This is part 7 of a 10 part series in which you'll learn a total of 60 Chinese idioms.
Today, we're bringing Chinese idioms to life!
We'll show you how to seamlessly use six fascinating 成语 (chéngyǔ) in your daily conversations, making your Mandarin more authentic and engaging.
We'll walk you through common scenarios you might encounter in everyday life and teach you the perfect Chinese idiom to use in each situation.
By the end of the lesson, you'll not only have a deeper understanding of Chinese culture but also be able to express yourself more eloquently in Mandarin.
So, without further ado, let's dive into the world of Chinese idioms in action!
Useful Chinese Idioms [40-45]
全神 quán shén: 全部精神 quán bù jīng shén (all spirit)
贯注 guàn zhù: 集中 jí zhōng (to concentrate)
The idiom 全神贯注 (quán shén guàn zhù) means to concentrate all one's attention on something. It is often used to describe a person who is completely focused on a task or activity.
The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the ancient Chinese book "左传 zuǒ zhuàn". In the book, there is a story about a general named 吴起 wú qǐ who was known for his military strategy and tactics. During a battle, 吴起 wú qǐ was able to concentrate all his attention on the enemy's movements and was able to win the battle.
Nowadays, this idiom is often used to describe someone who is completely focused on their work or studies. For example, if you see someone studying for hours without any distractions, you can say that they are 全神贯注.
Here's an example sentence: "当他在工作时，他总是全神贯注，不会被任何事情分心。" (dāng tā zài gōng zuò shí, tā zǒng shì quán shén guàn zhù, bù huì bèi rèn hé shì qíng fēn xīn.) This means "When he is working, he is always completely focused and won't be distracted by anything."
人 rén: people
来 lái: come
人 rén: people
往 wǎng: go
The idiom 人来人往 (rén lái rén wǎng) means people come and go. It is often used to describe a busy place where there are a lot of people coming and going.
The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the ancient Chinese book "左传 zuǒ zhuàn". In the book, there is a story about a man who was waiting for his friend at a busy marketplace. He saw many people coming and going, but his friend never showed up.
Nowadays, this idiom is often used to describe a busy place such as a train station, airport, or shopping mall. It can also be used to describe a situation where there are a lot of people coming and going, such as a party or event.
Here's an example sentence: "这个火车站人来人往，非常繁忙。" (zhè gè huǒ chē zhàn rén lái rén wǎng, fēi cháng fán máng.) This means "This train station is very busy with people coming and going."
深思 shēn sī: 深深地思考 shēn shēn de sī kǎo (think deeply)
熟虑 shú lǜ: 成熟地考虑 chéng shú de kǎo lǜ (maturely considered)
The idiom 深思熟虑 (shēn sī shú lǜ) means to think carefully and thoroughly before making a decision. It is often used to describe a person who is very thoughtful and considers all the options before making a choice.
The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the ancient Chinese book "左传 zuǒ zhuàn". In the book, there is a story about a man who was asked to make an important decision. He took his time and thought carefully about all the options before making a choice.
Nowadays, this idiom is often used to describe a person who is very careful and thoughtful when making decisions. It can also be used to describe a situation where someone is taking their time to consider all the options before making a choice.
Here's an example sentence: "在做重要决定之前，我们应该深思熟虑。" (zài zuò zhòng yào jué dìng zhī qián, wǒ men yīng gāi shēn sī shú lǜ.) This means "Before making an important decision, we should think carefully and thoroughly."
手舞 shǒu wǔ：两手舞动 liǎng shǒu wǔ dòng (dance with both hands)
足蹈 zú dǎo：两只脚跳起来 liǎng zhǐ jiǎo tiào qǐ lái (jump up with two feet)
The idiom 手舞足蹈 (shǒu wǔ zú dǎo) means to dance with joy. It is often used to describe a person who is very happy and excited.
The idiom also comes from the ancient book "左传 zuǒ zhuàn". In the book, there is a story about a man who was so happy that he started dancing with his hands and feet.
Nowadays, this idiom is often used to describe a person who is very happy and excited about something. It can also be used to describe a situation where someone is celebrating or expressing their joy through dance.
Here's an example sentence: "当他听到自己被录取时，他手舞足蹈地庆祝。" (dāng tā tīng dào zì jǐ bèi lù qǔ shí, tā shǒu wǔ zú dǎo de qìng zhù.) This means "When he heard that he was accepted, he celebrated by dancing with joy."
四海 sì hǎi：所有的地方，到处。suǒ yǒu de dì fang，dào chù. (all places, everywhere)
为 wéi：成为，是。 chéng wéi，shì. (become, to be)
家 jiā：家庭。jiā tíng. (family / home)
The idiom 四海为家 (sì hǎi wéi jiā) means to feel at home anywhere in the world. It is often used to describe a person who is comfortable and adaptable in any environment.
Host: The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the ancient Chinese book 史记 shǐ jì". In the book, there is a story about a man named 张骞 zhāng qiān who traveled to many different countries and felt at home in all of them.
Nowadays, this idiom is often used to describe a person who is well-traveled and feels comfortable in any environment. It can also be used to describe a situation where someone is able to adapt to new surroundings easily.
Here's an example sentence: "他已经去过很多国家，所以他四海为家。" (tā yǐ jīng qù guò hěn duō guó jiā, suǒ yǐ tā sì hǎi wéi jiā.) This means "He has traveled to many countries, so he feels at home anywhere in the world."
同甘tóng gān：共同享受幸福。 gòng tóng xiǎng shòu xìng fú. (enjoy happiness together)
共苦 gòng kǔ：共同担当艰苦。 gòng tóng dān dāng jiān kǔ. (share the hardships)
The idiom 同甘共苦 (tóng gān gòng kǔ) means to share both joy and hardship with someone. It is often used to describe a close relationship between two people who have been through good times and bad times together.
This is another idiom that comes from the book "左传 zuǒ zhuàn". In the book, there is a story about two friends who shared both joy and hardship together.
Nowadays, this idiom is often used to describe a close relationship between two people who have been through good times and bad times together. It can also be used to describe a situation where someone is willing to share both joy and hardship with others.
Here's an example sentence: "我们是好朋友，所以我们会同甘共苦。" (wǒ men shì hǎo péng you, suǒ yǐ wǒ men huì tóng gān gòng kǔ.) This means "We are good friends, so we will share both joy and hardship together."You might also find these posts interesting: