Chinese Idioms (成语): Meanings in English with Pinyin & Examples
The most complete chengyu resource online. 668+ idioms with English meanings, pinyin pronunciation, historical origins, and practical examples. Browse by theme, explore curated lists, or search our full collection.
Browse by Theme
Success & Perseverance
Idioms about achievement, determination, and resilience
152 idioms →
Life Philosophy
Wisdom about life's meaning, perspective, and balance
180 idioms →
Wisdom & Learning
Knowledge, education, and intellectual growth
140 idioms →
Relationships & Character
Human bonds, moral character, and social wisdom
143 idioms →
Strategy & Action
Strategic thinking, decisive action, and planning
53 idioms →
Curated Idiom Collections
View all 256+ lists10 Powerful Chinese Idioms for Business Success
Master these essential Chinese idioms (chengyu) to impress in business meetings, negotiations, and professional settings.
10 idioms →
8 Beautiful Chinese Idioms About Love & Romance
Discover romantic Chinese idioms that express love, devotion, and relationships in poetic ways.
8 idioms →
10 Meaningful Chinese Idioms Perfect for Tattoos
Deep, beautiful Chinese idioms with powerful meanings that make meaningful tattoo choices.
10 idioms →
10 Chinese Idioms Every Student Should Know
Essential Chinese idioms about learning, education, and academic success that will inspire your studies.
10 idioms →
10 Inspiring Chinese Idioms About Success
Motivational Chinese idioms about achieving success, overcoming obstacles, and reaching your goals.
10 idioms →
8 Funny Chinese Idioms with Hilarious Literal Meanings
Discover amusing Chinese idioms whose literal translations are unexpectedly funny or absurd.
8 idioms →
Most Searched Chinese Idioms
爱屋及乌
ai wu ji wu
Love me, love my dog
莫名其妙
mo ming qi miao
Inexplicably strange
七上八下
qi shang ba xia
Anxious and restless
一鸣惊人
yi ming jing ren
Sudden remarkable success
百折不挠
bai zhe bu nao
Unshakeable despite adversity
知行合一
zhi xing he yi
Practice what you know
一模一样
yi mu yi yang
Exactly identical
学海无涯
xue hai wu ya
Learning is limitless
What Are Chinese Idioms (Chengyu)?
Chinese idioms (成语, chéng yǔ) are fixed four-character expressions with meanings beyond their literal translation. Originating from ancient literature, historical events, and folk wisdom, they are essential for Chinese language mastery.
- Total idioms: 5,000+ in common use
- Essential for learners: ~500 core idioms
- Structure: Always 4 characters
- Our collection: 668+ with meanings, origins & examples
Learn on the Go
Get a new idiom on your home screen every day with our free iOS app.
