Tiger 老虎

The tiger is probably one of the most well-known carnivores in the world. Adult tigers are apex predators, with strong limbs, powerful jaws, and long tails. Although adult tigers are intimidating creatures, tiger cubs are among the cutest animals in the world.

The Chinese people, long awed by the majesty and power of tigers, have created many words and expressions containing “虎,” such as “虎头蛇尾”(hǔ tóu shé wěi, which means “a fine start but a poor end”), and “老虎屁股摸不得”(lǎo hǔ pì gu muō bù de, which means “do not touch a tiger’s backside”). Here are some more useful Chinese words containing “虎”:

1) “虎背熊腰”(hǔ bèi xióng yāo)

Literally, “虎背熊腰” means “tiger’s back and bear’s waist.”

Colloquially, “虎背熊腰” means that a man is big and burly.

E.g.

他长得虎背熊腰的。

(Tā zhǎng de hǔ bèi xióng yāo de.)

He is a big, burly man.

2) “虎头虎脑”(hǔ tóu hǔ nǎo)

Literally, “虎头虎脑” means “tiger’s head and tiger’s brain.”

Colloquially, “虎头虎脑” means that one (usually a boy) looks sturdy and is simple and honest.

E.g.

我五岁的弟弟长的虎头虎脑的，十分可爱。

(Wǒ wǔ suì de dì di zhǎng de hǔ tóu hǔ nǎo de, shí fēn kě aì.)

My little brother, an innocent, sturdy, five-year-old boy, is very adorable.

3) “虎口余生”(hǔ kǒu yú shēng)

Literally, “虎口余生” means that “one was rescued from a tiger’s mouth.”

Colloquially, “虎口余生” means that one has managed to narrowly escape from death.

E.g.

一谈到自己虎口余生的经历Bob就非常兴奋。

(Yì tán dào zì jǐ hǔ kǒu yú shēng de jīng lì tā jiù fēi cháng xìng fèn.)

Bob gets very excited every time he talks about his narrow escape from death.

4) “狼吞虎咽”(láng tūn hǔ yàn)

Literally, “狼吞虎咽” means “wolf swallows and tiger devours.”

Colloquially, “狼吞虎咽” means that one eats food quickly and greedily.

E.g.

我的哥哥狼吞虎咽地吃掉了一只烤鸭。

(Wǒ dē gē ge láng tūn hǔ yàn de chī diào le yì zhī kǎo yā.)

My older brother gobbled up a roasted duck.

5) “狐假虎威”(hú jiǎ hǔ wēi)

Literally, “狐假虎威” means “a fox borrowing a tiger’s fierceness.”

Colloquially, “狐假虎威” means that one bullies others by flaunting one’s powerful connections.

E.g.

他只敢狐假虎威罢了。

(Tā zhǐ gǎn hú jiǎ hǔ wēi bà le.)

He dares to bully people only because someone powerful is backing him up.

Cattle 牛

“牛”(niú, cattle) is one of the most common animals on earth. Cattle are strong, docile, and obedient, and are ideal for farming. Ancient Chinese people, living in an agricultural country, had been using cattle as a major means to farm and transport goods. Ancient Chinese also consumed beef as a primary source of meat.

Cattle, a big part of the lives of Chinese people, are, of course, frequently used in the language. Below are several common Chinese words and expressions that contain “牛” :

1) “钻牛角尖”(zuān niú jiǎo jiān)

Literally, “钻牛角尖” means “screw the pointy end of an ox’s horn.”

Colloquially, “钻牛角尖” means that one is splitting hairs.

E.g.

她是个爱钻牛角尖的人。

(Tā shì gè ài zuān niú jiǎo jiān de rén.)

She is a person who likes to split hairs.

2) “吹牛皮”(chuī niú pí)

Literally, “吹牛皮” means “blow a bull’s skin.”

Colloquially, “吹牛皮” means “talking big.”

E.g.

