6 Idioms for Daily Conversation (Part 2)

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Chinese idioms 成语 (chéngyǔ) are a great way to improve your Chinese language skills and sound like a local.

In this article we’re introducing six common idioms for daily life conversations. This is part two of our article. Let’s go!

Idiom 4: 一言为定 (yī yán wéi dìng)

Literal meaning: One word is settled.

English equivalent: It's a deal; word is bond.

Explanation: 一言为定 (yī yán wéi dìng) is used to confirm an agreement or promise. Here's an example:

我们明天去爬山，一言为定。(Wǒmen míngtiān qù páshān, yī yán wéi dìng.) - We will go hiking tomorrow, it's a promise.

Idiom 5: 半斤八两 (bàn jīn bā liǎng)

Literal meaning: Half a catty, eight taels.

English equivalent: Six of one, half a dozen of the other.

Explanation: 半斤八两 (bàn jīn bā liǎng) is used to describe two things or people that are essentially the same or have no significant difference. Let's see it in a sentence:

他们俩的实力差不多，半斤八两。(Tāmen liǎ de shílì chàbùduō, bàn jīn bā liǎng.) - The abilities of the two are quite similar, like six of one and half a dozen of the other.

Idiom 6: 一见钟情 (yī jiàn zhōng qíng)

Literal meaning: Love at first sight.

English equivalent: Love at first sight

Explanation: 一见钟情 (yī jiàn zhōng qíng) is used to describe the instant attraction or deep connection that two people feel upon meeting each other for the first time. This idiom is often used in romantic contexts to express the powerful emotions experienced when falling in love at first sight.

Here's an example:

当他们第一次见面时，他们就一见钟情了。(Dāng tāmen dì yī cì jiànmiàn shí, tāmen jiù yī jiàn zhōng qíng le.) - When they met for the first time, they fell in love at first sight.