\u01d2u f\u00e8i<\/td>Wolf heart and dog lungs<\/td>Be a cruel and ungrateful person.<\/td><\/tr>
78<\/td>\u4e50\u4e0d\u601d\u8700<\/td>l\u00e8 b\u00f9 s\u012b sh\u01d4<\/td>Too happy to miss home<\/td>Enjoy the present and forget the past; be content with your current situation.<\/td><\/tr>
79<\/td>\u4e1c\u5c71\u518d\u8d77<\/td>d\u014dng sh\u0101n z\u00e0i q\u01d0<\/td>Making a comeback<\/td>Return to success after failure; make a comeback.<\/td><\/tr>
80<\/td>\u732b\u54ed\u8001\u9f20<\/td>m\u0101o k\u016b l\u01ceo sh\u01d4<\/td>A cat crying for a mouse<\/td>Show fake sympathy; pretend to be sad for someone you don\u2019t care about.<\/td><\/tr>
81<\/td>\u5343\u91cc\u4e4b\u5824\u6bc1\u4e8e\u8681\u7a74<\/td>qi\u0101n l\u01d0 zh\u012b d\u012b hu\u01d0 y\u00fa y\u01d0 xu\u00e9<\/td>A long dam collapses from an ant hole<\/td>Small mistakes lead to big disasters; ignore small details and cause big losses.<\/td><\/tr>
82<\/td>\u91d1\u65e0\u8db3\u8d64<\/td>j\u012bn w\u00fa z\u00fa ch\u00ec<\/td>No pure gold<\/td>No one or nothing is perfect; everyone has shortcomings.<\/td><\/tr>
83<\/td>\u9000\u4e00\u6b65\u6d77\u9614\u5929\u7a7a<\/td>tu\u00ec y\u012b b\u00f9 h\u01cei ku\u00f2 ti\u0101n k\u014dng<\/td>Stepping back brings a wider view<\/td>Be tolerant and create more space; compromise brings peace.<\/td><\/tr>
84<\/td>\u7b28\u9e1f\u5148\u98de<\/td>b\u00e8n ni\u01ceo xi\u0101n f\u0113i<\/td>A slow bird flies first<\/td>Start early to make up for shortcomings; work harder than others.<\/td><\/tr>
85<\/td>\u6309\u56fe\u7d22\u9aa5<\/td>\u00e0n t\u00fa su\u01d2 j\u00ec<\/td>Looking for a horse by a picture<\/td>Follow rules rigidly without flexibility; be too rigid to adapt.<\/td><\/tr>
86<\/td>\u9e6c\u868c\u76f8\u4e89\u6e14\u7fc1\u5f97\u5229<\/td>y\u00f9 b\u00e0ng xi\u0101ng zh\u0113ng y\u00fa w\u0113ng d\u00e9 l\u00ec<\/td>The fisherman gains from a snipe-clam fight<\/td>A third party benefits from two parties\u2019 conflict.<\/td><\/tr>
87<\/td>\u5927\u6d77\u635e\u9488<\/td>d\u00e0 h\u01cei l\u0101o zh\u0113n<\/td>Fishing for a needle in the ocean<\/td>Something extremely hard to find; a futile search.<\/td><\/tr>
88<\/td>\u4e00\u8a00\u4e5d\u9f0e<\/td>y\u012b y\u00e1n ji\u01d4 d\u01d0ng<\/td>One word worth nine tripods<\/td>A promise with great weight and credibility; your words are trustworthy.<\/td><\/tr>
89<\/td>\u4e00\u9488\u89c1\u8840<\/td>y\u012b zh\u0113n ji\u00e0n xi\u011b<\/td>Hitting the mark with one stab<\/td>Point out the core problem directly; be incisive and to the point.<\/td><\/tr>
90<\/td>\u9694\u5cb8\u89c2\u706b<\/td>g\u00e9 \u00e0n gu\u0101n hu\u01d2<\/td>Watching fire from the other shore<\/td>Watch others\u2019 troubles without helping; be indifferent to others\u2019 misfortune.<\/td><\/tr>
91<\/td>\u79cd\u74dc\u5f97\u74dc\u79cd\u8c46\u5f97\u8c46<\/td>zh\u00f2ng gu\u0101 d\u00e9 gu\u0101 zh\u00f2ng d\u00f2u d\u00e9 d\u00f2u<\/td>Reap what you sow<\/td>Your actions will have corresponding results; you get what you deserve.<\/td><\/tr>
92<\/td>\u5f15\u72fc\u5165\u5ba4<\/td>y\u01d0n l\u00e1ng r\u00f9 sh\u00ec<\/td>Letting a wolf into the house<\/td>Bring danger to yourself by inviting someone harmful into your life or group.<\/td><\/tr>
