Learn Chinese Idioms with Stories and Real-Life Examples

😵 囫囵吞枣 hú lún tūn zǎo – Swallowing the Date Whole

Learn the quirky tale behind 囫囵吞枣, an idiom that warns us not to absorb knowledge without thinking. Discover how a man’s strange way of eating dates became a lesson in critical learning.

😅 五十步笑百步 wǔ shí bù xiào bǎi bù – The Pot Calling the Kettle Black

Learn the story behind 五十步笑百步 – how two retreating soldiers helped Mencius explain a powerful truth about self-awareness and hypocrisy.

🙋‍♂️ 毛遂自荐 máo suì zì jiàn – Boldly Recommend Yourself

Discover the inspiring story of Mao Sui, who boldly stepped forward to help his state. Learn how 毛遂自荐 (máo suì zì jiàn) became a symbol of confidence, courage, and perfect timing.

🎋 胸有成竹 xiōng yǒu chéng zhú – Calm and Ready to Begin

Learn how 胸有成竹 (xiōng yǒu chéng zhú) tells the story of a painter who saw the bamboo clearly in his mind before painting it. This idiom teaches the power of preparation and confidence before taking action.

🌞 夸父逐日 kuā fù zhú rì – The Giant Who Chased the Sun

Discover the legendary story of Kua Fu, a giant who chased the sun to save his people. Learn how 夸父逐日 kuā fù zhú rì became a powerful Chinese idiom about courage, sacrifice, and ambition.

🍷 乐不思蜀 lè bù sī shǔ - Too Happy to Go Home

Discover the story of an emperor who got so comfortable in his new life, he forgot about his lost kingdom. Learn how 乐不思蜀 reminds us that joy can sometimes make us forget our roots.

🐎 塞翁失马 sài wēng shī mǎ – A Blessing in Disguise

Learn how the story of a lost horse teaches us to stay calm during life’s ups and downs. This idiom reminds us that bad luck may lead to good fortune — and vice versa.

😬 东施效颦 dōng shī xiào pín – Blind Imitation Backfires

When imitation goes wrong… Discover the humorous Chinese idiom “东施效颦” and learn how copying without understanding can lead to embarrassing results.

🐯 与虎谋皮 yǔ hǔ móu pí – Asking a Tiger to Give Up Its Skin

This idiom reminds us that some requests are simply impossible — especially when they go against someone’s self-interest. Learn the story, meaning, and how to use 与虎谋皮 with real examples and visual memory tips.

🪙 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.