HSK 3.0 · 成语 chéngyǔ

HSK Chengyu List: 414 Idioms by Level, with Examples

All 414 chengyu in the HSK 3.0 word lists, each with pinyin, a meaning and an example sentence. Most sit in HSK 7–9; start with the 15 at HSK 5 and 6.

AnthonyAnthonyUpdated
HSK 5
4
HSK 6
11
HSK 7–9
399
Study all 414 in AnkiFree deck with word and sentence audio

The list

414 of 414

HSK 5 · 4

  • 一路顺风yí lù shùn fēngto have a pleasant journey

    祝你一路顺风,平安到家。

    Zhù nǐ yí lù shùn fēng, píng ān dào jiā.

    Have a pleasant journey and get home safely.

  • 丰富多彩fēng fù duō cǎirich and varied

    校园生活丰富多彩。

    Xiào yuán shēng huó fēng fù duō cǎi.

    Campus life is rich and colorful.

  • 五颜六色wǔ yán liù sèmulticolored

    花园里开满了五颜六色的花。

    Huā yuán lǐ kāi mǎn le wǔ yán liù sè de huā.

    The garden is filled with multicolored flowers.

  • 酸甜苦辣suān tián kǔ làthe joys and hardships of life

    生活的酸甜苦辣都值得体会。

    Shēng huó de suān tián kǔ là dōu zhí dé tǐ huì.

    Life's joys and hardships are all worth experiencing.

HSK 6 · 11

  • 一帆风顺yì fān fēng shùnsmooth sailing; everything going well

    祝你此行一帆风顺。

    Zhù nǐ cǐ xíng yì fān fēng shùn.

    May your journey be smooth sailing.

  • 一模一样yì mú yí yàngexactly alike

    这两件外套一模一样,我分不清哪件是我的。

    Zhè liǎng jiàn wài tào yì mú yí yàng, wǒ fēn bu qīng nǎ jiàn shì wǒ de.

    These two coats look exactly alike; I cannot tell which one is mine.

  • 人山人海rén shān rén hǎia vast crowd of people

    节日期间,广场上人山人海。

    Jié rì qī jiān, guǎng chǎng shàng rén shān rén hǎi.

    During the holiday, the square was packed with a vast crowd.

  • 众所周知zhòng suǒ zhōu zhīas everyone knows

    众所周知,吸烟有害健康。

    Zhòng suǒ zhōu zhī, xī yān yǒu hài jiàn kāng.

    As everyone knows, smoking is harmful to health.

  • 千家万户qiān jiā wàn hùevery family

    清洁能源已进入千家万户。

    Qīng jié néng yuán yǐ jìn rù qiān jiā wàn hù.

    Clean energy has reached families everywhere.

  • 多才多艺duō cái duō yìmultitalented

    她多才多艺,能唱歌也会画画。

    Tā duō cái duō yì, néng chàng gē yě huì huà huà.

    She is multitalented and can both sing and paint.

  • 大吃一惊dà chī yì jīngastounded

    得知航班突然取消,他大吃一惊。

    Dé zhī háng bān tū rán qǔ xiāo, tā dà chī yì jīng.

    He was taken aback when he learned that the flight had suddenly been canceled.

  • 家家户户jiā jiā hù hùeach and every family

    节日期间,家家户户都挂灯笼。

    Jié rì qī jiān, jiā jiā hù hù dōu guà dēng long.

    During the festival, every family hangs lanterns.

  • 成千上万chéng qiān shàng wànthousands upon thousands

    成千上万的候鸟飞过湖面。

    Chéng qiān shàng wàn de hòu niǎo fēi guò hú miàn.

    Thousands upon thousands of migratory birds flew over the lake.

  • 自言自语zì yán zì yǔto talk to oneself

    他自言自语,手指在方向盘上敲着无形的鼓点。

    Tā zì yán zì yǔ, shǒu zhǐ zài fāng xiàng pán shàng qiāo zhe wú xíng de gǔ diǎn.

    He muttered to himself, his fingers tapping an invisible drumbeat on the steering wheel.

    Read it in “The Last Teacher”
  • 衣食住行yī shí zhù xíngclothing, food, housing and transport; basic daily needs

    科技改变了人们的衣食住行。

    Kē jì gǎi biàn le rén men de yī shí zhù xíng.

    Technology has changed people's clothing, food, housing, and transportation.

HSK 7–9 · 399

  • 一丝不苟yì sī bù gǒumeticulous; careful about every detail

    她核对账目时一丝不苟,连一分钱的差错也不放过。

    Tā hé duì zhàng mù shí yì sī bù gǒu, lián yì fēn qián de chā cuò yě bú fàng guò.

    She checks the accounts meticulously, catching even a one-cent error.

  • 一举一动yì jǔ yí dòngevery movement

    有人一直在观察她的一举一动。

    Yǒu rén yì zhí zài guān chá tā de yì jǔ yí dòng.

    Someone had been observing her every move.

    Read it in “The Forger's Brush”
  • 一举两得yì jǔ liǎng déachieve two things with one action

    骑车上班既省钱又健身,真是一举两得。

    Qí chē shàng bān jì shěng qián yòu jiàn shēn, zhēn shì yì jǔ liǎng dé.

    Cycling to work saves money and keeps you fit—killing two birds with one stone.

  • 一事无成yí shì wú chéngto have achieved nothing

    他忙了多年,最终却一事无成。

    Tā máng le duō nián, zuì zhōng què yí shì wú chéng.

    He worked for years but ultimately achieved nothing.

  • 一塌糊涂yì tā hú tuin a complete mess

    暴雨过后,院子里一塌糊涂。

    Bào yǔ guò hòu, yuàn zi lǐ yì tā hú tu.

    After the rainstorm, the yard was in an awful mess.

  • 一如既往yì rú jì wǎngjust as in the past

    虽然搬到了外地,她仍然一如既往地关心老朋友。

    Suī rán bān dào le wài dì, tā réng rán yì rú jì wǎng de guān xīn lǎo péng you.

    Although she moved away, she still cares about her old friends just as much as before.

  • 一干二净yì gān èr jìngcompletely; thoroughly

    她把厨房收拾得一干二净。

    Tā bǎ chú fáng shōu shi de yì gān èr jìng.

    She cleaned the kitchen thoroughly.

  • 一应俱全yì yīng jù quánwith everything needed available

    新公寓家具家电一应俱全。

    Xīn gōng yù jiā jù jiā diàn yì yīng jù quán.

    The new apartment has all the necessary furniture and appliances.

  • 一心一意yì xīn yí yìwholeheartedly; with undivided attention

    她一心一意准备明天的考试。

    Tā yì xīn yí yì zhǔn bèi míng tiān de kǎo shì.

    She is completely focused on preparing for tomorrow's exam.

  • 一成不变yì chéng bú biànto remain unchanged

    市场需求不会一成不变。

    Shì chǎng xū qiú bú huì yì chéng bú biàn.

    Market demand will not remain unchanged forever.

  • 一技之长yí jì zhī chángproficiency in a particular field

    学会编程也算有一技之长。

    Xué huì biān chéng yě suàn yǒu yí jì zhī cháng.

    Learning to program also gives you a useful skill.

  • 一无所有yì wú suǒ yǒunot having anything at all

    那场大火烧毁了他的房子,让他几乎一无所有。

    Nà chǎng dà huǒ shāo huǐ le tā de fáng zi, ràng tā jī hū yì wú suǒ yǒu.

    The fire destroyed his house and left him with almost nothing.

  • 一无所知yì wú suǒ zhīnot knowing anything at all

    我对这项计划一无所知。

    Wǒ duì zhè xiàng jì huà yì wú suǒ zhī.

    I know absolutely nothing about this plan.

  • 一概而论yí gài ér lùnto generalize; to treat different cases as the same

    情况各有不同,不能一概而论。

    Qíng kuàng gè yǒu bù tóng, bù néng yí gài ér lùn.

    Every situation is different, so you cannot generalize.

  • 一毛不拔yì máo bù báextremely stingy

    他家财万贯却一毛不拔。

    Tā jiā cái wàn guàn què yì máo bù bá.

    He is extremely wealthy but will not spare a penny.

  • 一目了然yí mù liǎo ránobvious at a glance

    图表让各项差异一目了然。

    Tú biǎo ràng gè xiàng chā yì yí mù liǎo rán.

    The chart makes the differences obvious at a glance.

  • 一筹莫展yì chóu mò zhǎnto be unable to find a solution

    面对复杂局面,他一筹莫展。

    Miàn duì fù zá jú miàn, tā yì chóu mò zhǎn.

    Faced with the complicated situation, he could not find a solution.

  • 一言一行yì yán yì xíngevery word and action

    父母的一言一行都会影响孩子。

    Fù mǔ de yì yán yì xíng dōu huì yǐng xiǎng hái zi.

    A parent's every word and action affects their child.

  • 一言不发yì yán bù fāto not say a word

    两人咬紧牙关,一言不发,眼中却有难以掩饰的惊惧。

    Liǎng rén yǎo jǐn yá guān, yì yán bù fā, yǎn zhōng què yǒu nán yǐ yǎn shì de jīng jù.

    The two clenched their teeth, saying nothing, but their eyes betrayed an unmistakable fear.

    Read it in “The Wulin Tribunal”
  • 一针见血yì zhēn jiàn xiěto hit the nail on the head

    他的批评一针见血,指出了症结。

    Tā de pī píng yì zhēn jiàn xiě, zhǐ chū le zhēng jié.

    His criticism went straight to the point and identified the crux of the problem.

  • 一鼓作气yì gǔ zuò qìfinish in one determined burst of effort

    大家一鼓作气完成了搬迁。

    Dà jiā yì gǔ zuò qì wán chéng le bān qiān.

    Everyone completed the move in one energetic push.

  • 七嘴八舌qī zuǐ bā shélively discussion with everybody talking at once

    张家人围上来,七嘴八舌地问情况。

    Zhāng jiā rén wéi shàng lái, qī zuǐ bā shé de wèn qíng kuàng.

    The Zhang family gathered around, asking questions all at once.

    Read it in “Beyond the Law”
  • 万无一失wàn wú yì shīabsolutely certain to succeed; foolproof

    这套应急方案看似万无一失。

    Zhè tào yìng jí fāng àn kàn sì wàn wú yì shī.

    This emergency plan appears absolutely foolproof.

  • 三番五次sān fān wǔ cìover and over again

    他三番五次催我尽快还钱。

    Tā sān fān wǔ cì cuī wǒ jǐn kuài huán qián.

    He repeatedly urged me to repay the money soon.

  • 不了了之bù liǎo liǎo zhīto leave a matter unresolved; let it drop

    调查拖了半年,最后不了了之。

    Diào chá tuō le bàn nián, zuì hòu bù liǎo liǎo zhī.

    The investigation dragged on for six months and was eventually left unresolved.

  • 不亦乐乎bú yì lè hūextremely; to a great degree (often of enjoyment or busyness)

    孩子们在雪地里玩得不亦乐乎。

    Hái zi men zài xuě dì lǐ wán de bú yì lè hū.

    The children had a wonderful time playing in the snow.

  • 不以为然bù yǐ wéi ránnot to accept as correct

    我建议早点出发,他却不以为然,觉得时间还早。

    Wǒ jiàn yì zǎo diǎn chū fā, tā què bù yǐ wéi rán, jué de shí jiān hái zǎo.

    I suggested leaving early, but he disagreed, thinking there was still plenty of time.

  • 不假思索bù jiǎ sī suǒto act without taking time to think

    她不假思索地答应了请求。

    Tā bù jiǎ sī suǒ de dā ying le qǐng qiú.

    She agreed to the request without a second thought.

  • 不厌其烦bú yàn qí fánnot to mind taking all the trouble

    老师不厌其烦地讲解每个步骤。

    Lǎo shī bú yàn qí fán de jiǎng jiě měi ge bù zhòu.

    The teacher patiently explained every step without minding the trouble.

  • 不可思议bù kě sī yìincredible; hard to imagine

    他只学了半年中文,就能读这本小说,真是不可思议。

    Tā zhǐ xué le bàn nián zhōng wén, jiù néng dú zhè běn xiǎo shuō, zhēn shì bù kě sī yì.

    He has studied Chinese for only six months and can already read this novel. It is incredible.

  • 不得而知bù dé ér zhīunknown

    这笔款项的去向不得而知。

    Zhè bǐ kuǎn xiàng de qù xiàng bù dé ér zhī.

    Where this money went is unknown.

  • 不折不扣bù zhé bú kòucomplete; outright; without any reduction

    这是一场不折不扣的骗局。

    Zhè shì yì chǎng bù zhé bú kòu de piàn jú.

    This is an outright fraud.

  • 不正之风bú zhèng zhī fēngunhealthy or improper practices

    必须坚决纠正行业不正之风。

    Bì xū jiān jué jiū zhèng háng yè bú zhèng zhī fēng.

    Unhealthy practices in the industry must be firmly corrected.

  • 不由自主bù yóu zì zhǔunable to control yourself

    听到那首熟悉的歌,她不由自主地跟着唱了起来。

    Tīng dào nà shǒu shú xī de gē, tā bù yóu zì zhǔ de gēn zhe chàng le qǐ lái.

    Hearing the familiar song, she could not help singing along.

  • 不相上下bù xiāng shàng xiàequally matched

    两队实力不相上下,比赛很胶着。

    Liǎng duì shí lì bù xiāng shàng xià, bǐ sài hěn jiāo zhuó.

    The two teams are evenly matched, making the game very close.

  • 不知不觉bù zhī bù juéwithout realizing it

    我们聊得很开心,不知不觉就到了午夜。

    Wǒ men liáo de hěn kāi xīn, bù zhī bù jué jiù dào le wǔ yè.

    We were enjoying our conversation so much that midnight came without us noticing.