93<\/td>\u53e3\u871c\u8179\u5251<\/td>k\u01d2u m\u00ec f\u00f9 ji\u00e0n<\/td>Honey in mouth, sword in belly<\/td>Be kind and sweet on the surface but evil and malicious inside.<\/td><\/tr>
94<\/td>\u53f6\u516c\u597d\u9f99<\/td>y\u00e8 g\u014dng h\u00e0o l\u00f3ng<\/td>Lord Ye loving dragons<\/td>Pretend to like something but be afraid of it in reality; like something superficially.<\/td><\/tr>
95<\/td>\u4e34\u6e0a\u7fa1\u9c7c<\/td>l\u00edn yu\u0101n xi\u00e0n y\u00fa<\/td>Admiring fish by the pool<\/td>Only wish for something without taking action to achieve it.<\/td><\/tr>
96<\/td>\u7eb8\u5305\u4e0d\u4f4f\u706b<\/td>zh\u01d0 b\u0101o b\u00f9 zh\u00f9 hu\u01d2<\/td>Paper cannot wrap fire<\/td>The truth can never be hidden; it will eventually be revealed.<\/td><\/tr>
97<\/td>\u8fc7\u6cb3\u62c6\u6865<\/td>gu\u00f2 h\u00e9 ch\u0101i qi\u00e1o<\/td>Breaking the bridge after crossing<\/td>Be ungrateful after getting help; abandon someone who has helped you.<\/td><\/tr>
98<\/td>\u671d\u4e09\u66ae\u56db<\/td>zh\u0101o s\u0101n m\u00f9 s\u00ec<\/td>Three in morning, four at night<\/td>Be changeable and unreliable; change your mind frequently.<\/td><\/tr>
99<\/td>\u6307\u9e7f\u4e3a\u9a6c<\/td>zh\u01d0 l\u00f9 w\u00e9i m\u01ce<\/td>Call a stag a horse<\/td>Deliberately distort the truth and confuse right and wrong.<\/td><\/tr>
100<\/td>\u5367\u85aa\u5c1d\u80c6<\/td>w\u00f2 x\u012bn ch\u00e1ng d\u01cen<\/td>Sleep on brushwood and taste gall<\/td>Endure hardships to achieve a goal; steel oneself for revenge.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
No.<\/th>Idiom\uff08Chengyu\uff09<\/th>Pinyin<\/th>Literal Meaning<\/th>Explanation<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
101<\/td>\u6301\u4e4b\u4ee5\u6052<\/td>ch\u00ed zh\u012b y\u01d0 h\u00e9ng<\/td>Persist with perseverance<\/td>Continue to do something with constant perseverance; never give up halfway.<\/td><\/tr>
102<\/td>\u9532\u800c\u4e0d\u820d<\/td>qi\u00e8 \u00e9r b\u00f9 sh\u011b<\/td>Carve continuously without giving up<\/td>Be persistent and tenacious in pursuing goals; keep working hard without stopping.<\/td><\/tr>
103<\/td>\u7cbe\u76ca\u6c42\u7cbe<\/td>j\u012bng y\u00ec qi\u00fa j\u012bng<\/td>Pursue excellence on the basis of perfection<\/td>Strive to make something better even if it is already good; pursue continuous improvement.<\/td><\/tr>
104<\/td>\u5b9e\u4e8b\u6c42\u662f<\/td>sh\u00ed sh\u00ec qi\u00fa sh\u00ec<\/td>Seek truth from facts<\/td>Base judgments and actions on objective facts; not be subjective or arbitrary.<\/td><\/tr>
105<\/td>\u6212\u9a84\u6212\u8e81<\/td>ji\u00e8 ji\u0101o ji\u00e8 z\u00e0o<\/td>Guard against conceit and impetuosity<\/td>Avoid being proud of achievements and impetuous in actions; keep a modest and steady attitude.<\/td><\/tr>
106<\/td>\u540c\u821f\u5171\u6d4e<\/td>t\u00f3ng zh\u014du g\u00f2ng j\u00ec<\/td>Cross the river together in the same boat<\/td>Work together to overcome difficulties; unite and help each other in times of trouble.<\/td><\/tr>
107<\/td>\u9f50\u5fc3\u534f\u529b<\/td>q\u00ed x\u012bn xi\u00e9 l\u00ec<\/td>Unite hearts and work together<\/td>Gather efforts and work as one; cooperate closely to achieve a common goal.<\/td><\/tr>