人人都说他爱吹牛皮。

(Rén rén dōu shuō tā ài chuī niú pí.)

People all say that he likes to talk big.

3) “对牛弹琴”(duì niú tán qín)

Literally, “对牛弹琴” means “play the lute to a bull.”

Colloquially, “对牛弹琴” means that it is useless for one to talk professionally with someone outside his profession.

E.g.

给Edward讲数学简直是对牛弹琴。

(Gěi Edward jiǎng shù xué jiǎn zhí shì duì niú tán qín.)

It is useless to lecture Edward on math.

4) “九牛一毛”(jiǔ niú yī máo)

Literally, “九牛一毛” means “one hair from nine bulls.”

Colloquially, “九牛一毛” has the same meaning as “a drop in the bucket.”

E.g.

一百万对亿万富翁来说不过是九牛一毛。

(Yì bǎi wàn duì yì wàn fù wēng lái shuō bú guò shì jiǔ niú yì máo.)

To a billionaire, one million is only a drop in the bucket.

Chicken 鸡

“鸡”(jī, chicken) is a highly domesticated animal. Chickens can lay eggs, and they comprise a large part of humanity’s meat consumption. For the ancient Chinese, chickens, unlike cattle and sheep, are not only a food source but also a crucial part of their lives. There are also many words, expressions, and idioms in the Chinese language that reflect the close relations between chickens and people’s daily lives.

Here are a few examples:

1) “鸡飞蛋打”(jī fēi dàn dǎ)

Literally, “鸡飞蛋打” means “the hen flies away, and eggs are broken.”

Colloquially, “鸡飞蛋打” means “to suffer a dead loss.”

E.g.

不要把他们逼得太急，小心鸡飞蛋打。

(Bú yào bǎ tā mēn bī de tài jí, xiǎo xīn jī fēi dàn dǎ.)

Don’t push them too hard; you don’t want to suffer a dead loss.

2) “鸡犬不宁”(jī quǎn bù níng)

Literally, “鸡犬不宁” means “even chickens and dogs do not have peace.”

Colloquially, “鸡犬不宁” means “great turmoil.”

E.g.

几个强盗把这个小镇弄的鸡犬不宁。

(Jǐ gè qiáng dào bǎ zhè gè xiǎo zhèn nòng de jī quǎn bù níng.)

Several bandits are causing great turmoil in this small town.

3) “鸡毛蒜皮”(jī máo suàn pí)

Literally, “鸡毛蒜皮” means “chicken’s feathers and garlic skins.”

Colloquially, “鸡毛蒜皮” means “trivialities.”

E.g.

不要对生活中鸡毛蒜皮的小事太上心了。

(Bú yào duì shēng huó zhōng jī máo suàn pí de xiǎo shì tài shàng xīn le.)

Don’t think too much about the trivialities in your life.

4) “鸡蛋里挑骨头”(jī dàn lǐ tiāo gǔ tóu)

Literally, “鸡蛋里挑骨头” means “look for a bone in an egg.”

Colloquially, “鸡蛋里挑骨头” means that someone tries to look for a flaw where there’s none to be found.

E.g.

Toby的主管就喜欢在鸡蛋里挑骨头。

(Toby dē zhǔ guǎn jiù xǐ huān zài jī dàn lǐ tiāo gǔ tou.)

Toby’s supervisor loves to look for a flaw where there’s none to be found.

Like the Chinese words derived from plants that I have introduced before, the words above are only several common examples of animal-related words in the Chinese language. These words represent ancient Chinese people’s understanding of and attitude to the features of the animals that they were very familiar with. If you are currently learning Chinese, these words will help you better understand the Chinese culture and language.

The post Chinese Idioms and Slangs Derived from Animals (Part 2) appeared first on .

Dragon 龙

“龙”(lóng, dragon) is, a fictitious animal (just like it is in Western cultures). This animal combines the features of many real animals such as the deer, ox, fish, snake, and so on. “龙” has a unique significance to the Chinese people. In the minds of the Chinese, “龙” is holy and sacred and can control the rain and wind. The Chinese people often proudly call themselves “龙的传人”(lóng de chuán rén, descendants of “the dragon”).

