Learn Chinese Idioms with Stories and Real-Life Examples

🪙 此地无银三百两 cǐ dì wú yín sān bǎi liǎng – “No Silver Buried Here!”

This idiom tells the ironic story of a man who exposed his own secret while trying to hide it. Learn how 此地无银三百两 became a phrase for giving yourself away.

🥄 熟能生巧 shú néng shēng qiǎo – Practice Makes Perfect

This idiom tells how great skill comes from steady repetition — not talent. Discover the story of the old oil seller and how 熟能生巧 reminds us that practice creates mastery.

🐦 一鸣惊人 yī míng jīng rén – A Single Cry That Stuns the Sky

This idiom tells the story of a quiet person who surprises everyone with one powerful action. Learn how 一鸣惊人 captures the moment when silence turns into brilliance.

🏔️ 愚公移山 yú gōng yí shān – The Foolish Old Man Who Moved the Mountains

This idiom tells the story of an old man who believed he could move mountains with patience and perseverance. A powerful reminder that no challenge is too great when you never give up.

🌌 牛郎织女 niú láng zhī nǚ – The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl

Discover the touching tale of 牛郎织女 (Niú láng zhī nǚ) — a Chinese idiom born from a love that defies distance, stars, and time itself.

🧊 唇亡齿寒 chún wáng chǐ hán – If the Lips Are Gone, the Teeth Will Feel Cold

This Chinese idiom teaches us that when two things depend on each other, the fall of one will harm the other. Learn the story, usage, and examples behind 唇亡齿寒.

💧 水滴石穿 shuǐ dī shí chuān – Dripping Water Pierces Stone

This Chinese idiom shows the power of small, steady effort. Discover the story behind 水滴石穿 and how it inspires us to keep going — even when progress feels slow.

💎 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.

🌙 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.

🫏 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.

🛖 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.