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<...202122232425262728>| Characters | Pronunciation Romanization |
Simple Dictionary Definition |
春江水暖鴨先知 春江水暖鸭先知 see styles |
chūn jiāng shuǐ nuǎn yā xiān zhī chun1 jiang1 shui3 nuan3 ya1 xian1 zhi1 ch`un chiang shui nuan ya hsien chih chun chiang shui nuan ya hsien chih |
lit. the duck is the first to know if the spring water is warm (idiom); fig. an expert in the field knows which way the wind blows |
時間是把殺豬刀 时间是把杀猪刀 see styles |
shí jiān shì bǎ shā zhū dāo shi2 jian1 shi4 ba3 sha1 zhu1 dao1 shih chien shih pa sha chu tao |
lit. time is a butcher's knife; fig. time marches on, relentless and unforgiving; nothing gold can stay |
有錢能使鬼推磨 有钱能使鬼推磨 see styles |
yǒu qián néng shǐ guǐ tuī mò you3 qian2 neng2 shi3 gui3 tui1 mo4 yu ch`ien neng shih kuei t`ui mo yu chien neng shih kuei tui mo |
lit. with money, you can get a devil to turn a millstone (idiom); fig. with money, you can get anything done; money talks |
柴米油鹽醬醋茶 柴米油盐酱醋茶 see styles |
chái - mǐ - yóu - yán - jiàng - cù - chá chai2 - mi3 - you2 - yan2 - jiang4 - cu4 - cha2 ch`ai - mi - yu - yen - chiang - ts`u - ch`a chai - mi - yu - yen - chiang - tsu - cha |
lit. firewood, rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar and tea; fig. life's daily necessities |
樹挪死，人挪活 树挪死，人挪活 see styles |
shù nuó sǐ , rén nuó huó shu4 nuo2 si3 , ren2 nuo2 huo2 shu no ssu , jen no huo |
lit. if moved to a new location, a tree will die, but a person will live (idiom); fig. human beings, unlike trees, thrive on change |
樹欲靜而風不止 树欲静而风不止 see styles |
shù yù jìng ér fēng bù zhǐ shu4 yu4 jing4 er2 feng1 bu4 zhi3 shu yü ching erh feng pu chih |
lit. the trees long for peace but the wind will never cease (idiom); fig. the world changes, whether you want it or not |
此地無銀三百兩 此地无银三百两 see styles |
cǐ dì wú yín sān bǎi liǎng ci3 di4 wu2 yin2 san1 bai3 liang3 tz`u ti wu yin san pai liang tzu ti wu yin san pai liang |
lit. 300 silver taels not hidden here (idiom); fig. to reveal what one intends to hide |
死豬不怕開水燙 死猪不怕开水烫 see styles |
sǐ zhū bù pà kāi shuǐ tàng si3 zhu1 bu4 pa4 kai1 shui3 tang4 ssu chu pu p`a k`ai shui t`ang ssu chu pu pa kai shui tang |
lit. a dead pig doesn't fear scalding water (saying); fig. a person who has nothing more to lose will go to any lengths, regardless of the consequences |
殺君馬者道旁兒 杀君马者道旁儿 see styles |
shā jun mǎ zhě dào páng ér sha1 jun1 ma3 zhe3 dao4 pang2 er2 sha chün ma che tao p`ang erh sha chün ma che tao pang erh |
lit. bystanders killed the king's horse (idiom) (based on an ancient story in which people along the road cheered a horseman on as he galloped past, until the horse died of exhaustion); fig. beware of becoming complacent when everyone is cheering you on |
水淺養不住大魚 水浅养不住大鱼 see styles |
shuǐ qiǎn yǎng bù zhù dà yú shui3 qian3 yang3 bu4 zhu4 da4 yu2 shui ch`ien yang pu chu ta yü shui chien yang pu chu ta yü |
lit. shallow waters cannot harbor big fish (idiom); fig. ambitious, talented people cannot reach their full potential in a small organization |
無事不登三寶殿 无事不登三宝殿 see styles |