Below are some common Chinese words involving “虎”:

1) “龙潭虎穴”(lóng tán hǔ xué)

Literally, “龙潭虎穴” means “dragon’s pond and tiger’s lair.”

Colloquially, “龙潭虎穴” means “a dangerous place.”

E.g.

警察经常深入龙潭虎穴去调查疑难案件。
(Jīng chá jīng cháng shēn rù lóng tán hǔ xué qù diào chá yí nán àn jiàn.)
The police often walk into dangerous places to investigate difficult cases.

2) “龙腾虎跃”(lóng téng hǔ yuè)

Literally, “龙腾虎跃” means “dragon rises and tiger jumps.”

Colloquially, “龙腾虎跃” means “very active.”

E.g.

运动场上，同学们个个龙腾虎跃。
(Yùn dòng chàng shàng, tóng xué mén gè gè lóng téng hǔ yuè.)
The students on the playground are all very active.

3) “龙争虎斗”(lóng zhēng hǔ dòu)

Literally, “龙争虎斗” means “a tiger and a dragon fight each other.”

Colloquially, “龙争虎斗” means “a fierce struggle between well-matched opponents.”

E.g.

这两队龙争虎斗，比赛非常激烈。
(Zhè liǎng duì lóng zhēng hǔ dòu, bǐ sài fēi cháng jī liè.)
The two opposing teams, having engaged in a fierce struggle with each other, presented the spectators with a very exciting game.

4) “龙蛇混杂”(lóng shé hùn zá)

Literally, “龙蛇混杂” means “dragons and snakes jumbled together.”

Colloquially, “龙蛇混杂” means “good people and bad people mixed together.”

E.g.

这个小区龙蛇混杂，不利于管理。
(Zhè gè xiǎo qū lóng shé hùn zá, bú lì yú guǎn lǐ.)
There are both bad and good people in this community, which causes problems in management.

5) “鲤鱼跳龙门”(lí yú tiào lóng mén)

Literally, “鲤鱼跳龙门” means that a carp leaps over the dragon’s gate.

Colloquially, “鲤鱼跳龙门” means “ordinary people succeeding in national exams in feudal China.”

E.g.

在古代中国，人人都想鲤鱼跳龙门。
(Zài gǔ dài zhōng guó, rén rén dōu xiǎng lǐ yú tiào lóng mén.)
In ancient China, everyone wanted to succeed in national exams and become government officials.

Other Chinese words that are related to “龙”:

• “龙舌兰”(lóng shé lán): maguey
• “龙须面”(lóng xū miàn): long, thin noodles
• “龙井茶”(lóng jǐng chá): a famous green tea produced in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province
• “龙袍”(lóng páo): a yellow gown embroidered with dragons worn by emperors
• “一条龙服务”(yì tiáo long fú wù): one-stop service

Phoenix 凤凰

“凤凰”(fèng huáng, phoenix) is also a fictitious animal. The phoenix is called the “king of the birds.” Legendarily, “凤凰,” just like “龙”, combines the features of many real animals, such as the swallow, snake, fish, deer, turtle, and so on. Originally, a male phoenix was called “凤”(fèng), and a female phoenix was called “凰”(huáng). After the Qin and Han dynasties, people gradually didn’t speak of the male phoenix, and “凤凰” only refers to the female phoenix.

“凤凰” is considered the symbol of harmony and auspiciousness by the Chinese people. Across Chinese history, “凤凰” has always been an essential part of the Chinese culture and language.

1) “龙飞凤舞”(lóng fēi fèng wǔ)

Literally, “龙飞凤舞” means “dragon flies and phoenix dances.”

Colloquially, “龙飞凤舞” means “lively and vigorous handwriting style.”

E.g.