  • 不知所措bù zhī suǒ cuònot knowing what to do

    那一刻,他更像一个不知所措的学生,而不是一个坚定的证人。

    Nà yí kè, tā gèng xiàng yí gè bù zhī suǒ cuò de xué sheng, ér bú shi yí gè jiān dìng de zhèng rén.

    At that moment, he seemed more like a bewildered student than a resolute witness.

    Read it in “Twelve Angry Hours”
  • 不约而同bù yuē ér tóngdo the same thing without prior agreement

    铃声响起,大家不约而同地起身。

    Líng shēng xiǎng qǐ, dà jiā bù yuē ér tóng de qǐ shēn.

    When the bell rang, everyone stood up without prior agreement.

  • 不翼而飞bú yì ér fēito disappear without trace

    桌上的钥匙竟然不翼而飞了。

    Zhuō shàng de yào shi jìng rán bú yì ér fēi le.

    The keys on the table mysteriously disappeared without a trace.

  • 不耻下问bù chǐ xià wènnot be ashamed to seek advice from someone lower in rank or learning

    好学的人懂得不耻下问。

    Hào xué de rén dǒng de bù chǐ xià wèn.

    Eager learners are not ashamed to seek advice from those below them.

  • 不言而喻bù yán ér yùit goes without saying

    良好睡眠的重要性不言而喻。

    Liáng hǎo shuì mián de zhòng yào xìng bù yán ér yù.

    The importance of good sleep is self-evident.

  • 不辞而别bù cí ér biéto leave without saying good-bye

    他没收拾行李就不辞而别了。

    Tā méi shōu shi xíng li jiù bù cí ér bié le.

    He left without saying goodbye or even packing his luggage.

  • 与众不同yǔ zhòng bù tóngdifferent from others; distinctive

    她的设计风格与众不同。

    Tā de shè jì fēng gé yǔ zhòng bù tóng.

    Her design style is distinctive.

  • 与日俱增yǔ rì jù zēngto increase steadily

    人们对隐私的关注与日俱增。

    Rén men duì yǐn sī de guān zhù yǔ rì jù zēng.

    People's concern about privacy is steadily increasing.

  • 东奔西走dōng bēn xī zǒuto rush around busily from place to place

    他为筹集资金四处东奔西走。

    Tā wèi chóu jí zī jīn sì chù dōng bēn xī zǒu.

    He rushed from place to place to raise funds.

  • 东张西望dōng zhāng xī wàngto look in all directions

    那个孩子在人群中东张西望。

    Nà ge hái zi zài rén qún zhōng dōng zhāng xī wàng.

    The child looked around in every direction among the crowd.

  • 丢三落四diū sān là sìforgetful

    他出门总是丢三落四,不是忘带钥匙,就是忘带手机。

    Tā chū mén zǒng shì diū sān là sì, bú shì wàng dài yào shi, jiù shì wàng dài shǒu jī.

    He always forgets things when he goes out: if it is not his keys, it is his phone.

  • 举一反三jǔ yì fǎn sānuse one example to understand other cases

    他能举一反三,很快掌握新方法。

    Tā néng jǔ yì fǎn sān, hěn kuài zhǎng wò xīn fāng fǎ.

    He can infer other cases from one example and quickly master new methods.

  • 举世瞩目jǔ shì zhǔ mùto receive worldwide attention

    这项医学突破举世瞩目。

    Zhè xiàng yī xué tū pò jǔ shì zhǔ mù.

    This medical breakthrough has drawn worldwide attention.

  • 举棋不定jǔ qí bú dìnghesitate over a decision

    他举棋不定,迟迟没有答复。

    Tā jǔ qí bú dìng, chí chí méi yǒu dá fù.

    He wavered and took a long time to reply.

  • 举足轻重jǔ zú qīng zhòngto play a critical role

    数据安全在金融业举足轻重。

    Shù jù ān quán zài jīn róng yè jǔ zú qīng zhòng.

    Data security plays a critical role in finance.

  • 乐此不疲lè cǐ bù píto enjoy something and never tire of it

    他钻研古籍多年,始终乐此不疲。

    Tā zuān yán gǔ jí duō nián, shǐ zhōng lè cǐ bù pí.

    He has studied ancient texts for years and never tires of it.

  • 乱七八糟luàn qī bā zāochaotic

    下午第三节课,他讲得乱七八糟,学生偷偷笑。

    Xià wǔ dì sān jié kè, tā jiǎng de luàn qī bā zāo, xué sheng tōu tōu xiào.

    During his third afternoon class, his lecture was a mess, and the students snickered.

    Read it in “Spring in Letters”
  • 争先恐后zhēng xiān kǒng hòurush to be first

    游客争先恐后地登上渡船。

    Yóu kè zhēng xiān kǒng hòu de dēng shàng dù chuán.

    The tourists rushed to be the first to board the ferry.

  • 争分夺秒zhēng fēn duó miǎorace against time; make every second count

    医护人员争分夺秒抢救伤员。

    Yī hù rén yuán zhēng fēn duó miǎo qiǎng jiù shāng yuán.

    The medical staff raced against time to save the injured.

  • 五湖四海wǔ hú sì hǎiall parts of the country

    志愿者从五湖四海赶来支援。

    Zhì yuàn zhě cóng wǔ hú sì hǎi gǎn lái zhī yuán.

    Volunteers came from all parts of the country to help.

  • 五花八门wǔ huā bā ménof all kinds; varied

    网上的减肥方法五花八门,让人不知道该信哪一种。

    Wǎng shàng de jiǎn féi fāng fǎ wǔ huā bā mén, ràng rén bù zhī dào gāi xìn nǎ yì zhǒng.

    There are all kinds of weight-loss methods online, making it hard to know which to trust.

  • 井底之蛙jǐng dǐ zhī wāa person of limited outlook and experience

    眼界狭窄的人如同井底之蛙。

    Yǎn jiè xiá zhǎi de rén rú tóng jǐng dǐ zhī wā.

    A person with a limited outlook is like a frog at the bottom of a well.

  • 亡羊补牢wáng yáng bǔ láofix a problem before more damage is done

    发现漏洞后补救还算亡羊补牢。

    Fā xiàn lòu dòng hòu bǔ jiù hái suàn wáng yáng bǔ láo.

    Taking action after finding the flaw can still prevent further damage.

  • 交头接耳jiāo tóu jiē ěrto whisper to one another

    两名学生在后排交头接耳。

    Liǎng míng xué sheng zài hòu pái jiāo tóu jiē ěr.

    Two students in the back row were whispering to each other.

  • 从容不迫cóng róng bú pòcalm and composed; unhurried

    面对突然的提问,她从容不迫地说明了自己的想法。

    Miàn duì tū rán de tí wèn, tā cóng róng bú pò de shuō míng le zì jǐ de xiǎng fǎ.

    Faced with an unexpected question, she calmly explained her ideas.

  • 以身作则yǐ shēn zuò zéto set an example

    尤其是教授,更该以身作则。

    Yóu qí shì jiào shòu, gèng gāi yǐ shēn zuò zé.

    Professors in particular should lead by example.

    Read it in “Twelve Angry Hours”
  • 任重道远rèn zhòng dào yuǎnhave a heavy responsibility and a long road ahead

    改善教育公平仍然任重道远。

    Gǎi shàn jiào yù gōng píng réng rán rèn zhòng dào yuǎn.

    Achieving greater educational equity remains a heavy responsibility with a long road ahead.

  • 众志成城zhòng zhì chéng chéngunity makes people strong

    只要众志成城,难关终会过去。

    Zhǐ yào zhòng zhì chéng chéng, nán guān zhōng huì guò qù.

    As long as everyone stands united, the crisis will eventually pass.

  • 优胜劣汰yōu shèng liè tàisurvival of the fittest

    市场竞争遵循优胜劣汰的规律。

    Shì chǎng jìng zhēng zūn xún yōu shèng liè tài de guī lǜ.

    Market competition follows the law of survival of the fittest.

  • 似是而非sì shì ér fēiapparently right but actually wrong

    这个解释听起来有道理,其实似是而非,经不起仔细推敲。

    Zhè ge jiě shì tīng qǐ lái yǒu dào lǐ, qí shí sì shì ér fēi, jīng bu qǐ zǐ xì tuī qiāo.

    This explanation sounds reasonable, but it is actually flawed and does not stand up to scrutiny.

  • 似曾相识sì céng xiāng shía feeling of having seen something before

    这条街让我觉得似曾相识,却想不起什么时候来过。

    Zhè tiáo jiē ràng wǒ jué de sì céng xiāng shí, què xiǎng bu qǐ shén me shí hou lái guo.

    This street feels familiar, but I cannot remember when I was here before.

  • 侃侃而谈kǎn kǎn ér tánto speak confidently and at ease

    她面对专家也能侃侃而谈。

    Tā miàn duì zhuān jiā yě néng kǎn kǎn ér tán.

    She can speak confidently and at ease even in front of experts.

  • 供不应求gōng bú yìng qiúsupply does not meet demand

    这种药上市后一直供不应求。

    Zhè zhǒng yào shàng shì hòu yì zhí gōng bú yìng qiú.

    Demand for this medicine has exceeded supply since its launch.

  • 依依不舍yī yī bù shěreluctant to part

    孩子们依依不舍地告别老师。

    Hái zi men yī yī bù shě de gào bié lǎo shī.

    The children reluctantly said goodbye to their teacher.

  • 倾家荡产qīng jiā dàng chǎnto lose all one’s property; be financially ruined

    他为了偿还赌债,卖掉了所有家产,几乎倾家荡产。

    Tā wèi le cháng huán dǔ zhài, mài diào le suǒ yǒu jiā chǎn, jī hū qīng jiā dàng chǎn.

    He sold all his family assets to repay his gambling debts and was almost completely ruined.

  • 光明磊落guāng míng lěi luòhonest and upright; aboveboard

    顾大侠一生光明磊落,江湖谁人不知?

    Gù dà xiá yì shēng guāng míng lěi luò, jiāng hú shéi rén bù zhī?

    Hero Gu lived a life of honor and integrity, known throughout the entire martial world.

    Read it in “The Wulin Tribunal”
  • 兢兢业业jīng jīng yè yèconscientious

    她兢兢业业地工作了二十年。

    Tā jīng jīng yè yè de gōng zuò le èr shí nián.

    She worked conscientiously for twenty years.

  • 全力以赴quán lì yǐ fùmake an all-out effort

    为了按时完工,团队全力以赴。

    Wèi le àn shí wán gōng, tuán duì quán lì yǐ fù.

    The team did everything possible to finish on time.

  • 全心全意quán xīn quán yìwholeheartedly; with complete devotion

    医护人员全心全意照顾患者。

    Yī hù rén yuán quán xīn quán yì zhào gù huàn zhě.

    The medical staff care for their patients wholeheartedly.

  • 兴高采烈xìng gāo cǎi lièhappy and excited

    孩子们兴高采烈地去春游。

    Hái zi men xìng gāo cǎi liè de qù chūn yóu.

    The children went on their spring outing happy and excited.

  • 再接再厉zài jiē zài lìkeep up the effort

    这次进步很大,还要再接再厉。

    Zhè cì jìn bù hěn dà, hái yào zài jiē zài lì.

    This is a big improvement; keep up the effort.

  • 冰天雪地bīng tiān xuě dìa world of ice and snow

    探险队穿越了冰天雪地。

    Tàn xiǎn duì chuān yuè le bīng tiān xuě dì.

    The expedition crossed a world of ice and snow.

  • 凤毛麟角fèng máo lín jiǎofew and far between

    精通此技艺的人凤毛麟角。

    Jīng tōng cǐ jì yì de rén fèng máo lín jiǎo.

    People proficient in this craft are extremely rare.

  • 出人意料chū rén yì liàounexpected

    比赛结果十分出人意料。

    Bǐ sài jié guǒ shí fēn chū rén yì liào.

    The result of the competition was highly unexpected.

  • 出口成章chū kǒu chéng zhāngspeak eloquently

    他思路敏捷,讲话出口成章。

    Tā sī lù mǐn jié, jiǎng huà chū kǒu chéng zhāng.

    He is quick-thinking and speaks eloquently.

  • 别具匠心bié jù jiàng xīnto show ingenuity

    这座小院的设计别具匠心。

    Zhè zuò xiǎo yuàn de shè jì bié jù jiàng xīn.

    The design of this small courtyard shows ingenuity.

  • 刮目相看guā mù xiāng kànsee someone in a new, more respectful light

    她的进步让大家刮目相看。

    Tā de jìn bù ràng dà jiā guā mù xiāng kàn.

    Her progress made everyone regard her with newfound respect.

  • 刻不容缓kè bù róng huǎnallow no delay; demand immediate action

    修复受损堤坝刻不容缓。

    Xiū fù shòu sǔn dī bà kè bù róng huǎn.

    Repairing the damaged dike cannot be delayed.

  • 刻舟求剑kè zhōu qiú jiàncling to an old solution as circumstances change

    情况已变,再刻舟求剑毫无意义。

    Qíng kuàng yǐ biàn, zài kè zhōu qiú jiàn háo wú yì yì.

    Circumstances have changed, so clinging to an outdated approach is pointless.

  • 前所未有qián suǒ wèi yǒuunprecedented

    次日醒来,她浑身酸痛,却觉得前所未有的轻松。

    Cì rì xǐng lái, tā hún shēn suān tòng, què jué de qián suǒ wèi yǒu de qīng sōng.

    She woke the next day, her body aching all over, yet feeling an unprecedented lightness.

    Read it in “The Sword That Waited”
  • 前无古人qián wú gǔ rénunprecedented

    这项成就可谓前无古人。

    Zhè xiàng chéng jiù kě wèi qián wú gǔ rén.

    This achievement can be described as unprecedented.