wú shì bù dēng sān bǎo diàn wu2 shi4 bu4 deng1 san1 bao3 dian4 wu shih pu teng san pao tien |
lit. one doesn't visit a temple without a cause (idiom); fig. to visit sb with an ulterior motive (esp. to ask for something) |
無心插柳柳成陰 无心插柳柳成阴 see styles |
wú xīn chā liǔ liǔ chéng yīn wu2 xin1 cha1 liu3 liu3 cheng2 yin1 wu hsin ch`a liu liu ch`eng yin wu hsin cha liu liu cheng yin |
lit. idly poke a stick in the mud and it grows into a tree to shade you; (fig.) unintentional actions may bring unexpected success; also written 無心插柳柳成蔭|无心插柳柳成荫 |
無限風光在險峰 无限风光在险峰 see styles |
wú xiàn fēng guāng zài xiǎn fēng wu2 xian4 feng1 guang1 zai4 xian3 feng1 wu hsien feng kuang tsai hsien feng |
The boundless vista is at the perilous peak (proverb); fig. exhilaration follows a hard-won victory |
煮熟的鴨子飛了 煮熟的鸭子飞了 see styles |
zhǔ shú de yā zi fēi le zhu3 shu2 de5 ya1 zi5 fei1 le5 chu shu te ya tzu fei le |
the cooked duck flew away (proverb); (fig.) to let a sure thing slip through one's fingers |
牛不喝水強按頭 牛不喝水强按头 see styles |
niú bù hē shuǐ qiǎng àn tóu niu2 bu4 he1 shui3 qiang3 an4 tou2 niu pu ho shui ch`iang an t`ou niu pu ho shui chiang an tou |
lit. to try to make an ox drink by forcing its head down to the water (idiom); fig. to try to impose one's will on sb |
牽一髮而動全身 牵一发而动全身 see styles |
qiān yī fà ér dòng quán shēn qian1 yi1 fa4 er2 dong4 quan2 shen1 ch`ien i fa erh tung ch`üan shen chien i fa erh tung chüan shen |
lit. pulling a single hair makes the whole body move (idiom); fig. a small change in one part can affect the whole system |
男人膝下有黃金 男人膝下有黄金 see styles |
nán rén xī xià yǒu huáng jīn nan2 ren2 xi1 xia4 you3 huang2 jin1 nan jen hsi hsia yu huang chin |
lit. the man has gold under his knees; fig. a man who does not easily kneel in front of others (owing to pride or moral integrity) |
當面鑼，對面鼓 当面锣，对面鼓 see styles |
dāng miàn luó , duì miàn gǔ dang1 mian4 luo2 , dui4 mian4 gu3 tang mien lo , tui mien ku |
lit. gong facing gong, drum opposite drum (idiom); fig. to come together to thrash out the issue face to face |
皇帝不急太監急 皇帝不急太监急 see styles |
huáng dì bù jí tài jiàn jí huang2 di4 bu4 ji2 tai4 jian4 ji2 huang ti pu chi t`ai chien chi huang ti pu chi tai chien chi |
lit. the emperor is not worried, but his eunuchs are (idiom); fig. the observers are more anxious than the person involved |
皇帝女兒不愁嫁 皇帝女儿不愁嫁 see styles |
huáng dì nǚ ér bù chóu jià huang2 di4 nu:3 er2 bu4 chou2 jia4 huang ti nü erh pu ch`ou chia huang ti nü erh pu chou chia |
lit. the emperor's daughter does not worry about whether she will be able to marry (idiom); fig. highly sought after |
磨刀不誤砍柴工 磨刀不误砍柴工 see styles |
mó dāo bù wù kǎn chái gōng mo2 dao1 bu4 wu4 kan3 chai2 gong1 mo tao pu wu k`an ch`ai kung mo tao pu wu kan chai kung |
lit. sharpening the axe won't make the wood-splitting take longer (idiom); fig. time invested in preparations is not lost; a beard well lathered is half shaved |
站著說話不腰疼 站着说话不腰疼 see styles |
zhàn zhe shuō huà bù yāo téng zhan4 zhe5 shuo1 hua4 bu4 yao1 teng2 chan che shuo hua pu yao t`eng chan che shuo hua pu yao teng |
lit. it's all very well to talk, but getting things done is another matter (idiom); fig. to be an armchair expert; to blabber on |