108<\/td>\u53d6\u957f\u8865\u77ed<\/td>q\u01d4 ch\u00e1ng b\u01d4 du\u01cen<\/td>Adopt strengths and make up for weaknesses<\/td>Learn from others\u2019 strengths to make up for one\u2019s own shortcomings; mutual improvement.<\/td><\/tr>
109<\/td>\u96c6\u601d\u5e7f\u76ca<\/td>j\u00ed s\u012b gu\u01ceng y\u00ec<\/td>Gather thoughts and broaden benefits<\/td>Collect opinions and suggestions from many people to get better ideas and solutions.<\/td><\/tr>
110<\/td>\u52e4\u5b66\u597d\u95ee<\/td>q\u00edn xu\u00e9 h\u00e0o w\u00e8n<\/td>Diligent in learning and fond of asking<\/td>Be diligent in studying and willing to ask questions when encountering difficulties; pursue knowledge actively.<\/td><\/tr>
111<\/td>\u5b66\u800c\u4e0d\u538c<\/td>xu\u00e9 \u00e9r b\u00f9 y\u00e0n<\/td>Learn without being tired<\/td>Be eager to learn and never feel tired of acquiring knowledge; maintain a lifelong learning attitude.<\/td><\/tr>
112<\/td>\u8bf2\u4eba\u4e0d\u5026<\/td>hu\u00ec r\u00e9n b\u00f9 ju\u00e0n<\/td>Teach others without being tired<\/td>Be patient in teaching others and never feel tired; dedicated to education.<\/td><\/tr>
113<\/td>\u6e29\u6545\u77e5\u65b0<\/td>w\u0113n g\u00f9 zh\u012b x\u012bn<\/td>Review old knowledge to gain new understanding<\/td>Review what has been learned to deepen understanding and gain new insights.<\/td><\/tr>
114<\/td>\u5e94\u8fd0\u800c\u751f<\/td>y\u00ecng y\u00f9n \u00e9r sh\u0113ng<\/td>To emerge thanks to a favorable situation<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
115<\/td>\u878d\u4f1a\u8d2f\u901a<\/td>r\u00f3ng hu\u00ec gu\u00e0n t\u014dng<\/td>Integrate and master thoroughly<\/td>Combine different knowledge and experiences to understand and master them comprehensively.<\/td><\/tr>
116<\/td>\u5faa\u5e8f\u6e10\u8fdb<\/td>x\u00fan x\u00f9 ji\u00e0n j\u00ecn<\/td>Proceed step by step and make gradual progress<\/td>Do things in a proper order and make steady progress; not rush for quick results.<\/td><\/tr>
117<\/td>\u6709\u7684\u653e\u77e2<\/td>y\u01d2u d\u00ec f\u00e0ng sh\u01d0<\/td>Shoot arrows with a target<\/td>Have a clear target and purpose in doing things; not act blindly.<\/td><\/tr>
118<\/td>\u5bf9\u75c7\u4e0b\u836f<\/td>du\u00ec zh\u00e8ng xi\u00e0 y\u00e0o<\/td>Prescribe medicine according to illness<\/td>Solve problems by targeting the root cause; take appropriate measures for specific issues.<\/td><\/tr>
119<\/td>\u4e8b\u534a\u529f\u500d<\/td>sh\u00ec b\u00e0n g\u014dng b\u00e8i<\/td>Half the effort, double the effect<\/td>Achieve twice the effect with half the effort; work efficiently by using the right methods.<\/td><\/tr>
120<\/td>\u5f97\u4e0d\u507f\u5931<\/td>d\u00e9 b\u00f9 ch\u00e1ng sh\u012b<\/td>Gain less than lose<\/td>The gains are not worth the losses; the cost is higher than the benefit.<\/td><\/tr>
121<\/td>\u820d\u8fd1\u6c42\u8fdc<\/td>sh\u011b j\u00ecn qi\u00fa yu\u01cen<\/td>Abandon the near and seek the far<\/td>Choose a more distant or difficult way when an easier one is available; be impractical.<\/td><\/tr>
122<\/td>\u672c\u672b\u5012\u7f6e<\/td>b\u011bn m\u00f2 d\u00e0o zh\u00ec<\/td>Put the root and branch in reverse order<\/td>Confuse the primary and secondary; focus on trivial things while ignoring the key points.<\/td><\/tr>
