Chengyu are traditional Chinese idiomatic expressions usually composed of four characters.
They often stem from classical literature, historical anecdotes, philosophical texts, or folktales.
Many have roots in ancient works like the Zuo Zhuan, Records of the Grand Historian, or moral teachings of Confucian or Daoist philosophy.
Their concise form and literary elegance reflect China’s long literary tradition.
For Chinese speakers, chengyu are not just linguistic ornaments; they are essential elements of educated discourse.
Using chengyu fluently signals cultural sophistication, good education, and a grasp of classical allusions.
They convey complex ideas, morals, or imagery with remarkable brevity and nuance.
In everyday life, chengyu enhance communication, infusing speech and writing with historical depth, moral lessons, and aesthetic pleasure.
While modern Chinese language constantly evolves, chengyu remain in common use, from daily conversation to formal writing. They appear in literature, media commentary, political speeches, and educational materials. Students learn them from a young age to appreciate classical culture, improve language proficiency, and understand China’s intellectual heritage.
Doing unnecessary work that not only fails to help but spoils the original intention. It warns against over-complicating matters.
Offering something sophisticated or refined to an uncomprehending audience. It suggests wasting words or effort on someone who can’t appreciate them.
Being foolishly idle and waiting for success to fall into one’s hands without effort, based on a lucky fluke from the past.
It’s not too late to take precautions or correct mistakes after a loss occurs. Better to fix the problem late than never.
Someone who uses another’s power or authority to bully others, without having true ability themselves.
A misfortune may lead to a blessing, or a setback might bring future gains. It reflects Daoist acceptance that good and bad luck are intertwined.
Based on a story where a man's horse runs away but returns with a herd of horses, turning his misfortune into a large windfall.
Later events in the story complicate matters as good and bad luck alternate thus making a final determination of the "good" or "bad" of the horse running away difficult, impossible, or meaningless to decide.
Someone with a narrow worldview who believes their limited experience is the whole reality. It criticizes ignorance and lack of broader perspective.
Working together to overcome difficulties, unity in the face of adversity.
Offering help when it is truly needed, as opposed to giving luxuries when things are already good. It praises timely assistance.
Punishing one offender severely as a warning to others, a show of forceful deterrence.
Symbolizes perseverance, determination to achieve a seemingly impossible goal through persistent effort.
Criticizes rigid thinking and ignoring changes in circumstances.
Someone who fails to adapt to new realities or clings to outdated methods is “刻舟求剑.”
Describes someone who has remained silent or unnoticed, suddenly achieving remarkable success or revealing great talent, shocking everyone.
“Covering one’s ears while stealing a bell”
Fooling oneself into believing that one’s wrongdoing is not noticed, or ignoring obvious facts to pretend a problem doesn’t exist.
Two parties fighting fiercely over something, allowing a third party to benefit when they are both exhausted.
Emphasizes quality over quantity; do not settle for mediocrity.
Encourages learning by analogy, using one fact to understand many.
Describes something that leaves an unforgettable, profound impression.
The finishing touch that brings something fully to life, making it complete.
Doing something that only makes a problem worse.