肥水不流外人田 see styles |
féi shuǐ bù liú wài rén tián fei2 shui3 bu4 liu2 wai4 ren2 tian2 fei shui pu liu wai jen t`ien fei shui pu liu wai jen tien |
lit. don't let one's own fertile water flow into others' field; fig. keep the goodies within the family (proverb) |
背着抱着一般重 see styles |
bēi zhe bào zhe yī bān zhòng bei1 zhe5 bao4 zhe5 yi1 ban1 zhong4 pei che pao che i pan chung |
lit. whether one carries it on one's back or in one's arms, it's equally heavy (idiom); fig. one can't avoid the burden |
背著抱著一般重 背着抱着一般重 see styles |
bēi zhe bào zhe yī bān zhòng bei1 zhe5 bao4 zhe5 yi1 ban1 zhong4 pei che pao che i pan chung |
lit. whether one carries it on one's back or in one's arms, it's equally heavy (idiom); fig. one can't avoid the burden |
船到橋頭自然直 船到桥头自然直 see styles |
chuán dào qiáo tóu zì rán zhí chuan2 dao4 qiao2 tou2 zi4 ran2 zhi2 ch`uan tao ch`iao t`ou tzu jan chih chuan tao chiao tou tzu jan chih |
lit. when the boat reaches the bridge, it will pass underneath without trouble (proverb); fig. everything will be all right |
色字頭上一把刀 色字头上一把刀 see styles |
sè zì tóu shàng yī bǎ dāo se4 zi4 tou2 shang4 yi1 ba3 dao1 se tzu t`ou shang i pa tao se tzu tou shang i pa tao |
lit. there is a knife above the character for lust; fig. lascivious activities can lead to bitter consequences |
蒼蠅不叮無縫蛋 苍蝇不叮无缝蛋 see styles |
cāng ying bù dīng wú fèng dàn cang1 ying5 bu4 ding1 wu2 feng4 dan4 ts`ang ying pu ting wu feng tan tsang ying pu ting wu feng tan |
lit. flies do not attack an intact egg (idiom); fig. no smoke without a fire |
蘿蔔快了不洗泥 萝卜快了不洗泥 see styles |
luó bo kuài le bù xǐ ní luo2 bo5 kuai4 le5 bu4 xi3 ni2 lo po k`uai le pu hsi ni lo po kuai le pu hsi ni |
when radishes are selling fast, one doesn't take the time to wash the soil off them (idiom); fig. when business is booming, merchants tend to offer goods of inferior quality |
蚊子再小也是肉 see styles |
wén zi zài xiǎo yě shì ròu wen2 zi5 zai4 xiao3 ye3 shi4 rou4 wen tzu tsai hsiao yeh shih jou |
lit. even a mosquito, though tiny, provides some nourishment (idiom); fig. it's better than nothing |
覆巢之下無完卵 覆巢之下无完卵 see styles |
fù cháo zhī xià wú wán luǎn fu4 chao2 zhi1 xia4 wu2 wan2 luan3 fu ch`ao chih hsia wu wan luan fu chao chih hsia wu wan luan |
lit. when the nest is upset no egg is left intact (idiom); fig. when one falls in disgrace the whole family is doomed |
解鈴還須繫鈴人 解铃还须系铃人 see styles |
jiě líng hái xū xì líng rén jie3 ling2 hai2 xu1 xi4 ling2 ren2 chieh ling hai hsü hsi ling jen |
lit. whoever hung the bell on the tiger's neck must untie it (idiom); fig. whoever started the trouble should end it |
說曹操曹操就到 说曹操曹操就到 see styles |
shuō cáo cāo cáo cāo jiù dào shuo1 cao2 cao1 cao2 cao1 jiu4 dao4 shuo ts`ao ts`ao ts`ao ts`ao chiu tao shuo tsao tsao tsao tsao chiu tao |
lit. speak of Cao Cao and Cao Cao arrives; fig. speak of the devil and he doth appear |
賠了夫人又折兵 赔了夫人又折兵 see styles |
péi le fū rén yòu zhé bīng pei2 le5 fu1 ren2 you4 zhe2 bing1 p`ei le fu jen yu che ping pei le fu jen yu che ping |
lit. having given away a bride, to lose one's army on top of it (idiom); fig. to suffer a double loss after trying to trick the enemy |
