Explore Chinese Idioms
Discover the stories and meanings behind famous Chinese idioms (成语). Each idiom carries cultural wisdom and historical significance.
望梅止渴
wàng méi zhǐ kě
HSK 1Free
Quench thirst by thinking of plums - a story about imagination and hope
掩耳盗铃
yǎn ěr dào líng
HSK 1
Cover ears while stealing a bell - a tale of self-deception
指鹿为马
zhǐ lù wéi mǎ
HSK 1
Point at a deer and call it a horse - a story about power and truth
画蛇添足
huà shé tiān zú
HSK 1
Draw a snake and add feet - the danger of overdoing things
杯弓蛇影
bēi gōng shé yǐng
HSK 2Free
A bow's reflection in a cup mistaken for a snake - imagined fears
狐假虎威
hú jiǐ hǐ wēi
HSK 2
The fox borrows the tiger's might - using others' power for advantage
五个成语
wǐ gè chéng yǔ
HSK 2
Five commonly used idioms - essential expressions in daily Chinese
数字成语
shù zì chéng yǔ
HSK 2
Number-based idioms - idioms featuring numbers and their meanings
马年成语
mǎ nián chéng yǔ
HSK 2
Horse-related idioms - idioms featuring horses and their symbolism
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