  • 前赴后继qián fù hòu jìto advance dauntlessly in wave upon wave

    志愿者前赴后继地奔赴灾区。

    Zhì yuàn zhě qián fù hòu jì de bēn fù zāi qū.

    Wave after wave of volunteers rushed fearlessly to the disaster area.

  • 力不从心lì bù cóng xīnto lack the ability to do what one would wish

    他想继续帮忙,却已力不从心。

    Tā xiǎng jì xù bāng máng, què yǐ lì bù cóng xīn.

    He wanted to keep helping, but he was no longer capable of doing so.

  • 力所能及lì suǒ néng jías far as one's capabilities extend

    我愿为社区做些力所能及的事。

    Wǒ yuàn wèi shè qū zuò xiē lì suǒ néng jí de shì.

    I am willing to do what I can for the community.

  • 势不可当shì bù kě dāngimpossible to resist

    新兴产业发展迅猛,势不可当。

    Xīn xīng chǎn yè fā zhǎn xùn měng, shì bù kě dāng.

    The emerging industry is growing rapidly with irresistible force.

  • 勇往直前yǒng wǎng zhí qiánto advance bravely

    即使困难重重,我们也要勇往直前。

    Jí shǐ kùn nan chóng chóng, wǒ men yě yào yǒng wǎng zhí qián.

    Even in the face of many difficulties, we must advance bravely.

  • 包罗万象bāo luó wàn xiàngall-embracing

    这部百科全书内容包罗万象。

    Zhè bù bǎi kē quán shū nèi róng bāo luó wàn xiàng.

    This encyclopedia is all-embracing in its content.

  • 化险为夷huà xiǎn wéi yíto turn peril into safety

    机长沉着应对,终于化险为夷。

    Jī zhǎng chén zhuó yìng duì, zhōng yú huà xiǎn wéi yí.

    The captain responded calmly and ultimately averted disaster.

  • 千军万马qiān jūn wàn mǎa mighty army or impressive force

    这幅壁画再现了千军万马的气势。

    Zhè fú bì huà zài xiàn le qiān jūn wàn mǎ de qì shì.

    This mural recreates the grandeur of an army with thousands of men and horses.

  • 千变万化qiān biàn wàn huàever-changing; changing in countless ways

    经费使用规定僵化,实际问题却千变万化。

    Jīng fèi shǐ yòng guī dìng jiāng huà, shí jì wèn tí què qiān biàn wàn huà.

    Regulations for fund usage are rigid, but actual problems are ever-changing.

    Read it in “Twelve Angry Hours”
  • 千姿百态qiān zī bǎi tàito come in many different shapes

    岩洞里的钟乳石千姿百态。

    Yán dòng lǐ de zhōng rǔ shí qiān zī bǎi tài.

    The stalactites in the cave come in a great variety of forms.

  • 千方百计qiān fāng bǎi jìtry every possible means

    救援队千方百计寻找失踪者。

    Jiù yuán duì qiān fāng bǎi jì xún zhǎo shī zōng zhě.

    The rescue team searched for the missing person by every possible means.

  • 千钧一发qiān jūn yí fàin a critical and dangerous situation

    千钧一发之际,他拉住了差点掉下悬崖的孩子。

    Qiān jūn yí fà zhī jì, tā lā zhù le chà diǎn diào xià xuán yá de hái zi.

    At the critical moment, he caught hold of the child who nearly fell off the cliff.

  • 半信半疑bàn xìn bàn yíhalf believing, half doubting

    他对这个离奇解释半信半疑。

    Tā duì zhè ge lí qí jiě shì bàn xìn bàn yí.

    He only half believed this bizarre explanation.

  • 半途而废bàn tú ér fèito give up halfway

    学习新技能最忌半途而废。

    Xué xí xīn jì néng zuì jì bàn tú ér fèi.

    When learning a new skill, one must never give up halfway.

  • 南辕北辙nán yuán běi zhéto act in a way that defeats one's purpose

    忽视需求只会让改革南辕北辙。

    Hū shì xū qiú zhǐ huì ràng gǎi gé nán yuán běi zhé.

    Ignoring people's needs will only make the reform defeat its own purpose.

  • 博大精深bó dà jīng shēnwide-ranging and profound

    中华文化博大精深,值得深入研究。

    Zhōng huá wén huà bó dà jīng shēn, zhí dé shēn rù yán jiū.

    Chinese culture is wide-ranging and profound and deserves in-depth study.

  • 发扬光大fā yáng guāng dàto develop and promote

    我们要把工匠精神发扬光大。

    Wǒ men yào bǎ gōng jiàng jīng shén fā yáng guāng dà.

    We must develop and promote the spirit of craftsmanship.

  • 取而代之qǔ ér dài zhīto replace

    他比记忆中高了许多,脸上的婴儿肥消失了,取而代之的是成熟利落的轮廓。

    Tā bǐ jì yì zhōng gāo le xǔ duō, liǎn shàng de yīng ér féi xiāo shī le, qǔ ér dài zhī de shì chéng shú lì luo de lún kuò.

    He was much taller than remembered. The baby fat on his face had disappeared, replaced by mature, well-defined features.

    Read it in “The Smile on the Other Side”
  • 受宠若惊shòu chǒng ruò jīngfeel overwhelmed by an unexpected honor

    领导亲自表扬我,真让我受宠若惊。

    Lǐng dǎo qīn zì biǎo yáng wǒ, zhēn ràng wǒ shòu chǒng ruò jīng.

    The leader praised me personally, leaving me overwhelmed by the favor.

  • 变幻莫测biàn huàn mò cèto change unpredictably

    山区天气变幻莫测。

    Shān qū tiān qì biàn huàn mò cè.

    The weather in the mountains changes unpredictably.

  • 古今中外gǔ jīn zhōng wàiat all times and in all places

    古今中外都有动人的英雄故事。

    Gǔ jīn zhōng wài dōu yǒu dòng rén de yīng xióng gù shì.

    Moving stories of heroes exist at all times and in all places.

  • 可乘之机kě chéng zhī jīan opportunity to take advantage of

    疏忽给了骗子可乘之机。

    Shū hu gěi le piàn zi kě chéng zhī jī.

    Carelessness gave the scammer an opportunity to exploit.

  • 可想而知kě xiǎng ér zhīcan easily be imagined or inferred

    他连续两晚没睡,身体有多累可想而知。

    Tā lián xù liǎng wǎn méi shuì, shēn tǐ yǒu duō lèi kě xiǎng ér zhī.

    He has not slept for two nights in a row, so it is easy to imagine how exhausted he is.

  • 史无前例shǐ wú qián lìunprecedented in history

    这场洪灾造成史无前例的损失。

    Zhè chǎng hóng zāi zào chéng shǐ wú qián lì de sǔn shī.

    This flood caused losses unprecedented in history.

  • 司空见惯sī kōng jiàn guànto be so used to seeing something that it seems ordinary

    城市居民对堵车早已司空见惯。

    Chéng shì jū mín duì dǔ chē zǎo yǐ sī kōng jiàn guàn.

    City residents have long regarded traffic jams as a common occurrence.

  • 吃喝玩乐chī hē wán lèto abandon oneself to a life of pleasure

    他整天只顾吃喝玩乐。

    Tā zhěng tiān zhǐ gù chī hē wán lè.

    He does nothing all day but eat, drink, play, and make merry.

  • 各抒己见gè shū jǐ jiàneveryone gives their own view

    会上大家可以各抒己见。

    Huì shàng dà jiā kě yǐ gè shū jǐ jiàn.

    Everyone may give their own view at the meeting.

  • 同舟共济tóng zhōu gòng jìwork together through difficulties

    面对灾难,各方必须同舟共济。

    Miàn duì zāi nàn, gè fāng bì xū tóng zhōu gòng jì.

    In the face of disaster, all sides must work together in their common interest.

  • 名副其实míng fù qí shílive up to the name or reputation

    他已是名副其实的吸血鬼,再也回不到那个有阳光、会衰老的世界。

    Tā yǐ shì míng fù qí shí de xī xuè guǐ, zài yě huí bú dào nà ge yǒu yáng guāng, huì shuāi lǎo de shì jiè.

    He was now a true vampire, never to return to that world with sunlight and aging.

    Read it in “The Thirteenth Guest”
  • 后顾之忧hòu gù zhī yōuworries that hold you back from moving forward

    托儿服务让员工没有后顾之忧。

    Tuō ér fú wù ràng yuán gōng méi yǒu hòu gù zhī yōu.

    Childcare services free employees from family worries.

  • 吞吞吐吐tūn tūn tǔ tǔto hum and haw

    他吞吞吐吐,似乎在隐瞒真相。

    Tā tūn tūn tǔ tǔ, sì hū zài yǐn mán zhēn xiàng.

    He hemmed and hawed, as if hiding the truth.

  • 哄堂大笑hōng táng dà xiàothe whole room roaring with laughter

    老师讲了个笑话,惹得全班哄堂大笑。

    Lǎo shī jiǎng le ge xiào hua, rě de quán bān hōng táng dà xiào.

    The teacher told a joke that made the whole class roar with laughter.

  • 哭笑不得kū xiào bù dénot know whether to laugh or cry

    这个荒唐理由让我哭笑不得。

    Zhè ge huāng táng lǐ yóu ràng wǒ kū xiào bù dé.

    This absurd excuse left me not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

  • 喜出望外xǐ chū wàng wàito be pleased beyond one's expectations

    收到录取通知,他喜出望外。

    Shōu dào lù qǔ tōng zhī, tā xǐ chū wàng wài.

    He was delighted beyond expectation when he received the admission notice.

  • 喜怒哀乐xǐ nù āi lèhappiness, anger, sorrow and joy; the whole range of human emotions

    诗中写尽人间喜怒哀乐。

    Shī zhōng xiě jìn rén jiān xǐ nù āi lè.

    The poem captures all the happiness, anger, sorrow, and joy of human life.

  • 喜闻乐见xǐ wén lè jiànwidely enjoyed; well liked

    这种表演为群众喜闻乐见。

    Zhè zhǒng biǎo yǎn wéi qún zhòng xǐ wén lè jiàn.

    This kind of performance is loved by the public.

  • 四通八达sì tōng bā dároads open in all directions

    这座城市交通四通八达。

    Zhè zuò chéng shì jiāo tōng sì tōng bā dá.

    This city has transportation links in every direction.

  • 四面八方sì miàn bā fāngall directions

    节日期间,游客从四面八方来到这座小城。

    Jié rì qī jiān, yóu kè cóng sì miàn bā fāng lái dào zhè zuò xiǎo chéng.

    During the festival, tourists come to this small town from all directions.

  • 因人而异yīn rén ér yìvarying from person to person

    药效会因人而异。

    Yào xiào huì yīn rén ér yì.

    The medicine's effects vary from person to person.

  • 因地制宜yīn dì zhì yíto use methods in line with local circumstances

    修路要因地制宜,山区和平原不能用同一套方案。

    Xiū lù yào yīn dì zhì yí, shān qū hé píng yuán bù néng yòng tóng yí tào fāng àn.

    Road construction must suit local conditions; the same plan cannot be used for mountains and plains.

  • 土生土长tǔ shēng tǔ zhǎngborn and raised locally; native to a place

    老陈是土生土长的本地人,对这座城很熟悉。

    Lǎo chén shì tǔ shēng tǔ zhǎng de běn dì rén, duì zhè zuò chéng hěn shú xī.

    Old Chen was born and raised here and knows this city well.

  • 在所难免zài suǒ nán miǎnto be unavoidable

    合作中出现分歧在所难免。

    Hé zuò zhōng chū xiàn fēn qí zài suǒ nán miǎn.

    Disagreements are unavoidable in collaboration.

  • 垂头丧气chuí tóu sàng qìhanging one's head dispiritedly

    比赛输了,队员们垂头丧气地回到更衣室。

    Bǐ sài shū le, duì yuán men chuí tóu sàng qì de huí dào gēng yī shì.

    After losing the match, the players returned to the changing room looking dejected.

  • 埋头苦干mái tóu kǔ gànto bury oneself in work

    他多年埋头苦干,终于成功。

    Tā duō nián mái tóu kǔ gàn, zhōng yú chéng gōng.

    He buried himself in hard work for years and finally succeeded.

  • 夜以继日yè yǐ jì rìnight and day

    工人们夜以继日抢修大桥。

    Gōng rén men yè yǐ jì rì qiǎng xiū dà qiáo.

    The workers repaired the bridge night and day.

  • 大公无私dà gōng wú sīimpartial and selfless

    他处理纠纷总是大公无私。

    Tā chǔ lǐ jiū fēn zǒng shì dà gōng wú sī.

    He is always impartial when resolving disputes.

  • 大同小异dà tóng xiǎo yìvirtually the same

    两个方案其实大同小异。

    Liǎng ge fāng àn qí shí dà tóng xiǎo yì.

    The two proposals are virtually the same.

  • 大名鼎鼎dà míng dǐng dǐngvery famous; renowned

    这位大名鼎鼎的作家来访。

    Zhè wèi dà míng dǐng dǐng de zuò jiā lái fǎng.

    This renowned writer is visiting.

  • 大大咧咧dà dà liē liēcasual and unconcerned about details

    她性格大大咧咧,常忘记细节。

    Tā xìng gé dà dà liē liē, cháng wàng jì xì jié.

    She is carefree and often forgets details.

  • 大惊小怪dà jīng xiǎo guàito make a fuss about nothing

    只是晚到五分钟,你别大惊小怪。

    Zhǐ shì wǎn dào wǔ fēn zhōng, nǐ bié dà jīng xiǎo guài.

    It is only a five-minute delay; do not make such a fuss.

  • 大有可为dà yǒu kě wéiwith great prospects for the future

    智慧农业未来大有可为。

    Zhì huì nóng yè wèi lái dà yǒu kě wéi.

