The Chinese language is more than just characters and tones — it’s a treasure trove of wisdom, history, and culture. One of the most fascinating aspects of Mandarin is its idioms, known as "Chengyu" (成语). These four-character expressions are steeped in ancient tales and carry deep meanings, often impossible to grasp without understanding their background stories.

At The Language SKOOL (TLS), we believe learning a language is not just about grammar and vocabulary. It’s about diving into the heart of a culture — and idioms are the perfect entry point. If you’re looking to learn Chinese online or enroll in Chinese language classes, understanding idioms will elevate your fluency and appreciation for the language.

What Are Chinese Idioms (Chengyu)?

Chinese idioms are usually composed of four characters and often derived from classical literature, historical events, or ancient philosophies. While some are straightforward, others have metaphorical meanings that require knowledge of the story behind them.

Learning these idioms isn't just helpful for passing exams — it’s essential for understanding Chinese movies, books, conversations, and even social media. Idioms make your language more vivid, elegant, and authentic.

5 Popular Chinese Idioms and Their Stories

Let’s explore five iconic Chengyu and the stories that shaped them.

1. 画蛇添足 (huà shé tiān zú) – "To draw legs on a snake"

Meaning: To ruin something by overdoing it.

Story: During a drinking competition, a man drew a snake in the dirt to win a wine bottle. Confident he’d win, he added legs to the snake to show off. Meanwhile, another finished his snake — without legs — and claimed the prize. The moral? Don’t do more than necessary.

2. 亡羊补牢 (wáng yáng bǔ láo) – "Fix the pen after the sheep are lost"

Meaning: Better late than never.

Story: A man ignored warnings about a broken sheep pen. One night, wolves attacked and sheep were lost. He finally repaired the pen, preventing further loss. The idiom teaches us to take action, even if it’s a little late.

3. 井底之蛙 (jǐng dǐ zhī wā) – "A frog at the bottom of the well"

Meaning: Someone with a narrow view of the world.

Story: A frog living in a well thought it knew everything about the world until a sea turtle described the vast ocean. This idiom encourages learners to broaden their perspectives — something we value deeply at TLS.

4. 纸上谈兵 (zhǐ shàng tán bīng) – "Discussing warfare on paper"

Meaning: Being theoretical without practical experience.

Story: A general who excelled in military theory but had no real battle experience lost a crucial war. The idiom reminds us that knowledge without practice is empty — which is why our Chinese language courses at TLS focus on real-world application.

5. 掩耳盗铃 (yǎn ěr dào líng) – "Cover your ears while stealing a bell"

Meaning: To deceive oneself.

Story: A thief tried to steal a bell but thought covering his ears would prevent others from hearing it. This idiom highlights self-deception — a humorous reminder that ignorance doesn't solve problems.

Why Idioms Matter in Learning Chinese

Idioms enhance your speaking and writing skills, making you sound more native and polished. They also give insights into Chinese values like humility, wisdom, and perseverance.

At The Language Skool, our Chinese tutors integrate idioms and storytelling into each lesson. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced learner, our online Chinese classes offer a cultural deep dive that helps you connect emotionally with the language.

Start Your Chinese Journey with TLS

Want to speak like a native and understand the stories that shaped Chinese civilization? Our certified instructors at TLS are here to help you explore the language in depth — from tone practice and character recognition to idiomatic expressions and cultural context.

Join The Language SKOOL today to learn Chinese online and unlock a world of stories, wisdom, and expression!