Chinese Idioms: Meaning, Famous Examples, and Usage

I. What Are Chinese Idioms?
II. 100 famous Chinese idioms
III. How to Use Chinese Idioms in Real Life
IV. Chinese Idioms in HSK and Exams

I. What Are Chinese Idioms?

Chinese idioms, known as 成语 (chéngyǔ), are concise, four-character phrases deeply rooted in Chinese history, literature, and philosophy. Unlike casual expressions or slang, idioms often carry cultural, historical, or moral meanings—making them a powerful tool for expressing complex ideas in just a few words.

Examples:

对牛弹琴 (duì niú tán qín) – “Playing the lute to a cow” → speaking to the wrong audience
亡羊补牢 (wáng yáng bǔ láo) – “Mending the pen after losing sheep” → taking action after a setback

Idioms are everywhere in Chinese: textbooks, business communication, news media, and formal writing. Here’s why mastering them is important:

In everyday speech: Native speakers use 成语 to sound precise, witty, or culturally fluent.
In exams like HSK 5–6: Knowing idioms boosts reading comprehension and makes writing more sophisticated.
In literature and history: Idioms offer insight into how ancient moral lessons and traditional thinking still permeate modern Chinese.

Each 成语 is more than a linguistic tool; it embodies the classical elegance and philosophical depth of the Chinese language. Learning idioms helps you better understand Chinese logic, values, and communication style. Even using a few correctly in writing or conversation can elevate your fluency and show cultural competence.

II. 100 famous Chinese idioms

To help you get started, here are 100 well-known Chinese idioms, organized into practical categories so that you can learn them based on your needs and interests.

Everyday & Common Use Idioms (for Conversation)

No.	Idiom	Pinyin	Meaning	Explanation
1	马马虎虎	mǎ mǎ hǔ hǔ	So-so / Careless	Describes someone who is sloppy or does things absentmindedly.
2	自相矛盾	zì xiāng máo dùn	Self-contradiction	To say or do things that contradict each other.
3	一举两得	yī jǔ liǎng dé	Kill two birds with one stone	Get two results from one action.
4	对牛弹琴	duì niú tán qín	Playing the lute to a cow	Talking to someone who doesn’t understand/appreciate it.
5	一清二楚	yī qīng èr chǔ	Crystal clear	Very clear and easy to understand.
6	井底之蛙	jǐng dǐ zhī wā	A frog in a well	Someone with a narrow perspective.
7	一模一样	yī mú yī yàng	Exactly the same	Two things that are identical in appearance.
8	不三不四	bù sān bù sì	Improper / Shady	Describes something or someone suspicious or improper.
9	糊里糊涂	hú li hú tú	Confused	In a state of cluelessness.
10	半信半疑	bàn xìn bàn yí	Half-believing	Not completely sure; partly doubting.
11	九牛一毛	jiǔ niú yī máo	A drop in the ocean	A very small part of a much bigger whole.
12	七上八下	qī shàng bā xià	Uneasy / Nervous	Feeling nervous or unsettled.
13	一言为定	yī yán wéi dìng	It’s a deal	A promise or agreement confirmed.
14	一见钟情	yī jiàn zhōng qíng	Love at first sight	Falling in love instantly.
15	杯水车薪	bēi shuǐ chē xīn	A drop in the bucket	Effort or help too small for a big task.
16	心直口快	xīn zhí kǒu kuài	Straight-talker	Honest but possibly blunt person.
17	心血来潮	xīn xuè lái cháo	On a whim	Do something purely on sudden impulse.
18	四通八达	sì tōng bā dá	Connected in all directions	Extensive and accessible infrastructure or network.
19	一针见血	yī zhēn jiàn xiě	Hit the nail on the head	Speak or act with precision.
20	无微不至	wú wēi bù zhì	Considerate to every detail	Thorough and attentive in caring.

