8 Funny Chinese Idioms with Hilarious Literal Meanings
Discover amusing Chinese idioms whose literal translations are unexpectedly funny or absurd.
Chinese idioms often have wonderfully absurd literal meanings that make them memorable and fun to learn. These expressions sound bizarre when translated word-for-word but carry practical wisdom that Chinese speakers use every day.
一模一样
yī mú yī yàngExactly identical
Literal: One mold one appearance
Originating in Ming Dynasty craftsmen's guilds, this idiom literally means one (一) mold (模) produces one (一) appearance (样). It derives from the ancient art of bronze casting, where master craftsmen used precise molds to create identical pieces. The repetition of '一' (one) emphasizes perfect replica...
Example
The twins dress so similarly that their teachers can't tell them apart
这对双胞胎穿着如此相似，以至于老师无法分辨他们
好逸恶劳
hào yì wù láoLove ease, hate work
Literal: Love ease hate work
This idiom describes the human tendency to love (好) ease (逸) and hate (恶) work (劳). First appearing in pre-Qin philosophical texts, it was used by Mencius to warn against the natural but problematic inclination toward comfort over effort. The phrase gained particular significance during the Song Dyn...
Example
The team's productivity suffered from members who avoided challenging tasks
团队中有人喜欢偷懒避难，影响了工作效率
近水楼台
jìn shuǐ lóu táiAdvantage from close connections
Literal: Pavilion close to water
First appearing in Tang Dynasty poetry, this idiom describes pavilions (楼台) close (近) to water (水), referring to their advantageous position to catch the moon's reflection first. The phrase gained wider usage during the Song Dynasty as a metaphor for privileged access or favorable positioning. Origi...
Example
Living in the city gave her more career opportunities
住在城市给了她更多的职业机会
海纳百川
hǎi nà bǎi chuānAccept all with open mind
Literal: Sea accepts hundred rivers
This idiom describes how the sea (海) accepts (纳) a hundred (百) rivers (川), celebrating inclusivity and breadth of mind. It first gained prominence during the Tang Dynasty, reflecting China's cosmopolitan golden age when the capital Chang'an welcomed influences from across Asia. The metaphor draws po...
Example
The company welcomed diverse perspectives and ideas
公司欢迎不同的观点和想法
未雨绸缪
wèi yǔ chóu móuPrepare before problems arise
Literal: Prepare umbrella before rain
Dating to the Zhou Dynasty's Book of Changes, this idiom literally describes preparing (缪) with silk cords (绸) before (未) the rain (雨) arrives. It originated from the practice of reinforcing buildings during dry seasons to prevent leaks. Ancient carpenters would inspect and repair roof bindings pree...
Example
She saved money each month for unexpected expenses
她每月存钱以备不时之需
莫名其妙
mò míng qí miàoMakes no sense
Literal: Cannot name its wonder
Originating in Daoist texts describing inexplicable mysteries, this phrase captures the sensation of encountering something whose wonder (妙) cannot (莫) be named (名). During the Six Dynasties period, it was frequently used in poetry and philosophical writings to describe transcendent experiences. Bud...
Example
The teacher's patient guidance slowly transformed the struggling student
老师耐心的引导慢慢改变了这个困难学生
爱屋及乌
ài wū jí wūLove extends to all connections
Literal: Love house and its crow
This tender expression describes how love (爱) for a house (屋) extends (及) even to the crow (乌) perched on its roof. Dating back to the Warring States period, it first appeared in texts discussing how affection naturally spreads to associated things. The crow, often considered an unremarkable bird, b...
Example
She loved her friend so much that she even cherished her friend's peculiar habits
她如此喜欢她的朋友，连朋友的怪癖也觉得可爱
守口如瓶
shǒu kǒu rú píngKeep secrets well
Literal: Guard mouth like bottle
Comparing one's mouth to a sealed bottle (瓶), this idiom emerged during the Tang Dynasty when court intrigue made discretion essential for survival. The bottle (瓶) metaphor was inspired by valuable sealed containers used for storing precious liquids, which would lose their value if opened carelessly...
Example
The trusted advisor never leaked sensitive information
值得信赖的顾问从不泄露敏感信息
Quick Reference
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