    Smart agriculture has great prospects for the future.

  • 大街小巷dà jiē xiǎo xiàngstreets and alleys throughout a place

    节日彩灯挂满大街小巷。

    Jié rì cǎi dēng guà mǎn dà jiē xiǎo xiàng.

    Festive lights hang throughout the city's streets and alleys.

  • 天伦之乐tiān lún zhī lèfamily love and joy

    老人晚年尽享天伦之乐。

    Lǎo rén wǎn nián jìn xiǎng tiān lún zhī lè.

    The elderly man fully enjoys the love and joy of family in his later years.

  • 天经地义tiān jīng dì yìright and proper

    依法纳税是天经地义的。

    Yī fǎ nà shuì shì tiān jīng dì yì de.

    Paying taxes according to the law is right and proper.

  • 天长地久tiān cháng dì jiǔlasting forever

    愿这份友谊天长地久。

    Yuàn zhè fèn yǒu yì tiān cháng dì jiǔ.

    May this friendship last forever.

  • 头头是道tóu tóu shì dàoclear and logical

    她把方案讲得头头是道。

    Tā bǎ fāng àn jiǎng de tóu tóu shì dào.

    She explained the proposal clearly and logically.

  • 夸夸其谈kuā kuā qí tánto talk big

    他只会夸夸其谈,毫无行动。

    Tā zhǐ huì kuā kuā qí tán, háo wú xíng dòng.

    He only talks big and takes no action.

  • 如愿以偿rú yuàn yǐ chángto have one's wish fulfilled

    她终于如愿以偿,考入了名校。

    Tā zhōng yú rú yuàn yǐ cháng, kǎo rù le míng xiào.

    Her wish finally came true when she was admitted to a prestigious school.

  • 如痴如醉rú chī rú zuìenthralled

    观众听得如痴如醉。

    Guān zhòng tīng de rú chī rú zuì.

    The audience listened, utterly mesmerized.

  • 孤陋寡闻gū lòu guǎ wénill-informed; having limited knowledge

    我过去孤陋寡闻,见识很少。

    Wǒ guò qù gū lòu guǎ wén, jiàn shi hěn shǎo.

    I used to be ill-informed and knew little of the world.

  • 守株待兔shǒu zhū dài tùwait idly for good luck instead of taking action

    创业不能靠守株待兔。

    Chuàng yè bù néng kào shǒu zhū dài tù.

    Starting a business cannot depend on waiting passively for opportunities.

  • 实事求是shí shì qiú shìto seek truth from facts; to be practical and realistic

    调查问题必须坚持实事求是。

    Diào chá wèn tí bì xū jiān chí shí shì qiú shì.

    Investigations must seek truth from facts.

  • 家喻户晓jiā yù hù xiǎoknown to every household; universally known

    这个传统故事早已家喻户晓。

    Zhè ge chuán tǒng gù shi zǎo yǐ jiā yù hù xiǎo.

    This traditional story has long been known to everyone.

  • 容光焕发róng guāng huàn fālook radiant and full of vitality

    她休养几天后显得容光焕发。

    Tā xiū yǎng jǐ tiān hòu xiǎn de róng guāng huàn fā.

    She looked radiant after resting for a few days.

  • 寥寥无几liáo liáo wú jǐvery few

    愿意承担风险的人寥寥无几。

    Yuàn yì chéng dān fēng xiǎn de rén liáo liáo wú jǐ.

    Very few people are willing to take the risk.

  • 对牛弹琴duì niú tán qínspeak to someone unable to appreciate it

    跟他讲艺术无异于对牛弹琴。

    Gēn tā jiǎng yì shù wú yì yú duì niú tán qín.

    Talking to him about art is a waste of breath; he cannot appreciate it.

  • 对症下药duì zhèng xià yàoto prescribe the right treatment; to apply a solution suited to the problem

    先找准病因,才能对症下药。

    Xiān zhǎo zhǔn bìng yīn, cái néng duì zhèng xià yào.

    Only after identifying the cause can one prescribe the right medicine.

  • 小心翼翼xiǎo xīn yì yìvery carefully; cautiously

    她小心翼翼地把花瓶放回架子上。

    Tā xiǎo xīn yì yì de bǎ huā píng fàng huí jià zi shàng.

    She carefully put the vase back on the shelf.

  • 小菜一碟xiǎo cài yì diéa piece of cake; something very easy

    这道题对他来说是小菜一碟。

    Zhè dào tí duì tā lái shuō shì xiǎo cài yì dié.

    This problem is a piece of cake for him.

  • 层出不穷céng chū bù qióngto keep emerging one after another; endless

    新的诈骗手段仍层出不穷。

    Xīn de zhà piàn shǒu duàn réng céng chū bù qióng.

    New methods of fraud keep emerging one after another.

  • 居安思危jū ān sī wēito think of danger in times of safety

    企业应居安思危,提前防范风险。

    Qǐ yè yīng jū ān sī wēi, tí qián fáng fàn fēng xiǎn.

    Businesses should think of danger in times of safety and guard against risks in advance.

  • 岂有此理qǐ yǒu cǐ lǐoutrageous!; how preposterous!

    无故扣我工资,岂有此理!

    Wú gù kòu wǒ gōng zī, qǐ yǒu cǐ lǐ!

    Docking my pay for no reason is preposterous!

  • 峰回路转fēng huí lù zhuǎna situation takes an unexpected turn, often for the better

    谈判原本陷入僵局,新方案的出现让事情峰回路转。

    Tán pàn yuán běn xiàn rù jiāng jú, xīn fāng àn de chū xiàn ràng shì qing fēng huí lù zhuǎn.

    The negotiations had reached a deadlock, but a new proposal brought an unexpected turn for the better.

  • 川流不息chuān liú bù xīflow past in a constant stream

    下班时,街上车辆川流不息。

    Xià bān shí, jiē shàng chē liàng chuān liú bù xī.

    After work, traffic flows endlessly along the street.

  • 左顾右盼zuǒ gù yòu pànglancing to left and right

    他进门后不停地左顾右盼。

    Tā jìn mén hòu bù tíng de zuǒ gù yòu pàn.

    After entering, he kept looking all around.

  • 应有尽有yīng yǒu jìn yǒueverything that should be here is here

    商场里的生活用品应有尽有。

    Shāng chǎng lǐ de shēng huó yòng pǐn yīng yǒu jìn yǒu.

    The mall has every kind of daily necessity one could want.

  • 废寝忘食fèi qǐn wàng shíbe so absorbed that you forget food and sleep

    他为完成研究而废寝忘食。

    Tā wèi wán chéng yán jiū ér fèi qǐn wàng shí.

    He became so absorbed in completing the research that he neglected sleep and meals.

  • 开天辟地kāi tiān pì dìto create the world (Pangu myth); unprecedented; pioneering

    盘古开天辟地,创造了世界。

    Pán gǔ kāi tiān pì dì, chuàng zào le shì jiè.

    Pangu split heaven and earth apart, creating the world.

  • 异口同声yì kǒu tóng shēngsay the same thing in unison

    三个人异口同声地说:“我同意!”

    Sān ge rén yì kǒu tóng shēng de shuō: "wǒ tóng yì!"

    All three said in unison, “I agree!”

  • 异想天开yì xiǎng tiān kāito have wildly unrealistic ideas; fanciful

    靠运气发财只是异想天开。

    Kào yùn qì fā cái zhǐ shì yì xiǎng tiān kāi.

    Getting rich through luck alone is sheer fantasy.

  • 弄虚作假nòng xū zuò jiǎto practice fraud

    审计发现公司曾弄虚作假。

    Shěn jì fā xiàn gōng sī céng nòng xū zuò jiǎ.

    The audit found that the company had committed fraud.

  • 引人入胜yǐn rén rù shèngto enchant

    这部小说情节引人入胜。

    Zhè bù xiǎo shuō qíng jié yǐn rén rù shèng.

    The plot of this novel is enchanting.

  • 引人注目yǐn rén zhù mùto attract attention

    最引人注目的是正中央——那里立着一块石碑。

    Zuì yǐn rén zhù mù de shì zhèng zhōng yāng—— nà li lì zhe yí kuài shí bēi.

    The most striking thing was in the center—there stood a stone stele.

    Read it in “The River Keeper”
  • 引经据典yǐn jīng jù diǎnquote authoritative texts to support a point

    他写文章总爱引经据典。

    Tā xiě wén zhāng zǒng ài yǐn jīng jù diǎn.

    He always likes to quote the classics in his writing.

  • 张灯结彩zhāng dēng jié cǎito be decorated with lanterns and colored banners

    春节前,街巷处处张灯结彩。

    Chūn jié qián, jiē xiàng chù chù zhāng dēng jié cǎi.

    Before the Spring Festival, the streets are decorated everywhere with lanterns and colored banners.

  • 归根到底guī gēn dào dǐultimately; when all is said and done

    归根到底,问题出在管理上。

    Guī gēn dào dǐ, wèn tí chū zài guǎn lǐ shàng.

    Ultimately, the problem lies in management.

  • 当之无愧dāng zhī wú kuìfully deserving, without any reservations

    她是当之无愧的冠军。

    Tā shì dāng zhī wú kuì de guàn jūn.

    She is fully deserving of the championship.

  • 当务之急dāng wù zhī jíthe most urgent task; the top priority

    洪水过后,当务之急是恢复饮用水供应。

    Hóng shuǐ guò hòu, dāng wù zhī jí shì huī fù yǐn yòng shuǐ gōng yìng.

    After the flood, the top priority is to restore the drinking water supply.

  • 当机立断dāng jī lì duànto make prompt decisions

    发现船舱进水,船长当机立断,命令大家撤离。

    Fā xiàn chuán cāng jìn shuǐ, chuán zhǎng dāng jī lì duàn, mìng lìng dà jiā chè lí.

    When the captain discovered water entering the cabin, he ordered everyone to evacuate without hesitation.

  • 形形色色xíng xíng sè sèall kinds of

    展会上有形形色色的商品。

    Zhǎn huì shàng yǒu xíng xíng sè sè de shāng pǐn.

    There are all kinds of products at the exhibition.

  • 形影不离xíng yǐng bù líinseparable (as form and shadow)

    这对姐妹从小形影不离。

    Zhè duì jiě mèi cóng xiǎo xíng yǐng bù lí.

    These sisters have been inseparable since childhood.

  • 彬彬有礼bīn bīn yǒu lǐrefined and courteous

    那位服务员始终彬彬有礼。

    Nà wèi fú wù yuán shǐ zhōng bīn bīn yǒu lǐ.

    That server remained refined and courteous throughout.

  • 得不偿失dé bù cháng shīthe gains do not make up for the losses

    为省小钱冒大险,实在得不偿失。

    Wèi shěng xiǎo qián mào dà xiǎn, shí zài dé bù cháng shī.

    Taking a major risk to save a little money means the gains do not make up for the losses.

  • 得天独厚dé tiān dú hòuenjoy exceptional natural advantages

    这里拥有得天独厚的自然条件。

    Zhè lǐ yōng yǒu dé tiān dú hòu de zì rán tiáo jiàn.

    This place is blessed with exceptional natural conditions.

  • 得心应手dé xīn yìng shǒudo something skillfully and with ease

    熟练后他做这项工作得心应手。

    Shú liàn hòu tā zuò zhè xiàng gōng zuò dé xīn yìng shǒu.

    After gaining proficiency, he handles this work with ease.

  • 得意扬扬dé yì yáng yánglook pleased and proud of yourself

    他拿着奖状得意扬扬地回家了。

    Tā ná zhe jiǎng zhuàng dé yì yáng yáng de huí jiā le.

    He went home looking triumphant with his certificate in hand.

  • 循序渐进xún xù jiàn jìnin sequence, step by step

    学习技能应当循序渐进。

    Xué xí jì néng yīng dāng xún xù jiàn jìn.

    Skills should be learned step by step.

  • 微不足道wēi bù zú dàonegligible

    与总费用相比,这点运费微不足道。

    Yǔ zǒng fèi yòng xiāng bǐ, zhè diǎn yùn fèi wēi bù zú dào.

    Compared with the total cost, this small shipping charge is negligible.

  • 德才兼备dé cái jiān bèipossessing both integrity and talent

    这所学校重视德才兼备的教师。

    Zhè suǒ xué xiào zhòng shì dé cái jiān bèi de jiào shī.

    This school values teachers with both integrity and talent.

  • 心安理得xīn ān lǐ déto have a clear conscience

    这笔钱是我劳动挣来的,我花得心安理得。

    Zhè bǐ qián shì wǒ láo dòng zhèng lái de, wǒ huā de xīn ān lǐ dé.

    I earned this money through my own work, so I feel no guilt about spending it.

  • 心急如焚xīn jí rú fénbe extremely anxious

    孩子走失后,她心急如焚。

    Hái zi zǒu shī hòu, tā xīn jí rú fén.

    After her child went missing, she was frantic with worry.

  • 心想事成xīn xiǎng shì chéngto have one's wishes come true

    祝你新年心想事成。

    Zhù nǐ xīn nián xīn xiǎng shì chéng.

    May all your wishes come true in the New Year.

  • 心灵手巧xīn líng shǒu qiǎoclever and skillful with your hands

    她心灵手巧,能编织各种花样。

    Tā xīn líng shǒu qiǎo, néng biān zhī gè zhǒng huā yàng.

    She is clever and good with her hands, and can knit all kinds of patterns.

  • 心甘情愿xīn gān qíng yuànbe entirely willing

    我心甘情愿陪他渡过难关。

    Wǒ xīn gān qíng yuàn péi tā dù guò nán guān.

    I am perfectly willing to help him through this difficult time.