Idioms for Exams and Formal Writing (HSK 5-6, Essays, Academic)

No.	Idiom	Pinyin	Meaning	Explanation
21	亡羊补牢	wáng yáng bǔ láo	Better late than never	Take action after a problem to prevent more loss.
22	拔苗助长	bá miáo zhù zhǎng	Ruin things by rushing	Acting too hastily can harm progress.
23	掩耳盗铃	yǎn ěr dào líng	Self-deception	Pretend ignorance doesn’t hide the truth.
24	杀鸡儆猴	shā jī jǐng hóu	Punish one to warn others	Set an example by discipline.
25	精益求精	jīng yì qiú jīng	Strive for perfection	Pursue excellence beyond expectations.
26	画龙点睛	huà lóng diǎn jīng	Add the finishing touch	Make a masterpiece truly complete with one small detail.
27	入木三分	rù mù sān fēn	Deep and insightful	Impressive strength or depth in something (writing, thought).
28	水落石出	shuǐ luò shí chū	The truth will come out	In time, reality is revealed.
29	能者多劳	néng zhě duō láo	The capable do more	Reliable people shoulder more responsibility.
30	学以致用	xué yǐ zhì yòng	Learn to apply	Study with the goal of using knowledge in practice.
31	纸上谈兵	zhǐ shàng tán bīng	Talk theory only	Knowing theory without practical experience is ineffective.
32	实事求是	shí shì qiú shì	Seek truth from facts	Be objective and realistic.
33	有条不紊	yǒu tiáo bù wěn	Methodical / orderly	Tidy, structured progression.
34	言简意赅	yán jiǎn yì gāi	Concise and complete	Speak or write clearly and precisely.
35	举一反三	jǔ yī fǎn sān	Learn one, infer three	Learn and transfer knowledge flexibly.
36	一丝不苟	yī sī bù gǒu	Detail-oriented	Extremely careful and meticulous.
37	慎重其事	shèn zhòng qí shì	Handle with caution	Approach something carefully and thoughtfully.
38	知足常乐	zhī zú cháng lè	Contentment brings happiness	Happiness lies in knowing limits and appreciating what you have.
39	志同道合	zhì tóng dào hé	Like-minded	People sharing values or vision.
40	厚积薄发	hòu jī bó fā	Accumulate strength before action	Quiet preparation leads to a powerful result.

Thematic Idioms (Love, Friendship, Wisdom, Virtue, etc.)

No.	Idiom	Pinyin	Meaning	Explanation
41	一见钟情	yī jiàn zhōng qíng	Love at first sight	Falling in love instantly upon first sight.
42	天作之合	tiān zuò zhī hé	Match made in heaven	A perfect romantic partnership, as if destined.
43	青梅竹马	qīng méi zhú mǎ	Childhood sweethearts	Close friends or lovers since childhood.
44	相濡以沫	xiāng rú yǐ mò	Mutual support in hardship	Helping each other even in tough situations.
45	形影不离	xíng yǐng bù lí	Inseparable	Being together as closely as shadow and form.
46	刎颈之交	wěn jǐng zhī jiāo	Deep and loyal friendship	Willing to die for a friend.
47	志同道合	zhì tóng dào hé	Kindred spirits	Sharing the same ideals and values.
48	肝胆相照	gān dǎn xiāng zhào	Full trust and sincerity	Open and genuine relationship (especially between friends).
49	恩重如山	ēn zhòng rú shān	A debt of deep gratitude	Kindness or favor that’s as weighty as a mountain.
50	饮水思源	yǐn shuǐ sī yuán	Remember the source while drinking	Be grateful for the people who helped you.
51	守信如金	shǒu xìn rú jīn	Keep your word like gold	Great value in honoring one’s promises.
52	言而有信	yán ér yǒu xìn	Be true to your word	Someone who is trustworthy and dependable.
53	礼尚往来	lǐ shàng wǎng lái	Courtesy begets courtesy	Showing respect invites respect in return.
54	诚心诚意	chéng xīn chéng yì	Wholeheartedly	Complete sincerity and honesty.
55	忍辱负重	rěn rǔ fù zhòng	Endure humiliation to achieve greatness	Tolerance of hardship for long-term goals.
56	知人善任	zhī rén shàn rèn	Know people and use them well	Wisdom in identifying and assigning talent.
57	三思而后行	sān sī ér hòu xíng	Think before acting	Act only after careful thought.
58	虚怀若谷	xū huái ruò gǔ	Open-minded and humble	Willing to accept new or opposing ideas.
59	以德服人	yǐ dé fú rén	Win people over with virtue	Influence others through moral example, not force.
60	水能载舟，亦能覆舟	shuǐ néng zài zhōu, yì néng fù zhōu	Water can carry a boat, but also capsize it	Power and influence can both support and destroy — use it wisely.

