Chinese Idioms Which Get A Little Lost In Translation

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Chinese idioms (Zhōng guó chéng yŭ 中国成语), are well-known sayings or proverbs alluding to famous Chinese stories and historical events. They are not only a key part of Chinese language learning but are also priceless in understanding Chinese culture. Knowing how to use them will help you sound just like a native Chinese speaker. But it also a tough part of Chinese learning, as idioms often carry profound meanings, linked with Chinese culture and history. When it comes to foreign learners, sometimes they can misuse idioms in an awkward way!

自食其果（zì shí qí guǒ）：to eat one's own bitter fruit

Correct usage: You throw your watermelon peel on the street, and end up stepping on it and slipping on the floor - you ate your own bitter fruit.

Chinese idioms (often 4 characters) and set phrases (often 4-10 characters) are short sayings that contain a specific message or moral. 

东施效颦（dōng shī xiào pín）：ugly woman trying to imitate famous beauty by knitting her brows.

Correct usage: Mrs. Li dresses like a famous celebrity, but she's fat and ugly - just like an ugly woman trying to imitate famed beauty by knitting her brows.

hmmm, that girl can’t be too happy!

天生一对（tiān shēng yī duì）： the sky bore a couple = a couple who were made for each other

Correct usage: "John, I love you!", Amy said, “we were made for each other.”

同归于尽（tóng guī yú jìn）：perish together

Correct usage: The bomb is going to explode, I will perish together with you

回光返照（huí guāng fǎn zhào）：brief glow of health before passing away

Correct usage: Tom's mom was had almost left us, but she suddenly woke up and asked for food – a brief glow of health before passing away.

Chinese idioms are deeply rooted in legacies and traditional culture, making the Chinese language more rich and fascinating. Here’s a short video  showing how expats in China using idioms in their style:

 https://v.qq.com/txp/iframe/player.html?vid=j05645o4f1w&width=500&height=375&auto=0

After watching this video, show off some Chinese idioms you know and explain the meaning in the comment below!

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