💎 买椟还珠 mǎi dú huán zhū – Returning the Pearl but Keeping the Box
This idiom teaches us not to mistake surface beauty for true value. Learn the story of a man who chose a fancy box over a priceless pearl — and what it means in real life.
🐮 对牛弹琴 duì niú tán qín – Playing the Lute to a Cow
This Chinese idiom describes what happens when someone shares something meaningful, but the listener doesn’t understand it. Learn the story, meaning, and how to use it — with examples and a memory tip.
🧐 不过 búguò vs 但是 dànshì – What’s the Difference?
Think 不过 and 但是 both mean “but”? You’re not wrong — but they feel very different! This blog shows how to use each one naturally, with examples, grammar tips, and a short quiz.
🌙 水中捞月 shuǐ zhōng lāo yuè – Reaching for the Moon in the Water
Discover the meaning behind 水中捞月, a Chinese idiom about chasing illusions. Learn the story, how to use it, and how to avoid common mistakes — with real examples and a memory tip.
📜 纸上谈兵 zhǐ shàng tán bīng – Talking Tactics on Paper
Discover the idiom 纸上谈兵, a powerful reminder that theory alone is not enough. Based on a true story from ancient China, this post includes the origin, real-life examples, and translation practice.
🤔 认为 rènwéi vs 以为 yǐwéi – What’s the Difference?
认为 vs 以为 — they both mean “to think,” but one is what you believe and the other is what you thought… but were wrong! This blog shows the difference with simple examples and a quiz.
🫏 黔驴技穷 qián lǘ jì qióng – The Donkey Ran Out of Tricks
Discover the idiom 黔驴技穷 — a story about a donkey, a tiger, and the moment when someone runs out of tricks. This post includes the full story, real examples, and practice for Mandarin learners.
🐸 井底之蛙 jǐng dǐ zhī wā – A Frog at the Bottom of a Well
Discover the story of a proud frog and a vast ocean beyond its imagination. 井底之蛙 teaches us what happens when we mistake a small world for the whole world. Includes examples and a memory tip for learners.
🐅 调虎离山 diào hǔ lí shān – Luring the Tiger Out of the Mountains
This ancient Chinese idiom reveals a clever strategy: lure a threat away from its stronghold to create a safer path forward. Learn the meaning, story, and how to use it — with examples and a memory tip.
🧐 看书 kàn shū vs 读书 dú shū – What’s the Difference?
Think 看书 and 读书 mean the same thing? Not quite! Learn when to use each one — whether you’re reading for fun or studying hard. This post has clear examples, common mistakes, and a quick quiz to test yourself! 📚✅
😅 我看见了一个电影。Wait… That’s Wrong?!
Saying “我看见了一个电影” to mean “I watched a movie”? It’s a common mistake! Learn the difference between 看 and 看见 — with clear examples and fun practice.
🛖 三顾茅庐 sān gù máo lú – Winning Trust Through Sincerity
Learn the meaning and story of 三顾茅庐, an idiom about how humility, patience, and sincere effort can win respect and open doors. Real examples and a memory tip included!
🐍 杯弓蛇影 bēi gōng shé yǐng – Seeing Trouble Where There Is None
Discover the story and meaning of 杯弓蛇影 — an idiom about mistaking shadows for danger. Learn how fear can trick the mind, with simple examples and a fun memory tip.
🔔 掩耳盗铃 yǎn ěr dào líng – Fooling Yourself to Fool Others
Discover the story and meaning of 掩耳盗铃, a Chinese idiom about deceiving yourself to hide the truth. Includes real examples and a vivid memory tip.
🐯🐉 卧虎藏龙 wò hǔ cáng lóng – Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Discover the meaning and story of 卧虎藏龙, a Chinese idiom about hidden power and unseen talent. Includes examples and an easy memory tip.
🛑 螳臂当车 táng bì dāng chē – The Mantis Trying to Stop a Chariot
Can a tiny mantis stop a chariot? Discover the idiom 螳臂当车, a vivid Chinese metaphor for overestimating yourself when facing overwhelming power. Great for learners and storytellers.
🏹 🦅 一箭双雕 yí jiàn shuāng diāo – Hitting Two Hawks with One Arrow
Learn the meaning and story of 一箭双雕, a Chinese idiom about achieving two results with one smart action. Includes real examples and an easy memory tip.