Humorous & Metaphorical Idioms (Funny, Visual, or Clever Expressions)

No.	Idiom	Pinyin	Meaning	Explanation
61	对牛弹琴	duì niú tán qín	Playing the lute to a cow	Wasting words on someone who doesn’t understand.
62	鸡毛蒜皮	jī máo suàn pí	Chicken feathers and garlic skin	Trivial things; not worth arguing over.
63	指鹿为马	zhǐ lù wéi mǎ	Calling a deer a horse	Twisting facts; deliberate misrepresentation.
64	杯弓蛇影	bēi gōng shé yǐng	Seeing a snake in the cup	Imaginary fear; overthinking.
65	守株待兔	shǒu zhū dài tù	Waiting at a tree for a rabbit	Being lazy and relying purely on luck.
66	鹤立鸡群	hè lì jī qún	A crane among chickens	Someone who clearly stands out from the rest.
67	打草惊蛇	dǎ cǎo jīng shé	Startle the snake by beating the grass	Tip off the enemy too early and lose advantage.
68	狐假虎威	hú jiǎ hǔ wēi	The fox borrows the tiger’s power	Using someone else’s influence to intimidate others.
69	画蛇添足	huà shé tiān zú	Draw a snake, then add feet	Ruin something by doing too much.
70	叶公好龙	yè gōng hào lóng	Duke Ye loved dragons	Pretending to like something but fearing it in truth.
71	骑虎难下	qí hǔ nán xià	Hard to get off the tiger	Stuck in a risky situation where backing out isn’t an option.
72	口蜜腹剑	kǒu mì fù jiàn	Honey on lips, sword in belly	Pretending to be kind while hiding bad intentions.
73	狗急跳墙	gǒu jí tiào qiáng	A cornered dog jumps the wall	Desperate people will take extreme measures.
74	鹬蚌相争	yù bàng xiāng zhēng	Clam and snipe fight	Two sides lose and a third party gains.
75	猫哭老鼠	māo kū lǎo shǔ	Cat crying for the mouse	Fake sympathy/full of hypocrisy.
76	画饼充饥	huà bǐng chōng jī	Draw a cake to satisfy hunger	Empty promises or false hope.
77	老马识途	lǎo mǎ shí tú	Old horse knows the way	Experienced people know what to do best.
78	盲人摸象	máng rén mō xiàng	Blind person touching an elephant	Judging without seeing the full picture.
79	空穴来风	kōng xué lái fēng	Winds come from a hollow cave	There's some truth behind all rumors.
80	竹篮打水	zhú lán dǎ shuǐ	Fetching water with a basket	A futile effort; guaranteed failure.

Strategic & Life Principle Idioms

No.	Idiom	Pinyin	Meaning	Explanation
81	卧薪尝胆	wò xīn cháng dǎn	Sleep on firewood, taste bile	Endure hardship to prepare for future revenge/success.
82	东山再起	dōng shān zài qǐ	Rise again	Bounce back after failure.
83	种瓜得瓜，种豆得豆	zhòng guā dé guā, zhòng dòu dé dòu	You reap what you sow	Your efforts determine your results.
84	饮水思源	yǐn shuǐ sī yuán	Remember where your water comes from	Be grateful to your roots/helpers.
85	临渴掘井	lín kě jué jǐng	Dig the well when thirsty	Acting too late in a crisis.
86	千里之堤毁于蚁穴	qiān lǐ zhī dī huǐ yú yǐ xué	A dam is ruined by an ant hole	Small issues bring big consequences if ignored.
87	冰冻三尺，非一日之寒	bīng dòng sān chǐ, fēi yī rì zhī hán	Ice 3 feet thick doesn't freeze in a day	Problems build over time, not overnight.
88	独木难支	dú mù nán zhī	A single log can't hold up a building	One person alone can't change everything.
89	马到成功	mǎ dào chéng gōng	Immediate success	Quick victory or achievement hoped/wished for.
90	退一步海阔天空	tuì yī bù hǎi kuò tiān kōng	Take a step back for a broader view	Backing off opens possibilities.
91	水滴石穿	shuǐ dī shí chuān	Dripping water penetrates stone	Consistency and persistence lead to success.
92	一失足成千古恨	yī shī zú chéng qiān gǔ hèn	One wrong step brings eternal regret	A single mistake may have lasting consequences.
93	风雨同舟	fēng yǔ tóng zhōu	Ride through the storm together	Sharing hardship; solidarity.
94	积少成多	jī shǎo chéng duō	A little adds up	Small efforts accumulate into something big.
95	鹏程万里	péng chéng wàn lǐ	Great ambitions, bright future	A wish or compliment for future success.
96	开门见山	kāi mén jiàn shān	Get straight to the point	Speak directly, no detours.
97	抛砖引玉	pāo zhuān yǐn yù	Toss out a brick to attract jade	Offering a humble idea to draw better ones.
98	吃一堑，长一智	chī yī qiàn, zhǎng yī zhì	Learn from mistakes	Fail once, grow wiser.
99	顺水推舟	shùn shuǐ tuī zhōu	Go with the flow	Act according to circumstances to achieve success.
100	船到桥头自然直	chuán dào qiáo tóu zì rán zhí	When the boat gets to the bridge, it'll straighten	Things will work out on their own eventually.

