10 Chinese Idioms to Impress Your In-Laws at Chinese New Year

Value harmony above all

Literal: Value harmony as precious

This idiom, promoting harmony (和) as precious (贵), traces back to the Zhou Dynasty classic 'Guoyu,' reflecting early Chinese diplomatic philosophy. The concept gained renewed importance during the Tang Dynasty's cosmopolitan empire, where it guided both domestic governance and international relation...

Stay humble and open

Literal: Empty heart like valley

Derived from Daoist philosophy, this phrase advocates maintaining an empty (虚) heart/mind (怀) like (若) a valley (谷). The valley metaphor was particularly significant in Daoist thought - like a valley that receives all waters without preference, one should remain open to all ideas without prejudice. ...

Remember your roots

Literal: Drink water think source

This reflection on gratitude emerged during the Tang Dynasty, using the everyday act of drinking (饮) water (水) to remind one to think (思) of its source (源). The idiom gained prominence through Buddhist texts that emphasized mindful appreciation of life's foundations. It was particularly meaningful i...

Follow local customs

Literal: Enter village follow customs

Dating back to the Warring States period, this idiom advises those who enter (入) a village (乡) to follow (随) local customs (俗). Historical accounts tell of diplomatic missions that succeeded or failed based on their adherence to this principle. The concept gained particular significance during the T...

Keep promises faithfully

Literal: One promise thousand gold

Emerging from the Spring and Autumn period, this idiom equates one (一) promise (诺) with a thousand in gold (千金). It gained prominence through the story of Ji Zha, who honored a posthumous promise despite great personal cost. The concept became central to merchant culture during the Tang Dynasty, whe...

Valuable, lasting advice

Literal: Gold and stone good words

Originating in early Chinese metallurgy, this idiom equates valuable advice to gold (金) and stone (石) - materials known for their durability and value. The term good words (良言) gained special significance during the Spring and Autumn period (771-476 BCE) when adviser roles became crucial in statecra...

Humbly seek guidance

Literal: Move wine jar seek teaching

This humble gesture of moving (移) one's wine jar (樽) to seek (就) teaching (教) comes from a Tang Dynasty story where the young Li Bai showed his respect for the hermit-scholar Du Fu by bringing wine to learn from him. The act of bringing one's own wine represented both humility and sincerity in seeki...

Learn from the worthy

Literal: See worthy wish equal

Derived from Confucius's Analects, this phrase encourages people who see (见) the worthy (贤) to wish (思) to equal (齐) them. It embodied the Confucian ideal of self-improvement through positive example. During the Han Dynasty, it became a cornerstone of educational philosophy, promoting active emulati...

Balance excellence with social harmony

Literal: Respect work enjoy community

This balanced approach advocates respecting (敬) one's profession (业) while enjoying (乐) community (群), first appearing in Confucian educational texts during the Han Dynasty. It emerged from Confucius's teaching that ideal scholars should be both diligent in their studies and harmonious in relationsh...

Feel at ease with a clear conscience

Literal: Heart at peace, reason satisfied

This idiom describes the heart (心) being at peace (安) because reason (理) is satisfied (得). It describes the inner tranquility that comes from knowing one has acted correctly. The phrase connects moral behavior with psychological well-being. Modern usage describes the peace of mind that follows ethic...