我语文老师写的字如龙飞凤舞。
(Zhè wèi lāo shī xiě de zì rú lóng fēi fèng wǔ.)
The Chinese characters my Chinese teacher wrote are lively and vigorous.

2) “凤毛麟角”(fèng máo lín jiǎo)

Literally, “凤毛麟角” means “phoenix’s feathers and qílín’s horns.”

Colloquially, “凤毛麟角” refers to “rare things or exceptional people.”

E.g.

在军队，女兵有如 “凤毛麟角。”
(Zài jūn duì, nǚ bīng yǒu rú “fèng máo lín jiǎo.”)
In the army, female soldiers are extremely rare.

3) “凤泊鸾飘”(fèng bó luán piāo)

Literally, “凤泊鸾飘” means “phoenix berths and luán (also a mythical bird) wanders.”

Colloquially, “凤泊鸾飘” means that a couple is separated from one another.

E.g.

这对夫妇八年离散，凤泊鸾飘，团聚时，喜极而泣。
(Zhè duì fū fù bā nián lí sàn, fèng bó luán piāo, tuán jù shí, xǐ jí ér qì.)
This couple, separated from one another eight years ago, cried out of pure joy when they were reunited.

4) “攀龙附凤”(pān lóng fù fèng)

Literally, “攀龙附凤” means “climb a dragon and stick to a phoenix.”

Colloquially, “攀龙附凤” means “playing up to people of power and influence.”

E.g.

James今天的成就都是攀龙附凤得来的。
(James jīn tiān de chéng jiù dōu shì pān lóng fù fèng dé lái de.)
James is what he is because he played up to people of power and influence.

Animals are essential to people’s lives. Such importance is reflected in animals’ roles in human language. Above I have shown you how the Chinese see some animals through a few Chinese words related to these animals, but these words are only the tip of the iceberg. Stay tuned for the second part of this article.

The post Chinese Idioms & Slangs Derived from Animals (Part 1) appeared first on .

Willow 柳树

A willow is a common type of tree. They have long, narrow, and pointy leaves. Willows can fluorish in many different environments. Most willows have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years.

As described in The Book of Songs, (《诗经》shī jīng), willow implies “departure, drifting, wandering.” “柳” acquires this meaning because it has the same pronunciation with “留”(liú, stay). Here are several expressions related to “柳”(liǔ, willow):

1) “柳暗花明”(liǔ àn huā míng)

Literally, this means “dark willows and blooming flowers.”

Colloquially, it means “a beautiful scene or a new vista.”

E.g.

在经历了诸多苦难后，他的生活终于柳暗花明。

(Zài jīng lì le zhū duō kǔ nàn hòu, tā dē shēng huó zhōng yú liǔ àn huā míng.)

After so many hardships, his life finally took a turn for the better.

2) “折柳赠别”(zhé liǔ zèng bié)

Literally, it means that someone breaks off a willow branch and gives it to another person when this person is leaving.

Colloquially, this expression means that a person sees another person off with a willow branch. It was a very popular custom in ancient China.

E.g.

我跟着她走到桥头，然后折柳赠别。

(Wǒ gēn zhe tā zǒu dào qiáo tóu, rán hòu zhé liǔ zèng bié.)

I followed her to the end of the bridge and saw her off with a willow branch.

3) “柳腰”(liǔ yāo) and “柳眉”(liù méi)

Literally, “柳腰” means “willow waist,” and “柳眉” means “willow eyebrow.”

Colloquially, “柳腰” means “willowy or slender waist,” and “柳眉” means “the arched eyebrows of a pretty girl.”

The two words were coined because in early literary works, dangling willow branches in the wind often represented “soldiers’ homesickness,” or ladies’ slim figures.

E.g.

台上的模特儿身穿绣花旗袍，摆着柳腰，柳眉轻垂，十分亮眼。

(Tái shàng dē mó tè er shēn chuān xiù huā qí páo, bǎi zhe liǔ yāo, liǔ méi qīng chúi, shí fēn lìang yǎn.)