  • 念念不忘niàn niàn bú wàngto keep in mind constantly

    他对老师的忠告念念不忘。

    Tā duì lǎo shī de zhōng gào niàn niàn bú wàng.

    He constantly keeps his teacher's advice in mind.

  • 忽冷忽热hū lěng hū rènow hot, now cold

    春季天气忽冷忽热。

    Chūn jì tiān qì hū lěng hū rè.

    Spring weather alternates between cold and hot.

  • 思前想后sī qián xiǎng hòuto think something over carefully

    她思前想后,终于拒绝了邀请。

    Tā sī qián xiǎng hòu, zhōng yú jù jué le yāo qǐng.

    After thinking it over thoroughly, she finally declined the invitation.

  • 怡然自得yí rán zì déhappy and content

    老人坐在院中怡然自得。

    Lǎo rén zuò zài yuàn zhōng yí rán zì dé.

    The elderly person sits in the courtyard, happy and content.

  • 急中生智jí zhōng shēng zhìquick-witted in an emergency

    他急中生智,找到了脱身办法。

    Tā jí zhōng shēng zhì, zhǎo dào le tuō shēn bàn fǎ.

    Thinking quickly in the emergency, he found a way to escape.

  • 急于求成jí yú qiú chénganxious for quick results

    学外语不能急于求成。

    Xué wài yǔ bù néng jí yú qiú chéng.

    You cannot demand instant success when learning a foreign language.

  • 急功近利jí gōng jìn lìseeking instant benefit

    做研究切忌急功近利。

    Zuò yán jiū qiè jì jí gōng jìn lì.

    When doing research, one must avoid seeking quick gains.

  • 总而言之zǒng ér yán zhīin short

    总而言之,这项计划值得尝试。

    Zǒng ér yán zhī, zhè xiàng jì huà zhí dé cháng shì.

    In short, this plan is worth trying.

  • 恋恋不舍liàn liàn bù shěreluctant to part

    游客们恋恋不舍地离开海岛。

    Yóu kè men liàn liàn bù shě de lí kāi hǎi dǎo.

    The tourists reluctantly left the island.

  • 恍然大悟huǎng rán dà wùto suddenly realize

    听了老师的解释,他才恍然大悟。

    Tīng le lǎo shī de jiě shì, tā cái huǎng rán dà wù.

    Only after hearing the teacher's explanation did he suddenly understand.

  • 息息相关xī xī xiāng guānclosely bound up

    睡眠与记忆息息相关。

    Shuì mián yǔ jì yì xī xī xiāng guān.

    Sleep is closely related to memory.

  • 恰到好处qià dào hǎo chùjust right; exactly appropriate

    他喝了不少酒,脸上保持着恰到好处的笑容,脑子却异常清醒。

    Tā hē le bù shǎo jiǔ, liǎn shàng bǎo chí zhe qià dào hǎo chù de xiào róng, nǎo zi què yì cháng qīng xǐng.

    He drank quite a bit, maintaining a perfectly appropriate smile on his face, but his mind remained exceptionally clear.

    Read it in “The Philosophy Chair”
  • 恰如其分qià rú qí fènapt; well-judged (neither overstated nor understated)

    他的批评恰如其分。

    Tā de pī píng qià rú qí fèn.

    His criticism is perfectly appropriate.

  • 恼羞成怒nǎo xiū chéng nùto become enraged over a perceived humiliation

    谎言被揭穿后,他恼羞成怒。

    Huǎng yán bèi jiē chuān hòu, tā nǎo xiū chéng nù.

    After his lie was exposed, he flew into a rage out of shame.

  • 悲欢离合bēi huān lí hélife's joys and sorrows, partings and reunions

    小说写尽人生的悲欢离合。

    Xiǎo shuō xiě jìn rén shēng de bēi huān lí hé.

    The novel depicts all of life's joys, sorrows, partings, and reunions.

  • 情不自禁qíng bú zì jīnbe unable to hold back your feelings

    听到这首歌,她情不自禁地落泪。

    Tīng dào zhè shǒu gē, tā qíng bú zì jīn de luò lèi.

    Upon hearing this song, she could not help shedding tears.

  • 惊天动地jīng tiān dòng dìworld-shaking

    这项工程取得了惊天动地的成就。

    Zhè xiàng gōng chéng qǔ dé le jīng tiān dòng dì de chéng jiù.

    This project achieved world-shaking results.

  • 惊心动魄jīng xīn dòng pòheart-stopping

    救援过程十分惊心动魄。

    Jiù yuán guò chéng shí fēn jīng xīn dòng pò.

    The rescue operation was a heart-stopping ordeal.

  • 惊慌失措jīng huāng shī cuòto lose one's head out of fear

    火警响起时,他惊慌失措,不知道该往哪里跑。

    Huǒ jǐng xiǎng qǐ shí, tā jīng huāng shī cuò, bù zhī dào gāi wǎng nǎ lǐ pǎo.

    When the fire alarm sounded, he panicked and did not know which way to run.

  • 想方设法xiǎng fāng shè fǎto think up every possible method

    团队想方设法降低成本。

    Tuán duì xiǎng fāng shè fǎ jiàng dī chéng běn.

    The team devised every possible way to reduce costs.

  • 愁眉苦脸chóu méi kǔ liǎnto look worried and miserable

    他整天愁眉苦脸,让家人担心。

    Tā zhěng tiān chóu méi kǔ liǎn, ràng jiā rén dān xīn.

    He goes around looking worried and miserable all day, making his family anxious.

  • 意想不到yì xiǎng bú dàounexpected

    这次合作取得了意想不到的成功。

    Zhè cì hé zuò qǔ dé le yì xiǎng bú dào de chéng gōng.

    This collaboration achieved unexpected success.

  • 愚公移山yú gōng yí shānovercome great difficulties through perseverance

    他凭着愚公移山的精神完成了工程。

    Tā píng zhe yú gōng yí shān de jīng shén wán chéng le gōng chéng.

    With dogged determination, he completed the project.

  • 成家立业chéng jiā lì yèto get married and start a career

    他希望早日成家立业。

    Tā xī wàng zǎo rì chéng jiā lì yè.

    He hopes to get married and establish a career soon.

  • 成群结队chéng qún jié duìin groups or crowds

    游客成群结队地涌进古镇。

    Yóu kè chéng qún jié duì de yǒng jìn gǔ zhèn.

    Tourists poured into the old town in large groups.

  • 截然不同jié rán bù tóngentirely different

    这两份工作的要求截然不同。

    Zhè liǎng fèn gōng zuò de yāo qiú jié rán bù tóng.

    The requirements for these two jobs are completely different.

  • 所作所为suǒ zuò suǒ wéione's conduct and deeds

    他必须为自己的所作所为负责。

    Tā bì xū wèi zì jǐ de suǒ zuò suǒ wéi fù zé.

    He must take responsibility for his conduct and deeds.

  • 扣人心弦kòu rén xīn xiángripping; deeply moving or thrilling

    这部悬疑片的情节扣人心弦。

    Zhè bù xuán yí piàn de qíng jié kòu rén xīn xián.

    The plot of this mystery film is thrilling.

  • 抑扬顿挫yì yáng dùn cuòrhythmic rises and falls in a voice or melody

    她朗读时语调抑扬顿挫。

    Tā lǎng dú shí yǔ diào yì yáng dùn cuò.

    Her intonation rose and fell rhythmically as she read aloud.

  • 持之以恒chí zhī yǐ héngto pursue unremittingly

    学习语言贵在持之以恒。

    Xué xí yǔ yán guì zài chí zhī yǐ héng.

    The key to learning a language is perseverance.

  • 指手画脚zhǐ shǒu huà jiǎogesture while talking; give unwanted orders

    他一边说话一边指手画脚。

    Tā yì biān shuō huà yì biān zhǐ shǒu huà jiǎo.

    He gesticulated as he spoke.

  • 挨家挨户āi jiā āi hùto go from house to house

    志愿者挨家挨户地通知居民停水的消息。

    Zhì yuàn zhě āi jiā āi hù de tōng zhī jū mín tíng shuǐ de xiāo xi.

    Volunteers went door to door to notify residents about the water outage.

  • 损人利己sǔn rén lì jǐharming others for one's personal benefit

    这种损人利己的做法令人不齿。

    Zhè zhǒng sǔn rén lì jǐ de zuò fǎ lìng rén bù chǐ.

    This practice of harming others for personal gain is contemptible.

  • 接二连三jiē èr lián sānone after another

    开会时,他接二连三地接到客户的电话。

    Kāi huì shí, tā jiē èr lián sān de jiē dào kè hù de diàn huà.

    During the meeting, he received one call after another from clients.

  • 掩耳盗铃yǎn ěr dào língdeceive yourself by ignoring the truth

    明明亏了钱,却不看账单,这不是掩耳盗铃吗?

    Míng míng kuī le qián, què bú kàn zhàng dān, zhè bú shì yǎn ěr dào líng ma?

    You've clearly lost money, yet you refuse to look at the statement. Isn't that just deceiving yourself?

  • 措手不及cuò shǒu bù jíto be caught off guard; have no time to react

    突发停电让大家措手不及。

    Tū fā tíng diàn ràng dà jiā cuò shǒu bù jí.

    The sudden power outage caught everyone unprepared.

  • 提心吊胆tí xīn diào dǎnto be on edge with fear or worry

    孩子独自出门让她提心吊胆。

    Hái zi dú zì chū mén ràng tā tí xīn diào dǎn.

    Her child going out alone left her on edge.

  • 揠苗助长yà miáo zhù zhǎngspoil progress by trying to force it

    急于求成只会揠苗助长。

    Jí yú qiú chéng zhǐ huì yà miáo zhù zhǎng.

    Trying to force quick results only harms progress.

  • 摇摇欲坠yáo yáo yù zhuìtottering

    暴雨过后,那堵旧墙摇摇欲坠。

    Bào yǔ guò hòu, nà dǔ jiù qiáng yáo yáo yù zhuì.

    After the heavy rain, that old wall was on the verge of collapse.

  • 改邪归正gǎi xié guī zhèngto mend one's ways

    他出狱后决心改邪归正。

    Tā chū yù hòu jué xīn gǎi xié guī zhèng.

    After leaving prison, he resolved to mend his ways.

  • 救死扶伤jiù sǐ fú shāngto help the dying and heal the injured

    医护人员以救死扶伤为己任。

    Yī hù rén yuán yǐ jiù sǐ fú shāng wéi jǐ rèn.

    Medical workers regard helping the dying and healing the injured as their duty.

  • 敬而远之jìng ér yuǎn zhīto show respect from a distance

    对反复失信的人,我只能敬而远之。

    Duì fǎn fù shī xìn de rén, wǒ zhǐ néng jìng ér yuǎn zhī.

    I can only keep a respectful distance from people who repeatedly break their word.

  • 数一数二shǔ yī shǔ èrreckoned to be best or second best

    这家医院的技术在国内数一数二。

    Zhè jiā yī yuàn de jì shù zài guó nèi shǔ yī shǔ èr.

    This hospital's expertise is among the very best in the country.

  • 斩钉截铁zhǎn dīng jié tiěresolute and decisive

    他斩钉截铁地说:“我不会签这份合同。”

    Tā zhǎn dīng jié tiě de shuō: "wǒ bú huì qiān zhè fèn hé tong."

    He said firmly, “I will not sign this contract.”

  • 断章取义duàn zhāng qǔ yìto quote out of context

    引用别人的话时,不要断章取义。

    Yǐn yòng bié rén de huà shí, bú yào duàn zhāng qǔ yì.

    When quoting someone, do not take their words out of context.

  • 新陈代谢xīn chén dài xièthe old giving way to the new; metabolism

    规律运动能促进新陈代谢。

    Guī lǜ yùn dòng néng cù jìn xīn chén dài xiè.

    Regular exercise can boost metabolism.

  • 无价之宝wú jià zhī bǎopriceless treasure

    这份手稿是家族的无价之宝。

    Zhè fèn shǒu gǎo shì jiā zú de wú jià zhī bǎo.

    This manuscript is the family's priceless treasure.

  • 无关紧要wú guān jǐn yàounimportant; of little consequence

    这个拼写错误无关紧要,不影响理解。

    Zhè ge pīn xiě cuò wù wú guān jǐn yào, bù yǐng xiǎng lǐ jiě.

    This spelling error is insignificant and does not affect understanding.

  • 无动于衷wú dòng yú zhōngunmoved; indifferent

    面对他人的苦难,他仍无动于衷。

    Miàn duì tā rén de kǔ nàn, tā réng wú dòng yú zhōng.

    He remained indifferent to the suffering of others.

  • 无可厚非wú kě hòu fēinot deserving serious criticism

    年轻人追求稳定的生活无可厚非。

    Nián qīng rén zhuī qiú wěn dìng de shēng huó wú kě hòu fēi.

    Young people should not be harshly criticized for wanting a stable life.

  • 无可奈何wú kě nài héhave no choice; be unable to do anything

    航班取消后,我们也无可奈何。

    Háng bān qǔ xiāo hòu, wǒ men yě wú kě nài hé.

    After the flight was canceled, there was nothing we could do.

  • 无家可归wú jiā kě guīhomeless

    洪水导致数百人无家可归。

    Hóng shuǐ dǎo zhì shù bǎi rén wú jiā kě guī.

    The flood left hundreds of people homeless.

  • 无微不至wú wēi bú zhìshow meticulous care in every detail

    护士对病人照顾得无微不至。

    Hù shi duì bìng rén zhào gù de wú wēi bú zhì.

    The nurse took meticulous care of the patient.

  • 无忧无虑wú yōu wú lǜcarefree

    远处的篮球场上传来学生的欢呼声,青春,响亮,无忧无虑。

    Yuǎn chù de lán qiú chǎng shàng chuán lái xué sheng de huān hū shēng, qīng chūn, xiǎng liàng, wú yōu wú lǜ.