123<\/td>\u8f7b\u91cd\u7f13\u6025<\/td>q\u012bng zh\u00f2ng hu\u01cen j\u00ed<\/td>Light, heavy, slow, urgent<\/td>Distinguish between important and unimportant, urgent and non-urgent things; arrange priorities properly.<\/td><\/tr>
124<\/td>\u5f53\u673a\u7acb\u65ad<\/td>d\u0101ng j\u012b l\u00ec du\u00e0n<\/td>Make a decision immediately when the opportunity comes<\/td>Be decisive and make timely decisions when facing opportunities or crises; not hesitate.<\/td><\/tr>
125<\/td>\u72b9\u8c6b\u4e0d\u51b3<\/td>y\u00f3u y\u00f9 b\u00f9 ju\u00e9<\/td>Hesitate and cannot make a decision<\/td>Be indecisive and unable to make up one\u2019s mind; waver between choices.<\/td><\/tr>
126<\/td>\u4f18\u67d4\u5be1\u65ad<\/td>y\u014du r\u00f3u gu\u01ce du\u00e0n<\/td>Soft and indecisive<\/td>Be weak and lack determination; unable to make firm decisions.<\/td><\/tr>
127<\/td>\u96f7\u5389\u98ce\u884c<\/td>l\u00e9i l\u00ec f\u0113ng x\u00edng<\/td>Like thunder and wind, fast and powerful<\/td>Take action quickly and resolutely; be efficient and decisive in doing things.<\/td><\/tr>
128<\/td>\u62d6\u6ce5\u5e26\u6c34<\/td>tu\u014d n\u00ed d\u00e0i shu\u01d0<\/td>Drag mud and water<\/td>Do things in a sloppy and inefficient way; leave loose ends and not be thorough.<\/td><\/tr>
129<\/td>\u5149\u660e\u78ca\u843d<\/td>gu\u0101ng m\u00edng l\u011bi lu\u00f2<\/td>Bright and open<\/td>Be honest and upright; have no hidden secrets or selfish motives.<\/td><\/tr>
130<\/td>\u8868\u91cc\u5982\u4e00<\/td>bi\u01ceo l\u01d0 r\u00fa y\u012b<\/td>Inside and outside are the same<\/td>Be consistent in words and deeds; what you see on the surface is the same as the inner reality.<\/td><\/tr>
131<\/td>\u8bda\u5b9e\u5b88\u4fe1<\/td>ch\u00e9ng sh\u00ed sh\u01d2u x\u00ecn<\/td>Honest and trustworthy<\/td>Be honest and keep promises; be reliable and trustworthy.<\/td><\/tr>
132<\/td>\u8a00\u884c\u4e00\u81f4<\/td>y\u00e1n x\u00edng y\u012b zh\u00ec<\/td>Words and actions are consistent<\/td>Do what you say; your actions match your words.<\/td><\/tr>
133<\/td>\u5bbd\u5b8f\u5927\u91cf<\/td>ku\u0101n h\u00f3ng d\u00e0 li\u00e0ng<\/td>Broad and generous<\/td>Be magnanimous and tolerant; not care about small mistakes or grievances.<\/td><\/tr>
134<\/td>\u5e73\u6613\u8fd1\u4eba<\/td>p\u00edng y\u00ec j\u00ecn r\u00e9n<\/td>Plain and easy to approach<\/td>Be kind and approachable; not arrogant or distant from others.<\/td><\/tr>
135<\/td>\u8c26\u865a\u8c28\u614e<\/td>qi\u0101n x\u016b j\u01d0n sh\u00e8n<\/td>Modest and cautious<\/td>Be modest and not conceited; be careful and prudent in words and actions.<\/td><\/tr>
136<\/td>\u4e25\u4e8e\u5f8b\u5df1<\/td>y\u00e1n y\u00fa l\u01dc j\u01d0<\/td>Be strict with oneself<\/td>Set high standards for oneself and strictly demand one\u2019s own words and actions.<\/td><\/tr>
137<\/td>\u5bbd\u4ee5\u5f85\u4eba<\/td>ku\u0101n y\u01d0 d\u00e0i r\u00e9n<\/td>Be lenient with others<\/td>Be tolerant and forgiving to others; not be harsh on others\u2019 mistakes.<\/td><\/tr>
138<\/td>\u89c1\u4e49\u52c7\u4e3a<\/td>ji\u00e0n y\u00ec y\u01d2ng w\u00e9i<\/td>See what is right and dare to do it<\/td>Have the courage to do what is right and just; not hesitate to help others in need.<\/td><\/tr>
139<\/td>\u820d\u5df1\u4e3a\u4eba<\/td>sh\u011b j\u01d0 w\u00e8i r\u00e9n<\/td>Abandon oneself for others<\/td>Sacrifice one\u2019s own interests to help others; be selfless and altruistic.<\/td><\/tr>