The model on the stage, dressed in an embroidered cheongsam, with a slender waist and arched eyebrows, is quite a girl.

4) “寻花问柳”(xún huā wèn liǔ)

Dancing willow twigs often induce people to think about ladies who “are at the mercy of others,” i.e., prostitutes. The two expressions above reflect this usage of “柳.”

Literally, “寻花问柳” means “seeking flowers and asking willows.”

Colloquially, “寻花问柳” refers to “the action of dallying with prostitutes.”

This expression has a derogatory meaning and is extremely offensive to women.

E.g.

刘女士不准她丈夫寻花问柳。

(Liú nǚ shì bù zhǔn tā zhàng fu xún huā wèn liǔ.)

Mrs. Liu doesn’t allow her husband to dally with other women.

Peach Tree桃树

“桃”(táo, peach) is one of the earliest fruits planted by our ancestors. Furthermore, it first appeared in China before it spread to central Asia, Europe, and other places. The peach blossom that people are most familiar with is usually pink or crimson in color. The blossom is often associated with delicate and charming girls. Expressions containing “桃” include:

1) “粉面桃腮”(fěn miàn táo sāi)

Literally, “粉面桃腮” means “pink, peach cheeks.”

Colloquially, “粉面桃腮” refers to “pink cheeks of a girl.”

E.g.

她粉面桃腮，在街上回头率很高。

(Tā fěn miàn táo sāi, zài jiē shàng húi tóu lǜ hěn gāo.)

She has pink, gorgeous cheeks, and gets a high rate of second glances when walking on the street.

2) “面若桃花”(táo huā)

Literally, “面若桃花” means “pink face and peach blossoms.”

Colloquially, “面若桃花” means the “the sweet, charming appearance of a girl.”

E.g.

她那面若桃花的3岁女儿被诊断为自闭症。

(Tā nà miàn rùo táo huā de sān suì ér zī bèi zhěn duàn wéi zì bì zhèng.)

Her 3-year-old daughter, who has a pink, adorable face, was diagnosed with autism.

3) “桃花命”(táo huā mìng) and “桃花 (红颜) 薄命”(hóng yán bó mìng)

Literally, “桃花命” means “peach blossom fate”; “桃花 (红颜) 薄命” means “pink face thin life.”

Colloquially, “桃花命” means “misfortune”; “桃花 (红颜) 薄命” means the “tragic fate” of pretty girls.

When the wind blows, peach blossoms fall from the trees very easily. In the minds of ancient Chinese, such fragility symbolizes the fleetingness of youth and the misfortunes of pretty girls.

E.g.

人们都说他是个桃花命。

(Rén men dōu shuō tā shì gè táo huā mìng.)

People all say that his life will be full of misfortunes.

她的丈夫和女儿都去世了，真是红颜薄命。

(Tā de zhàng fu hé nǚ ér dōu qù shì le, zhēn shì hóng yán bó mìng.)

Both her husband and daughter were dead, what a tragic fate she has!

4) “桃色新闻”(táo sè xīn wén) and “桃花运”(táo huā yùn)

“桃” is also associated with women and sex in Chinese culture.

Literally, “桃色新闻” means “peach news;” “桃花运” means “peach blossom fortune.”

Colloquially, “桃色新闻” means “sex scandal;” “桃花运” means that a man or a woman is always surrounded by admirers.

E.g.

你知道那件关于一位议员的桃色新闻吗？

(Nǐ zhī dào nà jiàn guān yú yì wèi yì yuán de táo sè xīn wén ma?)

Do you know about the sex scandal involving a senator?

听完全部课程后，我保你桃花运爆棚。

(Tīng wán quán bù kè chéng hòu, wǒ bǎo nǐ táo huā yùn bào péng.)

If you finish all my courses, I guarantee that you will be surrounded by a thousand admirers.