    From the distant basketball court came the cheers of students—youthful, loud, carefree.

    Read it in “The Philosophy Chair”
  • 无所事事wú suǒ shì shìto be idle; to do nothing productive

    他整天无所事事,感到十分空虚。

    Tā zhěng tiān wú suǒ shì shì, gǎn dào shí fēn kōng xū.

    He is idle all day and feels empty inside.

  • 无所作为wú suǒ zuò wéiattempting nothing and accomplishing nothing

    官员若长期无所作为,就该被问责。

    Guān yuán ruò cháng qī wú suǒ zuò wéi, jiù gāi bèi wèn zé.

    Officials who show no initiative or results for a long time should be held accountable.

  • 无济于事wú jì yú shìto no avail

    现在才后悔已经无济于事。

    Xiàn zài cái hòu huǐ yǐ jīng wú jì yú shì.

    Regretting it only now is already of no use.

  • 无精打采wú jīng dǎ cǎilistless; lacking energy or enthusiasm

    他今天无精打采,像是没睡好。

    Tā jīn tiān wú jīng dǎ cǎi, xiàng shì méi shuì hǎo.

    He is listless today, as if he did not sleep well.

  • 无能为力wú néng wéi lìpowerless to do anything about it

    面对突发天灾,个人往往无能为力。

    Miàn duì tū fā tiān zāi, gè rén wǎng wǎng wú néng wéi lì.

    Individuals are often powerless in the face of sudden natural disasters.

  • 无论如何wú lùn rú héwhatever the case

    无论如何,我们今晚必须完成任务。

    Wú lùn rú hé, wǒ men jīn wǎn bì xū wán chéng rèn wu.

    No matter what, we must complete the task tonight.

  • 无话可说wú huà kě shuōto have nothing to say

    证据摆在面前,他无话可说。

    Zhèng jù bǎi zài miàn qián, tā wú huà kě shuō.

    With the evidence laid out before him, he had nothing to say.

  • 无边无际wú biān wú jìboundless

    眼前是一片无边无际的草原。

    Yǎn qián shì yí piàn wú biān wú jì de cǎo yuán.

    Before us lies a boundless grassland.

  • 日复一日rì fù yí rìday after day

    他日复一日地练习基本功。

    Tā rì fù yí rì de liàn xí jī běn gōng.

    He practices the fundamentals day after day.

  • 日新月异rì xīn yuè yìchange and improve rapidly

    人工智能技术正日新月异。

    Rén gōng zhì néng jì shù zhèng rì xīn yuè yì.

    Artificial intelligence technology is changing with each passing day.

  • 显而易见xiǎn ér yì jiànobvious; easy to see

    显而易见,这项计划缺乏资金。

    Xiǎn ér yì jiàn, zhè xiàng jì huà quē fá zī jīn.

    Obviously, this plan lacks funding.

  • 晕头转向yūn tóu zhuàn xiàngconfused and disoriented

    复杂的流程把新员工弄得晕头转向。

    Fù zá de liú chéng bǎ xīn yuán gōng nòng de yūn tóu zhuàn xiàng.

    The complicated process left the new employee confused and disoriented.

  • 暴风骤雨bào fēng zhòu yǔviolent wind and rainstorm

    暴风骤雨突然袭击了沿海地区。

    Bào fēng zhòu yǔ tū rán xí jī le yán hǎi dì qū.

    Violent wind and rain suddenly struck the coastal region.

  • 有声有色yǒu shēng yǒu sèvivid and lively

    她把普通故事讲得有声有色。

    Tā bǎ pǔ tōng gù shì jiǎng de yǒu shēng yǒu sè.

    She told an ordinary story vividly.

  • 有朝一日yǒu zhāo yí rìone day

    我相信有朝一日梦想会实现。

    Wǒ xiāng xìn yǒu zhāo yí rì mèng xiǎng huì shí xiàn.

    I believe that one day the dream will come true.

  • 有条不紊yǒu tiáo bù wěnorderly and methodical

    救援工作正在有条不紊地进行。

    Jiù yuán gōng zuò zhèng zài yǒu tiáo bù wěn de jìn xíng.

    The rescue work is proceeding in a methodical and orderly manner.

  • 有的放矢yǒu dì fàng shǐto act with a clear target; take a focused approach

    先查明原因,才能有的放矢地整改。

    Xiān chá míng yuán yīn, cái néng yǒu dì fàng shǐ de zhěng gǎi.

    Only after identifying the cause can corrective action be properly targeted.

  • 朝三暮四zhāo sān mù sìbe changeable or inconsistent

    方案已经定了,别再朝三暮四。

    Fāng àn yǐ jīng dìng le, bié zài zhāo sān mù sì.

    The plan is already settled; stop changing it.

  • 朝夕相处zhāo xī xiāng chǔto spend all one's time together

    他们朝夕相处,彼此十分了解。

    Tā men zhāo xī xiāng chǔ, bǐ cǐ shí fēn liǎo jiě.

    They spend all their time together and know each other very well.

  • 朝气蓬勃zhāo qì péng bófull of youthful energy

    校园里满是朝气蓬勃的学生。

    Xiào yuán lǐ mǎn shì zhāo qì péng bó de xué sheng.

    The campus is full of students brimming with youthful energy.

  • 杂乱无章zá luàn wú zhāngdisordered and in a mess

    桌上文件堆得杂乱无章。

    Zhuō shàng wén jiàn duī de zá luàn wú zhāng.

    The documents on the desk are piled in a chaotic mess.

  • 束手无策shù shǒu wú cèat a loss for what to do; unable to find a solution

    面对突发危机,他也束手无策。

    Miàn duì tū fā wēi jī, tā yě shù shǒu wú cè.

    Faced with the sudden crisis, he too was helpless.

  • 来之不易lái zhī bú yìhard to come by

    这次重逢来之不易,我们都很珍惜。

    Zhè cì chóng féng lái zhī bú yì, wǒ men dōu hěn zhēn xī.

    We all cherish this hard-won reunion.

  • 来龙去脉lái lóng qù màithe whole sequence of events

    请把这件事的来龙去脉说清楚。

    Qǐng bǎ zhè jiàn shì de lái lóng qù mài shuō qīng chu.

    Please explain the full sequence of events clearly.

  • 根深蒂固gēn shēn dì gùdeep-rooted; firmly entrenched (of beliefs, habits, problems)

    这种偏见早已根深蒂固。

    Zhè zhǒng piān jiàn zǎo yǐ gēn shēn dì gù.

    This prejudice has long been deeply rooted.

  • 格格不入gé gé bú rùincompatible; out of place

    他的观点与公司的理念格格不入。

    Tā de guān diǎn yǔ gōng sī de lǐ niàn gé gé bú rù.

    His views are incompatible with the company's principles.

  • 梦寐以求mèng mèi yǐ qiúto deeply long for

    他终于得到梦寐以求的职位。

    Tā zhōng yú dé dào mèng mèi yǐ qiú de zhí wèi.

    He finally got the position he had always dreamed of.

  • 欣欣向荣xīn xīn xiàng róngflourishing

    小镇的旅游业欣欣向荣。

    Xiǎo zhèn de lǚ yóu yè xīn xīn xiàng róng.

    The small town's tourism industry is flourishing.

  • 此起彼伏cǐ qǐ bǐ fúrise and fall in succession

    仓库外,警犬吠声此起彼伏。

    Cāng kù wài, jǐng quǎn fèi shēng cǐ qǐ bǐ fú.

    Outside the warehouse, police dogs barked in waves.

    Read it in “The Memory Market”
  • 比比皆是bǐ bǐ jiē shìcan be found everywhere

    类似的案例在当地比比皆是。

    Lèi sì de àn lì zài dāng dì bǐ bǐ jiē shì.

    Similar cases can be found everywhere in the area.

  • 水涨船高shuǐ zhǎng chuán gāoto rise along with a related factor

    原料涨价,成品的价格也水涨船高。

    Yuán liào zhǎng jià, chéng pǐn de jià gé yě shuǐ zhǎng chuán gāo.

    As raw materials become more expensive, finished-product prices rise too.

  • 水滴石穿shuǐ dī shí chuānpersistent effort overcomes difficulties

    长期坚持终能水滴石穿。

    Cháng qī jiān chí zhōng néng shuǐ dī shí chuān.

    With sustained perseverance, even great obstacles can eventually be overcome.

  • 水落石出shuǐ luò shí chūthe truth comes to light

    警方找到了监控录像,案件终于水落石出。

    Jǐng fāng zhǎo dào le jiān kòng lù xiàng, àn jiàn zhōng yú shuǐ luò shí chū.

    The police found surveillance footage, and the truth about the case finally came to light.

  • 求同存异qiú tóng cún yìseek common ground while setting aside differences

    双方决定求同存异,继续合作。

    Shuāng fāng jué dìng qiú tóng cún yì, jì xù hé zuò.

    Both sides decided to seek common ground while preserving differences and continue cooperating.

  • 汗马功劳hàn mǎ gōng láooutstanding service or contributions

    老将为此战立下汗马功劳。

    Lǎo jiàng wèi cǐ zhàn lì xià hàn mǎ gōng láo.

    The veteran general rendered distinguished service in this battle.

  • 没完没了méi wán méi liǎowithout end

    窗外的雨下得没完没了。

    Chuāng wài de yǔ xià de méi wán méi liǎo.

    The rain outside keeps falling without end.

  • 沸沸扬扬fèi fèi yáng yángbe widely discussed; cause a public stir

    公司要裁员的消息传得沸沸扬扬。

    Gōng sī yào cái yuán de xiāo xi chuán de fèi fèi yáng yáng.

    News that the company was planning layoffs spread widely and caused a stir.

  • 津津有味jīn jīn yǒu wèiwith keen interest

    孩子们津津有味地听爷爷讲故事。

    Hái zi men jīn jīn yǒu wèi de tīng yé ye jiǎng gù shi.

    The children listened with keen interest as their grandfather told stories.

  • 深入人心shēn rù rén xīnto take root in people's minds; become widely accepted

    环保理念已逐渐深入人心。

    Huán bǎo lǐ niàn yǐ zhú jiàn shēn rù rén xīn.

    The idea of environmental protection has gradually taken deep root in people's hearts.

  • 深情厚谊shēn qíng hòu yìdeep friendship

    两国人民结下了深情厚谊。

    Liǎng guó rén mín jié xià le shēn qíng hòu yì.

    The peoples of the two countries formed a deep friendship.

  • 源源不断yuán yuán bú duànin an unending stream

    清水从山泉中源源不断地涌出。

    Qīng shuǐ cóng shān quán zhōng yuán yuán bú duàn de yǒng chū.

    Clear water gushes continuously from the mountain spring.

  • 源远流长yuán yuǎn liú chánghave a long history and lasting influence

    中华农耕文明源远流长。

    Zhōng huá nóng gēng wén míng yuán yuǎn liú cháng.

    Chinese agricultural civilization has a long history.

  • 滔滔不绝tāo tāo bù juéto produce a torrent of words

    电梯里,思琪听着晓蔓滔滔不绝的“职场生存指南”,紧绷的神经渐渐放松。

    Diàn tī lǐ, sī qí tīng zhe xiǎo màn tāo tāo bù jué de "zhí chǎng shēng cún zhǐ nán", jǐn bēng de shén jīng jiàn jiàn fàng sōng.

    In the elevator, Siqi listened to Xiaoman's endless workplace survival guide, her tense nerves gradually relaxing.

    Read it in “First Day at the New Desk”
  • 潜移默化qián yí mò huàinfluence someone gradually and imperceptibly

    阅读给孩子带来潜移默化的影响。

    Yuè dú gěi hái zi dài lái qián yí mò huà de yǐng xiǎng.

    Reading influences children gradually and imperceptibly.

  • 灵机一动líng jī yí dònga bright idea suddenly occurs

    找不到书签,我灵机一动,拿了一张旧车票来用。

    Zhǎo bú dào shū qiān, wǒ líng jī yí dòng, ná le yì zhāng jiù chē piào lái yòng.

    Unable to find a bookmark, I had a sudden idea and used an old ticket instead.

  • 热泪盈眶rè lèi yíng kuàngeyes brimming with tears of emotion

    听到捷报后他热泪盈眶。

    Tīng dào jié bào hòu tā rè lèi yíng kuàng.

    His eyes brimmed with tears of excitement upon hearing the good news.

  • 焕然一新huàn rán yì xīnto look completely new

    翻修后这间老屋焕然一新。

    Fān xiū hòu zhè jiān lǎo wū huàn rán yì xīn.

    The old house looked completely new after the renovation.

  • 熙熙攘攘xī xī rǎng rǎngbustling with activity

    节日的集市上熙熙攘攘。

    Jié rì de jí shì shàng xī xī rǎng rǎng.

    The holiday market bustles with activity.

  • 爱不释手ài bú shì shǒulike something too much to put it down

    这本画册令孩子爱不释手。

    Zhè běn huà cè lìng hái zi ài bú shì shǒu.

    The child loved this picture book so much that they could not put it down.

  • 物美价廉wù měi jià liángood quality and cheap

    这家小店的文具物美价廉。

    Zhè jiā xiǎo diàn de wén jù wù měi jià lián.

    The stationery in this small shop is good-quality and inexpensive.

  • 犹豫不决yóu yù bù juéindecisive; hesitant and unable to decide

    他因选择太多而犹豫不决。

    Tā yīn xuǎn zé tài duō ér yóu yù bù jué.

    He was hesitant and unable to decide because there were too many choices.

  • 独一无二dú yì wú èrunique

    每片雪花的形状都独一无二。

    Měi piàn xuě huā de xíng zhuàng dōu dú yì wú èr.

    The shape of every snowflake is unique.