140<\/td>\u52a9\u4eba\u4e3a\u4e50<\/td>zh\u00f9 r\u00e9n w\u00e9i l\u00e8<\/td>Take pleasure in helping others<\/td>Find joy in helping others; be willing to assist others and feel happy about it.<\/td><\/tr>
141<\/td>\u5927\u516c\u65e0\u79c1<\/td>d\u00e0 g\u014dng w\u00fa s\u012b<\/td>Great public spirit, no selfishness<\/td>Put public interests above personal interests; be impartial and selfless.<\/td><\/tr>
142<\/td>\u516c\u79c1\u5206\u660e<\/td>g\u014dng s\u012b f\u0113n m\u00edng<\/td>Distinguish clearly between public and private<\/td>Clearly separate public affairs from private interests; not mix personal matters with public duties.<\/td><\/tr>
143<\/td>\u5148\u516c\u540e\u79c1<\/td>xi\u0101n g\u014dng h\u00f2u s\u012b<\/td>Put public first, private later<\/td>Prioritize public interests over personal interests; handle public affairs first before private matters.<\/td><\/tr>
144<\/td>\u5149\u660e\u6b63\u5927<\/td>gu\u0101ng m\u00edng zh\u00e8ng d\u00e0<\/td>Bright and upright<\/td>Be open and aboveboard; do things in a fair and honest way without hiding anything.<\/td><\/tr>
145<\/td>\u6d69\u7136\u6b63\u6c14<\/td>h\u00e0o r\u00e1n zh\u00e8ng q\u00ec<\/td>Noble and upright integrity<\/td>Have a noble and upright spirit; uphold justice and integrity.<\/td><\/tr>
146<\/td>\u575a\u8d1e\u4e0d\u5c48<\/td>ji\u0101n zh\u0113n b\u00f9 q\u016b<\/td>Firm and unyielding<\/td>Be firm in beliefs and integrity; not yield to pressure or temptation.<\/td><\/tr>
147<\/td>\u5a01\u6b66\u4e0d\u5c48<\/td>w\u0113i w\u01d4 b\u00f9 q\u016b<\/td>Unyielding to power and force<\/td>Not be intimidated by power or force; uphold one\u2019s principles and integrity.<\/td><\/tr>
148<\/td>\u5b81\u6b7b\u4e0d\u5c48<\/td>n\u00edng s\u01d0 b\u00f9 q\u016b<\/td>Would rather die than yield<\/td>Be extremely firm in beliefs; not surrender even in the face of death.<\/td><\/tr>
149<\/td>\u4e0d\u5c48\u4e0d\u6320<\/td>b\u00f9 q\u016b b\u00f9 n\u00e1o<\/td>Not yielding and not giving up<\/td>Be tenacious and persistent; not give in to difficulties or setbacks.<\/td><\/tr>
150<\/td>\u767e\u6298\u4e0d\u6320<\/td>b\u01cei zh\u00e9 b\u00f9 n\u00e1o<\/td>A hundred setbacks, not yielding<\/td>Be extremely resilient; persist in goals despite numerous difficulties and failures.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>Conclusion<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We hope that through the Chinese idiom article from WuKong Chinese<\/a>, you have gained access to a wealth of profound values. These idioms not only enhance your language competence but also offer you a more insightful perspective on the thoughts and philosophies embedded in Chinese culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learning a language entails more than just mastering communication skills\u2014it also involves exploring the unique culture of the nation. For more engaging and fascinating content, explore WuKong Chinese<\/a>, learn under the guidance of native-speaking instructors and stories!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>FAQs<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. What are Chinese idioms (chengyu)?<\/strong>

