痴人说梦
痴人说梦 (chī rén shuō mèng) literally means “fool speaks of dreams” and expresses “nonsensical talk”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving life philosophy.
Also searched as: chi ren shuo meng, chi ren shuo meng,痴人说梦 meaning, 痴人说梦 in english
Nonsensical talk
Pronunciation: chī rén shuō mèng Literal meaning: Fool speaks of dreams
Origin & Usage
The idiom 痴人说梦 (chī rén shuō mèng) originates from a story involving a Tang dynasty monk named Sengjia (僧伽). During the Longshuo era, Sengjia was known for his profound spiritual practice and often traveled along the Yangtze and Huai Rivers. One day, a scholar asked him about his surname and nationality. Sengjia humorously replied, 'Surname He' (何姓) and 'Country He' (何国人), indicating his detachment from worldly identities. The scholar, taking these words literally, inscribed them on Sengjia's tombstone. This story, later recounted by the Song dynasty monk Huihong (惠洪) in 'Lengzhai Yewen' (冷斋夜话), illustrates the idiom's meaning: speaking absurdly or nonsensically. In modern usage, it describes statements that are unrealistic or fantastical, akin to telling dreams to a fool.
Examples
English: "His grand plans for success are just a fool's dream."
Chinese: 他对成功的宏伟计划不过是痴人说梦。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about life philosophy
一波三折
yī bō sān zhé
Many twists and turns
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改邪归正
gǎi xié guī zhèng
Return to righteousness
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好逸恶劳
hào yì wù láo
Love ease, hate work
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物极必反
wù jí bì fǎn
Extremes lead to reversal
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塞翁失马
sài wēng shī mǎ
Misfortune might be a blessing
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近水楼台
jìn shuǐ lóu tái
Advantage from close connections
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夜郎自大
yè láng zì dà
Overestimate oneself
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因果报应
yīn guǒ bào yìng
Actions have consequences
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 痴人说梦 mean in English?
痴人说梦 (chī rén shuō mèng) literally translates to “Fool speaks of dreams” and is used to express “Nonsensical talk”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Life Philosophy category.
When is 痴人说梦 used?
Situation: His grand plans for success are just a fool's dream.
What is the pinyin for 痴人说梦?
The pinyin pronunciation for 痴人说梦 is “chī rén shuō mèng”.