  • 狼吞虎咽láng tūn hǔ yànto wolf down one's food

    饥饿的旅客开始狼吞虎咽。

    Jī è de lǚ kè kāi shǐ láng tūn hǔ yàn.

    The hungry traveler began wolfing down the food.

  • 理所当然lǐ suǒ dāng ránnatural and proper; to be expected

    他觉得帮助父母是理所当然的。

    Tā jué de bāng zhù fù mǔ shì lǐ suǒ dāng rán de.

    He thinks helping his parents is only natural.

  • 理直气壮lǐ zhí qì zhuàngin the right and self-confident

    证据在手让他反驳得理直气壮。

    Zhèng jù zài shǒu ràng tā fǎn bó de lǐ zhí qì zhuàng.

    With evidence in hand, he rebutted boldly, confident that he was in the right.

  • 琴棋书画qín qí shū huàmusic, Go, calligraphy, and painting

    她自幼精通琴棋书画。

    Tā zì yòu jīng tōng qín qí shū huà.

    She has been proficient in music, Go, calligraphy, and painting since childhood.

  • 画蛇添足huà shé tiān zúspoil something by adding too much

    再加一句反而画蛇添足。

    Zài jiā yí jù fǎn ér huà shé tiān zú.

    Adding another sentence would only be superfluous and spoil the effect.

  • 画龙点睛huà lóng diǎn jīngto add the vital finishing touch

    结尾这句话起了画龙点睛的作用。

    Jié wěi zhè jù huà qǐ le huà lóng diǎn jīng de zuò yòng.

    The final sentence provided the vital finishing touch.

  • 皆大欢喜jiē dà huān xǐto everyone's delight and satisfaction

    这个结果让各方皆大欢喜。

    Zhè ge jié guǒ ràng gè fāng jiē dà huān xǐ.

    This outcome delighted and satisfied all sides.

  • 盛气凌人shèng qì líng rénoverbearing

    他那盛气凌人的态度令人反感。

    Tā nà shèng qì líng rén de tài du lìng rén fǎn gǎn.

    His overbearing attitude was offensive.

  • 目不转睛mù bù zhuǎn jīngunable to take one's eyes off

    孩子们目不转睛地盯着屏幕。

    Hái zi men mù bù zhuǎn jīng de dīng zhe píng mù.

    The children stared fixedly at the screen.

  • 目中无人mù zhōng wú rénto consider everyone else beneath one

    他目中无人的态度得罪了同事。

    Tā mù zhōng wú rén de tài du dé zuì le tóng shì.

    His arrogant attitude offended his colleagues.

  • 目瞪口呆mù dèng kǒu dāidumbstruck

    这个消息让所有人目瞪口呆。

    Zhè ge xiāo xi ràng suǒ yǒu rén mù dèng kǒu dāi.

    The news left everyone stunned.

  • 相提并论xiāng tí bìng lùncompare or discuss on equal terms

    两者性质不同,不能相提并论。

    Liǎng zhě xìng zhì bù tóng, bù néng xiāng tí bìng lùn.

    The two differ in nature and cannot be mentioned in the same breath.

  • 相辅相成xiāng fǔ xiāng chéngto complement one another

    理论与实践相辅相成。

    Lǐ lùn yǔ shí jiàn xiāng fǔ xiāng chéng.

    Theory and practice complement each other.

  • 眉开眼笑méi kāi yǎn xiàobeam with happiness

    她收到礼物后眉开眼笑。

    Tā shōu dào lǐ wù hòu méi kāi yǎn xiào.

    She beamed with joy after receiving the gift.

  • 知足常乐zhī zú cháng lèfind happiness in being content

    母亲常说知足常乐。

    Mǔ qīn cháng shuō zhī zú cháng lè.

    Mother often says that contentment brings happiness.

  • 礼尚往来lǐ shàng wǎng láireturn a favor or courtesy

    礼尚往来,他请我吃饭,我也请他喝茶。

    Lǐ shàng wǎng lái, tā qǐng wǒ chī fàn, wǒ yě qǐng tā hē chá.

    Courtesy goes both ways: he treated me to a meal, and I treated him to tea.

  • 称心如意chèn xīn rú yìexactly as one wishes; fully satisfactory

    这份新工作让她称心如意。

    Zhè fèn xīn gōng zuò ràng tā chèn xīn rú yì.

    This new job is everything she could wish for.

  • 突如其来tū rú qí láisudden; unexpected; coming out of nowhere

    突如其来的暴雨淹没了街道。

    Tū rú qí lái de bào yǔ yān mò le jiē dào.

    The sudden rainstorm flooded the streets.

  • 竭尽全力jié jìn quán lìto spare no effort

    医生竭尽全力抢救伤员。

    Yī shēng jié jìn quán lì qiǎng jiù shāng yuán.

    The doctors did everything they could to save the injured.

  • 粗心大意cū xīn dà yìcareless; negligent

    他因粗心大意填错了账号。

    Tā yīn cū xīn dà yì tián cuò le zhàng hào.

    He entered the wrong account number through carelessness.

  • 精打细算jīng dǎ xì suànmeticulous planning and careful accounting

    她精打细算地安排每笔开支。

    Tā jīng dǎ xì suàn de ān pái měi bǐ kāi zhī.

    She plans every expense with meticulous care.

  • 精疲力竭jīng pí lì jiéutterly exhausted

    连续工作后,他已精疲力竭。

    Lián xù gōng zuò hòu, tā yǐ jīng pí lì jié.

    After working continuously, he was utterly exhausted.

  • 精益求精jīng yì qiú jīngto constantly seek to improve

    她对每个细节都精益求精。

    Tā duì měi ge xì jié dōu jīng yì qiú jīng.

    She constantly seeks to perfect every detail.

  • 素不相识sù bù xiāng shíto be total strangers

    我们素不相识,他却主动相助。

    Wǒ men sù bù xiāng shí, tā què zhǔ dòng xiāng zhù.

    We were total strangers, yet he offered to help.

  • 约定俗成yuē dìng sú chéngestablished by popular usage

    这个称呼早已约定俗成。

    Zhè ge chēng hu zǎo yǐ yuē dìng sú chéng.

    This term has long been established by common usage.

  • 纸上谈兵zhǐ shàng tán bīngdiscuss theory without practical experience

    方案脱离实际,只是纸上谈兵。

    Fāng àn tuō lí shí jì, zhǐ shì zhǐ shàng tán bīng.

    The plan is detached from reality and is merely strategy on paper.

  • 经久不息jīng jiǔ bù xīprolonged (applause, cheering etc)

    演出结束后,掌声经久不息。

    Yǎn chū jié shù hòu, zhǎng shēng jīng jiǔ bù xī.

    After the performance ended, the applause continued for a long time.

  • 绘声绘色huì shēng huì sèvivid and colorful

    他把探险经历讲得绘声绘色。

    Tā bǎ tàn xiǎn jīng lì jiǎng de huì shēng huì sè.

    He recounted his adventure vividly.

  • 络绎不绝luò yì bù juécoming in an unending stream

    节日期间,游客络绎不绝。

    Jié rì qī jiān, yóu kè luò yì bù jué.

    During the festival, tourists arrived in an endless stream.

  • 罪魁祸首zuì kuí huò shǒuthe main culprit; the chief cause of trouble

    过度包装是污染的罪魁祸首。

    Guò dù bāo zhuāng shì wū rǎn de zuì kuí huò shǒu.

    Excessive packaging is the main culprit behind the pollution.

  • 美中不足měi zhōng bù zúeverything is fine except for one small defect

    美中不足的是房间采光较差。

    Měi zhōng bù zú de shì fáng jiān cǎi guāng jiào chà.

    The only drawback is that the room gets rather little natural light.

  • 翻天覆地fān tiān fù dìearth-shaking change or upheaval; also, an uproar or havoc

    孩子们把客厅闹得翻天覆地。

    Hái zi men bǎ kè tīng nào de fān tiān fù dì.

    The children turned the living room completely upside down.

  • 翻来覆去fān lái fù qùto toss and turn (sleeplessly)

    夜里,雨桐翻来覆去睡不着。

    Yè li, yǔ tóng fān lái fù qù shuì bù zháo.

    That night, Yutong tossed and turned, unable to sleep.

    Read it in “The Sword That Waited”
  • 耐人寻味nài rén xún wèithought-provoking

    这个结局看似平淡却耐人寻味。

    Zhè ge jié jú kàn sì píng dàn què nài rén xún wèi.

    This ending seems ordinary but is thought-provoking.

  • 耳熟能详ěr shú néng xiángknow something very well from hearing it often

    这首民谣早已耳熟能详。

    Zhè shǒu mín yáo zǎo yǐ ěr shú néng xiáng.

    This folk song has long been well known.

  • 耳目一新ěr mù yì xīna pleasant change

    新版界面让人耳目一新。

    Xīn bǎn jiè miàn ràng rén ěr mù yì xīn.

    The new interface is a refreshing change.

  • 聚精会神jù jīng huì shénto concentrate one's attention

    她聚精会神地核对数据。

    Tā jù jīng huì shén de hé duì shù jù.

    She concentrated intently on checking the data.

  • 肆无忌惮sì wú jì dànunscrupulous; acting without restraint

    商家肆无忌惮地泄露隐私。

    Shāng jiā sì wú jì dàn de xiè lòu yǐn sī.

    The businesses brazenly leaked people's private information.

  • 胡思乱想hú sī luàn xiǎngto let one's thoughts run wild; imagine things without basis

    深夜别再胡思乱想了。

    Shēn yè bié zài hú sī luàn xiǎng le.

    Stop letting your imagination run wild late at night.

  • 胸有成竹xiōng yǒu chéng zhúto have a well-thought-out plan in mind

    面对谈判,她早已胸有成竹。

    Miàn duì tán pàn, tā zǎo yǐ xiōng yǒu chéng zhú.

    She already had a well-thought-out plan for the negotiations.

  • 脚踏实地jiǎo tà shí dìpractical and steady; down-to-earth

    做事要脚踏实地,不能只喊口号。

    Zuò shì yào jiǎo tà shí dì, bù néng zhǐ hǎn kǒu hào.

    You need to work practically and steadily, not just shout slogans.

  • 脱口而出tuō kǒu ér chūto blurt out

    她没多想,就脱口而出:“我不同意!”

    Tā méi duō xiǎng, jiù tuō kǒu ér chū: "wǒ bù tóng yì!"

    Without thinking much, she blurted out, “I disagree!”

  • 脱颖而出tuō yǐng ér chūto stand out from others through ability

    她凭实力在竞赛中脱颖而出。

    Tā píng shí lì zài jìng sài zhōng tuō yǐng ér chū.

    She stood out in the competition through her ability.

  • 自以为是zì yǐ wéi shìto believe oneself infallible

    他总是自以为是,听不进劝。

    Tā zǒng shì zì yǐ wéi shì, tīng bú jìn quàn.

    He always believes he is right and will not take advice.

  • 自力更生zì lì gēng shēngrely on your own efforts

    村民靠自力更生走出困境。

    Cūn mín kào zì lì gēng shēng zǒu chū kùn jìng.

    The villagers relied on their own efforts to escape hardship.

  • 自始至终zì shǐ zhì zhōngfrom start to finish

    整场会议,她自始至终没有说话。

    Zhěng chǎng huì yì, tā zì shǐ zhì zhōng méi yǒu shuō huà.

    She did not say a word from the beginning to the end of the meeting.

  • 自强不息zì qiáng bù xīto strive unremittingly

    他以自强不息的精神克服困境。

    Tā yǐ zì qiáng bù xī de jīng shén kè fú kùn jìng.

    He overcame hardship through a spirit of unremitting self-improvement.

  • 自然而然zì rán ér ránnaturally; of its own accord

    听到笑声,她自然而然地笑了。

    Tīng dào xiào shēng, tā zì rán ér rán de xiào le.

    Hearing the laughter, she smiled involuntarily.

  • 自相矛盾zì xiāng máo dùnto contradict oneself

    他的前后说法自相矛盾。

    Tā de qián hòu shuō fǎ zì xiāng máo dùn.

    His earlier and later statements contradict each other.

  • 节衣缩食jié yī suō shíto save on food and clothing

    为了供孩子上学,他们多年节衣缩食。

    Wèi le gōng hái zi shàng xué, tā men duō nián jié yī suō shí.

    To keep their child in school, they lived frugally for years.

  • 苦尽甘来kǔ jìn gān láihardship gives way to happiness

    熬过低谷后,他终于苦尽甘来。

    Áo guò dī gǔ hòu, tā zhōng yú kǔ jìn gān lái.

    After enduring the low point, his hard times finally gave way to better days.

  • 莫名其妙mò míng qí miàobaffling

    他的举动实在令人莫名其妙。

    Tā de jǔ dòng shí zài lìng rén mò míng qí miào.

    His behavior was utterly baffling.

  • 萍水相逢píng shuǐ xiāng féngstrangers coming together by chance

    我们萍水相逢,却聊得十分投机。

    Wǒ men píng shuǐ xiāng féng, què liáo de shí fēn tóu jī.

    We met by chance as strangers, yet got along splendidly.

  • 袖手旁观xiù shǒu páng guānstand by without helping

    现在老朋友有难,我们岂能袖手旁观?

    Xiàn zài lǎo péng you yǒu nàn, wǒ men qǐ néng xiù shǒu páng guān?

    Now that our old friend is in trouble, how can we stand idly by?

    Read it in “New Dreams for an Ancient City”
  • 见义勇为jiàn yì yǒng wéistep forward bravely to do what is right

    路人见义勇为,救下落水儿童。

    Lù rén jiàn yì yǒng wéi, jiù xià luò shuǐ ér tóng.

    A passerby bravely stepped in and saved a drowning child.

