10 Chinese Idioms for Greeting Aunties and Uncles at CNY (阿姨叔叔)

Value harmony above all

Literal meaning: 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...

Live peacefully and work happily

Literal meaning: Peaceful dwelling happy occupation

This idiom originated from Han Dynasty governmental ideals in the 'Book of Han,' first appearing as an administrative goal representing balanced prosperity. During the Tang Dynasty, it became standard terminology in policy documents measuring governance success. The pairing of peaceful dwelling (安居)...

Golden age of peace and prosperity

Literal meaning: Great peace, flourishing era

This idiom describes a time of great (太) peace (平) and flourishing (盛) era (世). It depicts the ideal society - peaceful, prosperous, and stable. Such periods were associated with virtuous rule. Modern usage describes golden ages of any nation or organization, times characterized by stability, growth...

Smooth sailing; everything going well

Literal meaning: One sail with favorable wind

This idiom depicts a sailing vessel with one (一) sail (帆) catching favorable (顺) wind (风), moving smoothly toward its destination. It emerged from China's rich maritime history, particularly during the Song Dynasty when seafaring commerce flourished. The image of effortless progress powered by natur...

Advance steadily; continuous promotion

Literal meaning: Step by step rising high

This idiom describes step (步) by step (步) rising (升) high (高). Unlike rapid ascent idioms, this depicts steady, continuous advancement. Each step brings higher position. The phrase is a common blessing for career success. Modern usage wishes someone continued promotion and advancement, steady progre...

Thriving; flourishing

Literal meaning: Flourishing toward prosperity

This idiom uses the reduplicated 'xinxin' (欣欣), meaning flourishing or joyful growth, combined with heading toward (向) prosperity (荣). It originally described vigorous plant growth and evolved to describe any thriving development. The phrase appeared in texts celebrating agricultural abundance and e...

Remember your roots

Literal meaning: 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 meaning: 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 meaning: 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 meaning: 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...