Q\uff1aChinese idioms, or chengyu, are fixed expressions usually made up of four characters. They often have historical or literary origins and convey deeper meanings beyond the literal words.<\/p> <\/div>

2. Why are Chinese idioms important?<\/strong>

Q\uff1aChengyu are widely used in both spoken and written Chinese. Learning them helps improve language skills and provides insight into Chinese culture and history.<\/p> <\/div>

3. How many Chinese idioms are there?<\/strong>

Q\uff1aThere are thousands of Chinese idioms in the Chinese language, but around 500\u20131000 are commonly used in daily communication.<\/p> <\/div>

4. Are chengyu used in modern Chinese?<\/strong>

Q\uff1aYes, chengyu are still widely used today, especially in writing, speeches, and formal communication.<\/p> <\/div>

5. What are some common Chinese idioms?<\/strong><\/strong>

Q\uff1aCommon Chinese idioms (chengyu) from the list include: \u4e00\u4e3e\u4e24\u5f97 (y\u012b j\u01d4 li\u01ceng d\u00e9, “achieve two goals with one action”), \u5fc3\u76f4\u53e3\u5feb (x\u012bn zh\u00ed k\u01d2u ku\u00e0i, “outspoken”), \u4e71\u4e03\u516b\u7cdf (lu\u00e0n q\u012b b\u0101 z\u0101o, “messy”), \u4e09\u5fc3\u4e8c\u610f (s\u0101n x\u012bn \u00e8r y\u00ec, “half-hearted”), and \u72ec\u4e00\u65e0\u4e8c (d\u00fa y\u012b w\u00fa \u00e8r, “unique”). They are widely used in daily communication.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n

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<\/div>\r\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Idioms are the soul of the Chinese language, embodying thousands of years of cultural heritage, historical stories, fables, and philosophical wisdom. Known as chengyu (\u6210\u8bed), most are fixed four-character phrases that condense profound meanings into concise expressions\u2014used widely in daily communication, writing, and cultural exchanges. 150 Beautiful Chinese Idioms This Chinese idiom(chengyu) list includes 150 classic and commonly used Chinese idioms, covering high-frequency phrases for daily use. Each entry includes pinyin, literal meaning, and practical explanation, making it easy to understand and apply. No. Idiom\uff08Chengyu\uff09 Pinyin Literal Meaning Explanation 1 \u4e00\u4e3e\u4e24\u5f97 y\u012b j\u01d4 li\u01ceng d\u00e9 One action, two gains Achieve two goals with a single action; similar to “kill two birds with one stone”. 2 \u5fc3\u76f4\u53e3\u5feb x\u012bn zh\u00ed k\u01d2u ku\u00e0i...<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":211806833,"featured_media":59596,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_coblocks_attr":"","_coblocks_dimensions":"","_coblocks_responsive_height":"","_coblocks_accordion_ie_support":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[134691,132604],"tags":[134755],"class_list":["post-59588","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-chinese-learning","category-chinese-phrases","tag-wukong-chinese"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nChinese Idioms: 150 Must-Know Chengyu + Meanings - WuKong Edu Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover 150 Chinese idioms (chengyu) with pinyin, meanings, and examples. 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