8 Chinese Idioms About Sadness & Sorrow
Poignant Chinese idioms expressing sadness, grief, and sorrow - understand how Chinese culture articulates melancholy.
Chinese literature and poetry have long explored the depths of human sorrow. These idioms capture different aspects of sadness, from quiet melancholy to profound grief.
四面楚歌
sì miàn chǔ gēSurrounded by hostility
Literal: Chu songs from four sides
This poignant idiom originates from the final battle of Xiang Yu in 202 BCE. Surrounded by Han forces at Gaixia, Xiang Yu heard songs (歌) from his homeland of Chu being sung from all four sides (四面), indicating his own people had surrendered to Liu Bang. The psychological warfare strategy proved dev...
Example
The small company found itself facing competition from all sides
这家小公司发现自己四面受敌
刻骨铭心
kè gǔ míng xīnDeeply and permanently affected
Literal: Carve bone inscribe heart
This profound idiom describes experiences so intense they seem carved (刻) into one's bones (骨) and inscribed (铭) in the heart (心), emerging from Han Dynasty ancestral worship practices, where important family events were literally carved into bone tokens for remembrance. The phrase gained emotional ...
Example
The refugee's experiences of war left indelible memories that shaped his entire life
难民的战争经历留下了难以磨灭的记忆，塑造了他的一生
覆水难收
fù shuǐ nán shōuActions cannot be undone
Literal: Spilled water hard to recover
This irreversible idiom states that water once spilled (覆水) is difficult (难) to gather back (收), originating from Tang Dynasty poetry. It first appeared in a poem about irrevocable separation between husband and wife, comparing their relationship to water impossible to return to its container once p...
Example
After revealing confidential information, he realized some mistakes cannot be undone
在泄露机密信息后，他意识到有些错误无法挽回
望穿秋水
wàng chuān qiū shuǐTo eagerly await someone or something
Literal: Gazing through autumn waters
This idiom originates from Tang Dynasty poetry, where 'autumn waters' (秋水) was a literary metaphor for bright, clear eyes. The phrase describes looking so intently and longingly that one's gaze seems to pierce through clear autumn waters. It gained prominence through the works of poet Wang Bo and la...
Example
She waited at the station, gazing through autumn waters for his return.
她在车站望穿秋水，等待他的归来。
天长地久
tiān cháng dì jiǔEverlasting; eternal
Literal: Heaven is long, earth is lasting
This idiom derives from Chapter 7 of the Daoist classic 'Tao Te Ching' (道德经) by Laozi: 'Heaven and earth are long-lasting.' The phrase uses the eternal nature of heaven (天) and earth (地) as metaphors for permanence and durability. It gained romantic connotations through Tang Dynasty poetry, particul...
Example
Their friendship proved to be as enduring as heaven and earth.
他们的友谊天长地久，永不改变。
愁眉苦脸
chóu méi kǔ liǎnLook worried and unhappy
Literal: Worried brows, bitter face
This idiom describes worried (愁) brows (眉) and a bitter (苦) face (脸). It depicts the physical manifestation of anxiety and unhappiness in facial expression. The furrowed brow and downturned expression signal distress. Modern usage describes visible worry or displeasure, someone whose face clearly sh...
Example
He's been looking gloomy ever since he heard about the budget cuts.
自从听说预算削减后，他一直愁眉苦脸。
望洋兴叹
wàng yáng xìng tànFeel overwhelmed by greatness
Literal: Gaze at ocean sigh deeply
This idiom captures the feeling of gazing (望) at the vast ocean (洋) and responding with deep sighs (兴叹) of awe or resignation. It originated from the Qin Dynasty, reportedly from Jing Ke's reaction upon seeing the eastern sea before his assassination attempt on the future First Emperor. The phrase g...
Example
The young programmer felt overwhelmed by the advanced technology framework
年轻的程序员面对这个高级技术框架感到不知所措
昙花一现
tán huā yī xiànBrief, fleeting appearance
Literal: Night flower appears once
This botanical idiom refers to the epiphyllum or night-blooming cereus (昙花) that appears/blooms (现) just once (一) briefly, originating from Buddhist texts of the Tang Dynasty. Monks used this rare flower, which blooms for a single night before wilting, as a metaphor for the impermanence of worldly p...
Example
The young artist gained brief fame before disappearing from public view
这位年轻艺术家获得短暂的名声后就从公众视野中消失了
Quick Reference
More Chinese Idiom Lists
10 Powerful Chinese Idioms for Business Success
Master these essential Chinese idioms (chengyu) to impress in business meetings, negotiations, and professional settings.
8 Beautiful Chinese Idioms About Love & Romance
Discover romantic Chinese idioms that express love, devotion, and relationships in poetic ways.
10 Chinese Idioms Every Student Should Know
Essential Chinese idioms about learning, education, and academic success that will inspire your studies.
8 Meaningful Chinese Idioms About Friendship
Celebrate the bonds of friendship with these heartfelt Chinese idioms about loyalty, trust, and companionship.
Learn Chinese Idioms Daily
Get a new Chinese idiom delivered to your home screen every day with our free iOS app. Features pinyin pronunciation, meanings, and cultural context.
Download Free App