Relationships & Character Chinese Idioms

Learn Chinese idioms about interpersonal relationships, social bonds, moral character, and behavioral patterns. These sayings illuminate human nature and the dynamics of human connections.

32 idioms in this category

指桑骂槐

zhǐ sāng mà huái

Point mulberry, curse locust tree

Indirect criticism of real target

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狐狸尾巴

hú li wěi ba

Fox's tail

True nature eventually revealed

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青梅竹马

qīng méi zhú mǎ

Green plums and bamboo horses

Childhood sweethearts or friends

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虚张声势

xū zhāng shēng shì

Empty show of strength

Bluffing with fake display

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过河拆桥

guò hé chāi qiáo

Cross river, dismantle bridge

Abandoning those who helped you

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顶礼膜拜

dǐng lǐ mó bài

Highest reverence and worship

Extreme adoration or worship

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难兄难弟

nán xiōng nán dì

Difficult elder and younger brothers

Companions united through shared hardship

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不卑不亢

bù bēi bù kàng

Neither humble nor proud

Maintain perfect dignified composure

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高山流水

gāo shān liú shuǐ

High mountain flowing water

Perfect artistic understanding between friends

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坐怀不乱

zuò huái bù luàn

Sit in lap not disorderly

Maintain perfect integrity despite temptation

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敬业乐群

jìng yè lè qún

Respect work enjoy community

Balance excellence with social harmony

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口是心非

kǒu shì xīn fēi

Mouth yes heart no

Words differ from thoughts

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言不由衷

yán bù yóu zhōng

Words not from heart

Speak without meaning it

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一诺千金

yī nuò qiān jīn

One promise thousand gold

Keep promises faithfully

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饮水思源

yǐn shuǐ sī yuán

Drink water think source

Remember your roots

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完璧归赵

wán bì guī zhào

Return jade to Zhao complete

Return something perfect

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倾盖如故

qīng gài rú gù

Tilt hat like old friends

Instant friendship

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雪中送炭

xuě zhōng sòng tàn

Send coal in snow

Help in time of need

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守正不阿

shǒu zhèng bù ē

Keep right no flattery

Keep integrity without compromise

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众志成城

zhòng zhì chéng chéng

Many wills make wall

Unity creates strength

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守口如瓶

shǒu kǒu rú píng

Guard mouth like bottle

Keep secrets well

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一言九鼎

yī yán jiǔ dǐng

Words heavy as nine cauldrons

Words carry great weight

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爱屋及乌

ài wū jí wū

Love house and its crow

Love extends to all connections

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守望相助

shǒu wàng xiāng zhù

Watch and help each other

Help and support each other

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狐假虎威

hú jiǎ hǔ wēi

Fox uses tiger's power

Borrow authority to intimidate

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春风化雨

chūn fēng huà yǔ

Spring wind becomes rain

Gentle, nurturing influence

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风雨同舟

fēng yǔ tóng zhōu

Share boat in wind and rain

Share hardships together

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同舟共济

tóng zhōu gòng jì

Cross river in same boat

Face challenges together

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以和为贵

yǐ hé wéi guì

Value harmony as precious

Value harmony above all

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海纳百川

hǎi nà bǎi chuān

Sea accepts hundred rivers

Accept all with open mind

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以心换心

yǐ xīn huàn xīn

Exchange heart for heart

Treat others as yourself

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一模一样

yī mú yī yàng

One mold one appearance

Exactly identical

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