  • 见仁见智jiàn rén jiàn zhìopinions differ

    这部电影好不好,向来见仁见智。

    Zhè bù diàn yǐng hǎo bù hǎo, xiàng lái jiàn rén jiàn zhì.

    Opinions have always differed on whether this film is good.

  • 见利忘义jiàn lì wàng yìto abandon moral principles in the pursuit of profit

    他因见利忘义而失去朋友的信任。

    Tā yīn jiàn lì wàng yì ér shī qù péng you de xìn rèn.

    He lost his friends' trust by abandoning his principles for profit.

  • 见多识广jiàn duō shí guǎngexperienced and knowledgeable

    她走遍各地,称得上见多识广。

    Tā zǒu biàn gè dì, chēng de shàng jiàn duō shí guǎng.

    She has traveled widely and can be called experienced and knowledgeable.

  • 触目惊心chù mù jīng xīnshocking or horrifying to see

    事故现场的惨状令人触目惊心。

    Shì gù xiàn chǎng de cǎn zhuàng lìng rén chù mù jīng xīn.

    The horrific scene of the accident was shocking to see.

  • 讨价还价tǎo jià huán jiàto haggle over price

    她在市场上和摊主讨价还价。

    Tā zài shì chǎng shàng hé tān zhǔ tǎo jià huán jià.

    She haggled with the stallholder at the market.

  • 记忆犹新jì yì yóu xīnto remain fresh in one's memory

    毕业那天的情景至今记忆犹新。

    Bì yè nà tiān de qíng jǐng zhì jīn jì yì yóu xīn.

    The scene on graduation day remains fresh in my memory.

  • 诸如此类zhū rú cǐ lèithings like this

    迟到、早退,诸如此类的问题不少。

    Chí dào, zǎo tuì, zhū rú cǐ lèi de wèn tí bù shǎo.

    There are many problems such as arriving late and leaving early.

  • 赞不绝口zàn bù jué kǒuto praise without cease

    游客对当地美食赞不绝口。

    Yóu kè duì dāng dì měi shí zàn bù jué kǒu.

    Tourists couldn't stop praising the local food.

  • 走投无路zǒu tóu wú lùto have nowhere to turn; be at the end of one's rope

    债务逼得他走投无路。

    Zhài wù bī de tā zǒu tóu wú lù.

    Debt left him with nowhere to turn.

  • 足不出户zú bù chū hùstay at home without going out

    他足不出户也能买到生鲜。

    Tā zú bù chū hù yě néng mǎi dào shēng xiān.

    He can buy fresh groceries without setting foot outside.

  • 足智多谋zú zhì duō móuresourceful

    军师足智多谋,屡次化解危机。

    Jūn shī zú zhì duō móu, lǚ cì huà jiě wēi jī.

    The strategist is resourceful and has repeatedly defused crises.

  • 身不由己shēn bù yóu jǐbe unable to act freely; have no control

    人在困境中常会身不由己。

    Rén zài kùn jìng zhōng cháng huì shēn bù yóu jǐ.

    People in difficult circumstances often find themselves unable to act as they wish.

  • 轻而易举qīng ér yì jǔeasy

    他轻而易举地解开了难题。

    Tā qīng ér yì jǔ de jiě kāi le nán tí.

    He solved the difficult problem with ease.

  • 运筹帷幄yùn chóu wéi wòto plan and direct strategy

    主帅运筹帷幄,最终扭转战局。

    Zhǔ shuài yùn chóu wéi wò, zuì zhōng niǔ zhuǎn zhàn jú.

    The commander devised the strategy and ultimately turned the tide of the battle.

  • 迫不及待pò bù jí dàicannot wait; eager to act

    生煎上桌,宇轩迫不及待地咬了一个,被烫得直跳脚。

    Shēng jiān shàng zhuō, yǔ xuān pò bù jí dài de yǎo le yí gè, bèi tàng de zhí tiào jiǎo.

    When the pan-fried buns arrived, Yuxuan eagerly bit into one and jumped from the heat.

    Read it in “The Smile on the Other Side”
  • 针锋相对zhēn fēng xiāng duìto oppose each other with equal harshness

    双方在会上针锋相对。

    Shuāng fāng zài huì shàng zhēn fēng xiāng duì.

    The two sides confronted each other tit for tat at the meeting.

  • 错综复杂cuò zōng fù zátangled and complicated

    案情错综复杂,警方还在调查。

    Àn qíng cuò zōng fù zá, jǐng fāng hái zài diào chá.

    The case is complicated, and the police are still investigating.

  • 锦上添花jǐn shàng tiān huāto make something good even better

    这家酒店服务很好,窗外的海景更是锦上添花。

    Zhè jiā jiǔ diàn fú wù hěn hǎo, chuāng wài de hǎi jǐng gèng shì jǐn shàng tiān huā.

    The hotel has excellent service, and the sea view outside the window is the icing on the cake.

  • 锲而不舍qiè ér bù shěto persevere without giving up

    她锲而不舍地寻找证据。

    Tā qiè ér bù shě de xún zhǎo zhèng jù.

    She persistently searched for evidence without giving up.

  • 随心所欲suí xīn suǒ yùto follow one's heart's desires

    孩子不能随心所欲地花钱。

    Hái zi bù néng suí xīn suǒ yù de huā qián.

    Children cannot spend money however they please.

  • 随时随地suí shí suí dìanytime and anywhere

    手机让人能随时随地办公。

    Shǒu jī ràng rén néng suí shí suí dì bàn gōng.

    Mobile phones enable people to work anytime and anywhere.

  • 难以置信nán yǐ zhì xìnhard to believe

    这个结果令人难以置信。

    Zhè ge jié guǒ lìng rén nán yǐ zhì xìn.

    This result is hard to believe.

  • 难能可贵nán néng kě guìespecially admirable because it is hard to do

    她失败后仍坚持训练,难能可贵。

    Tā shī bài hòu réng jiān chí xùn liàn, nán néng kě guì.

    It is especially admirable that she kept training after her failure.

  • 集思广益jí sī guǎng yìpool ideas to reach a better result

    大家集思广益,提出了新方案。

    Dà jiā jí sī guǎng yì, tí chū le xīn fāng àn.

    Everyone pooled their wisdom and proposed a new plan.

  • 雪上加霜xuě shàng jiā shuāngto make matters even worse

    停电使缺水问题雪上加霜。

    Tíng diàn shǐ quē shuǐ wèn tí xuě shàng jiā shuāng.

    The power outage made the water shortage even worse.

  • 面目全非miàn mù quán fēichanged beyond recognition

    洪水过后,村庄已面目全非。

    Hóng shuǐ guò hòu, cūn zhuāng yǐ miàn mù quán fēi.

    After the flood, the village was changed beyond recognition.

  • 面红耳赤miàn hóng ěr chìflushed with anger (or excitement)

    两人为小事争得面红耳赤。

    Liǎng rén wèi xiǎo shì zhēng de miàn hóng ěr chì.

    The two argued over a trivial matter until they were flushed with anger.

  • 面面俱到miàn miàn jù dàotake care of everything

    他办事周全,力求面面俱到。

    Tā bàn shì zhōu quán, lì qiú miàn miàn jù dào.

    He handles matters thoroughly and strives to take care of everything.

  • 顺其自然shùn qí zì ránto let nature take its course

    事情到了这一步,只能顺其自然。

    Shì qing dào le zhè yí bù, zhǐ néng shùn qí zì rán.

    At this point, we can only let nature take its course.

  • 顺理成章shùn lǐ chéng zhāngto follow naturally and logically

    证据充分,结论也就顺理成章。

    Zhèng jù chōng fèn, jié lùn yě jiù shùn lǐ chéng zhāng.

    With sufficient evidence, the conclusion follows logically.

  • 顾全大局gù quán dà júto take the big picture into consideration

    双方都应顾全大局,避免冲突。

    Shuāng fāng dōu yīng gù quán dà jú, bì miǎn chōng tū.

    Both sides should consider the big picture and avoid conflict.

  • 顾名思义gù míng sī yìas the name implies

    顾名思义,候鸟会随季节迁徙。

    Gù míng sī yì, hòu niǎo huì suí jì jié qiān xǐ.

    As the name implies, migratory birds move with the seasons.

  • 颠倒黑白diān dǎo hēi báidistort the truth; reverse right and wrong

    他为推卸责任,故意颠倒黑白。

    Tā wèi tuī xiè zé rèn, gù yì diān dǎo hēi bái.

    To evade responsibility, he deliberately distorted the truth.

  • 风吹雨打fēng chuī yǔ dǎbattering by wind and rain; (fig.) hardships

    老屋历经多年风吹雨打,仍未倒塌。

    Lǎo wū lì jīng duō nián fēng chuī yǔ dǎ, réng wèi dǎo tā.

    The old house has endured years of wind and rain yet still stands.

  • 风和日丽fēng hé rì lìpleasantly breezy and sunny

    今天风和日丽,适合去郊游。

    Jīn tiān fēng hé rì lì, shì hé qù jiāo yóu.

    The weather is fine and sunny today, perfect for an outing.

  • 风土人情fēng tǔ rén qínglocal conditions and customs

    这本书介绍了当地的风土人情。

    Zhè běn shū jiè shào le dāng dì de fēng tǔ rén qíng.

    This book introduces the local conditions and customs.

  • 风雨无阻fēng yǔ wú zǔregardless of weather conditions

    他每天坚持跑步,风雨无阻。

    Tā měi tiān jiān chí pǎo bù, fēng yǔ wú zǔ.

    He goes running every day regardless of the weather.

  • 风餐露宿fēng cān lù sùto rough it

    探险队一路风餐露宿,终于抵达营地。

    Tàn xiǎn duì yí lù fēng cān lù sù, zhōng yú dǐ dá yíng dì.

    The expedition ate and slept outdoors along the way and finally reached camp.

  • 飞禽走兽fēi qín zǒu shòubirds and animals

    这片森林是飞禽走兽的家园。

    Zhè piàn sēn lín shì fēi qín zǒu shòu de jiā yuán.

    This forest is home to birds and animals.

  • 饱经沧桑bǎo jīng cāng sānghaving lived through many changes

    这座古桥饱经沧桑,依然坚固。

    Zhè zuò gǔ qiáo bǎo jīng cāng sāng, yī rán jiān gù.

    This ancient bridge has weathered many changes yet remains sturdy.

  • 骇人听闻hài rén tīng wénshocking

    调查揭露了骇人听闻的虐待行为。

    Diào chá jiē lù le hài rén tīng wén de nüè dài xíng wéi.

    The investigation exposed shocking acts of abuse.

  • 鲜为人知xiǎn wéi rén zhīknown to very few people

    这段历史至今仍鲜为人知。

    Zhè duàn lì shǐ zhì jīn réng xiǎn wéi rén zhī.

    This period of history remains almost unknown even today.

  • 鸦雀无声yā què wú shēngcompletely silent

    大厅里鸦雀无声。

    Dà tīng lǐ yā què wú shēng.

    The hall was completely silent.

    Read it in “The Thirteenth Guest”
  • 鹏程万里péng chéng wàn lǐhave a bright and promising future

    愿你前途光明,鹏程万里。

    Yuàn nǐ qián tú guāng míng, péng chéng wàn lǐ.

    May your future be bright and your prospects boundless.

  • 鹤立鸡群hè lì jī qúnstand out far above the rest

    她的设计新颖,在展览中鹤立鸡群。

    Tā de shè jì xīn yǐng, zài zhǎn lǎn zhōng hè lì jī qún.

    Her novel design stood out far above the rest at the exhibition.

  • 默默无闻mò mò wú wénobscure; unknown to the public

    他默默无闻地工作了二十年。

    Tā mò mò wú wén de gōng zuò le èr shí nián.

    He worked in obscurity for twenty years.

  • 齐心协力qí xīn xié lìto work with a common purpose

    大家齐心协力,终于完成了任务。

    Dà jiā qí xīn xié lì, zhōng yú wán chéng le rèn wu.

    Everyone worked together toward the same goal and finally completed the task.

Four patterns that make chengyu easier

ABAC

一心一意, 自言自语, 无忧无虑

The first and third characters repeat.

AABB

断断续续, 兢兢业业, 熙熙攘攘

Two doubled characters.

Numbers

千方百计, 七嘴八舌, 四面八方

Paired numbers usually mean “many” or “every”.

Negation

不知不觉, 无能为力, 不言而喻

不 or 无 carries the meaning.

Read real Chinese, at your level

Every one has word-level pinyin, narrated audio and tap-to-define.

Browse every level →

Frequently asked questions

What is a chengyu?

A chengyu (成语) is a fixed Chinese expression, usually four characters long, with a conventional meaning. Many come from classical writing or historical stories. Learn the expression as a whole and see how it works in a sentence.

Which HSK level introduces chengyu?

HSK 5 introduces the first four chengyu in the HSK 3.0 word lists: 一路顺风 (a pleasant journey), 丰富多彩 (rich and varied), 五颜六色 (multicolored), and 酸甜苦辣 (the joys and sorrows of life). HSK 6 adds 11, and the combined HSK 7–9 band adds 399.

Do I need to memorize all chengyu for the HSK exam?

Focus on the chengyu required at your target level. Learn them in sentences, paying attention to meaning, grammar and when people use them. You do not need to study the advanced HSK 7–9 entries before taking a lower-level exam.

How are chengyu different from regular vocabulary?

Chengyu are fixed expressions whose meaning and use often go beyond the individual characters. Ordinary vocabulary can also have four characters, such as 人工智能 (artificial intelligence), but that does not make it a chengyu. Study both the whole expression and its context.

Looking for the old HSK 6 chengyu list?

This list follows HSK 3.0, which has different vocabulary requirements from the old HSK 6 syllabus. Check which syllabus your exam uses before choosing a list. See HSK 3.0 vs HSK 2.0 for the differences.

Related resources