Bamboo 竹

“竹”(zhú, bamboo) grows in the southern part of China and is known for its unchanging green color. Bamboo is tall and hard and always stands straight. Ancient Chinese often use bamboo to describe people who are upright and aloof and have high moral principles.

The different parts of the bamboo are associated with many personality traits. As a result, many expressions related to “竹” have been coined.

1) “坚韧不拔”(jiān rèn bù bá)

It is derived from the firm roots of bamboos.

Literally, “坚韧不拔” means “perseverance and endurance.”

Colloquially, “坚韧不拔” means the firm and indomitable spirit of a noble person.

E.g.

居里夫人是一位坚韧不拔的女士。

(Jǖ lǐ fū ren shì yí wèi jiān rèn bù bá de nǚ shì.)

Madame Curie is a woman with an indomitable spirit.

2) “大公无私”(dà gōng wú sī)

Literally, “大公无私” means “big public no privacy.”

Colloquially, “大公无私” means “unselfishness.”

The stem of the bamboo symbolizes straightforwardness and impartiality. Its hard texture on the outside and hollowness on the inside imply “unselfishness.”

E.g.

李法官审理案件时一向大公无私。

(Lǐ fǎ guān shěn lǐ àn jiàn shí yí xiàng dà gōng wú sī.)

Judge Lee is always unselfish and impartial when hearing a case.

3) “气节”(qì jié)

The “joints” of the bamboo (节, jié) implies “气节.”

Literally, “气节” means “air joints.”

Colloquially, “气节” means “high moral principles.”

E.g.

她是一个很有气节的律师。

(Tā shì yí gè hěn yǒu qì jié de lǜ shī.)

She is a lawyer of high moral principles.

4) “青梅竹马”(qīng méi zhú mǎ)

Literally, “青梅竹马” means “green plums and bamboo horse.”

Colloquially, “青梅竹马” means that a man and a woman have been close friends since childhood.

E.g.

Lucy和Jason是青梅竹马。

(Lucy hé Jason shì qīng méi zhú mǎ.)

Lucy and Jason have been intimate friends since childhood.

5) “竹篮打水一场空”(zhú Ián dǎ shuǐ yì chǎng kōng)

Literally, “竹篮打水一场空” means “drawing water with a bamboo basket.”

Colloquially, “竹篮打水一场空” means “achieving nothing (it is all in vain).”

E.g.

他练习了一周，但比赛时还是竹篮打水一场空。

(Tā liàn xí le yì zhōu, dàn bi haí shì zhú lán dǎ shǔi yì chǎng kōng.)

He had practiced for a week, but his efforts were all in vain during the match.

The following are more expressions containing “竹” :

“竹板”(zhú bǎn): bamboo clappers

“竹筏 (排)”(zhú fá (pái)): bamboo raft

“竹竿”(zhú gān): bamboo pole

“竹简”(zhú jiǎn): bamboo slip (used for writing before paper was invented)

“竹笠”(zhú lì): bamboo hat (with a conical crown and broad brim)

“竹笼”(zhú lóng): bamboo cage

“竹马”(zhú mǎ): a toy horse made of bamboo stems.

“竹器”(zhú qì): articles made of bamboo

“竹荪”(zhú sūn): a kind of edible fungus found in bamboo groves

“竹筒”(zhú tǒng): a thick bamboo tube

“竹席”(zhú xí): bamboo mat

“竹叶青”(zhú yè qīng) : 1.green bamboo snake; 2.bamboo-leaf-green liquor

“竹篱茅舍”(zhú lì máo shè): thatched cottage with a bamboo fence—a simple dwelling of a hermit

“竹头木屑”(zhú tóu mù xiè): bamboo ends and wood shavings—things of not much value and only of little use

The Chinese words I have introduced above are only a few examples of derived from plants. These words show that the ancient Chinese paid close attention to the characteristics of commonly-seen plants. For learners of the Chinese language, associating plants with Chinese words may be a great way to study the Chinese language, as well as learn how the observations of plants and how they relate them to words reflects the values of Chinese culture.

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