III. How to Use Chinese Idioms in Real Life

Learning Chinese idioms is one thing — using them naturally is another. While 成语 (chéngyǔ) are deeply embedded in Chinese culture, they’re not thrown into every sentence. To sound fluent and culturally appropriate, it’s important to understand both how and when to use idioms in real-life situations.

Idioms in Sentences and Conversations

Idioms are often used to:

Summarize a situation or express an opinion
Add elegance or wit to speech
Emphasize a moral or lesson in storytelling or debate

Examples in context:

他做事总是马马虎虎，难怪老板不放心。
He does things so carelessly — no wonder the boss doesn't trust him. (马马虎虎)
虽然失败了，但我们不能放弃，所谓“亡羊补牢，为时未晚”。
Even though we failed, let’s not give up — as they say, “Better late than never.” (亡羊补牢)

Tips for learners:

Focus on high-frequency idioms used in everyday life and textbooks.
Practice using them in short simulated dialogues or journal entries.
Don’t overuse idioms — one well-placed 成语 is more powerful than many forced ones.

When (and When Not) to Use Chinese Idioms

Idioms carry a formal, literary tone and aren’t always suitable in daily casual speech. Consider these guidelines:

Good contexts to use idioms	Avoid using idioms
Formal writing (e.g., essays, HSK) Storytelling or speeches Serious discussions where metaphoric depth is appropriate	In ultra-casual conversations where slang is more fitting When you’re unsure of the idiom’s exact meaning or nuance In “Chinglish”

Used well, Chinese idioms can elevate your language and show deeper cultural fluency — but like any advanced vocabulary, they require contextual awareness and practice. Start slow, pick the ones that resonate with you, and use them with purpose.

IV. Chinese Idioms in HSK and Exams

Chinese idioms (成语 chéngyǔ) aren’t just for sounding cultured — they can also boost your HSK writing scores, improve reading comprehension, and give you an edge in higher-level exams like HSK 5 and 6.

Must-Know Chinese Idioms for HSK Levels 4–6

At intermediate to advanced HSK levels, 成语 may appear in:

Reading passages where you must know the idiom’s meaning to grasp the main point
Cloze tests or sentence arrangement
Writing tasks, where the intelligent use of idioms can earn you bonus points

How to Use Idioms Effectively in Writing and Speaking

In writing or speaking tasks, idioms:

Demonstrate depth of vocabulary and cultural sophistication
Serve as a powerful conclusion or opening sentence
Make arguments more vivid and memorable to the graders

Tips for applying 成语 effectively:

Use idioms that clearly match the essay topic (e.g., effort, learning, failure).
Don’t “stuff” too many idioms — misuse can feel forced or awkward.
Practice short model essays and underline idioms in reading practice to see how they flow in context.

Recommended practice:

Write 1–2 idiom-based sentences for each common HSK topic (education, environment, society...)
Recycle 成语 when answering Part II (Writing) or speaking prompts under time pressure.

Used properly, idioms help you score not just higher, but smarter. They show you're not just learning Chinese — you're thinking in it.

Chinese idioms, or 成语 (chéngyǔ), are more than decorative phrases — they are linguistic bridges to Chinese history, mindset, and expression. From everyday conversation to formal writing and HSK exams, idioms help learners communicate more vividly, think more culturally, and connect more deeply with native speakers.

While memorizing 100 idioms may seem overwhelming at first, breaking them into thematic groups, understanding their meanings, and using them in real-life sentences will gradually make them part of your active vocabulary. Keep following PREP for curated idiom lists, practical guides, mini-dialogues, and learning materials designed to make complex expressions feel simple and natural.