Variations: |
akou; akou / ako; ako あこう; アコウ |
(kana only) Japanese sea fig (Ficus superba var. japonica) |
跳進黃河洗不清 跳进黄河洗不清 see styles |
tiào jìn huáng hé xǐ bù qīng tiao4 jin4 huang2 he2 xi3 bu4 qing1 t`iao chin huang ho hsi pu ch`ing tiao chin huang ho hsi pu ching |
lit. even jumping into the Yellow River can't get you clean; fig. to become inexorably mixed up; mired in controversy; in deep trouble |
身正不怕影子斜 see styles |
shēn zhèng bù pà yǐng zi xié shen1 zheng4 bu4 pa4 ying3 zi5 xie2 shen cheng pu p`a ying tzu hsieh shen cheng pu pa ying tzu hsieh |
lit. when a man stands straight, he doesn't worry that his shadow is slanting (idiom); fig. as long as one conducts oneself honorably, one need not worry about what people think; a clean hand wants no washing |
車到山前必有路 车到山前必有路 see styles |
chē dào shān qián bì yǒu lù che1 dao4 shan1 qian2 bi4 you3 lu4 ch`e tao shan ch`ien pi yu lu che tao shan chien pi yu lu |
lit. when we get to the mountain, there'll be a way through (idiom); fig. everything will turn out for the best; let's worry about it when it happens; it will be all right on the night |
這山望著那山高 这山望着那山高 see styles |
zhè shān wàng zhe nà shān gāo zhe4 shan1 wang4 zhe5 na4 shan1 gao1 che shan wang che na shan kao |
lit. the next mountain looks taller (idiom); fig. not satisfied with one's current position; the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence |
遠水救不了近火 远水救不了近火 see styles |
yuǎn shuǐ jiù bu liǎo jìn huǒ yuan3 shui3 jiu4 bu5 liao3 jin4 huo3 yüan shui chiu pu liao chin huo |
water in a distant place is of little use in putting out a fire right here; (fig.) a slow remedy does not address the current emergency |
釘是釘，鉚是鉚 钉是钉，铆是铆 see styles |
dīng shì dīng , mǎo shì mǎo ding1 shi4 ding1 , mao3 shi4 mao3 ting shih ting , mao shih mao |
lit. a nail is a nail and a rivet is a rivet (idiom); fig. meticulous; conscientious; unambiguous |
長江後浪推前浪 长江后浪推前浪 see styles |
cháng jiāng hòu làng tuī qián làng chang2 jiang1 hou4 lang4 tui1 qian2 lang4 ch`ang chiang hou lang t`ui ch`ien lang chang chiang hou lang tui chien lang |
lit. the rear waves of the Yangtze River drive on those before (idiom); fig. the new is constantly replacing the old; each new generation excels the previous; (of things) to be constantly evolving |
閉塞眼睛捉麻雀 闭塞眼睛捉麻雀 see styles |
bì sè yǎn jīng zhuō má què bi4 se4 yan3 jing1 zhuo1 ma2 que4 pi se yen ching cho ma ch`üeh pi se yen ching cho ma chüeh |
lit. to catch sparrows blindfolded (idiom); fig. to act blindly |
開弓沒有回頭箭 开弓没有回头箭 see styles |
kāi gōng méi yǒu huí tóu jiàn kai1 gong1 mei2 you3 hui2 tou2 jian4 k`ai kung mei yu hui t`ou chien kai kung mei yu hui tou chien |
lit. once you've shot the arrow, there's no getting it back (idiom); fig. once you started something, there's no turning back; to have to finish what one started; to be determined to reach one's goals in spite of setbacks |
關公面前耍大刀 关公面前耍大刀 see styles |
guān gōng miàn qián shuǎ dà dāo guan1 gong1 mian4 qian2 shua3 da4 dao1 kuan kung mien ch`ien shua ta tao kuan kung mien chien shua ta tao |
lit. to wield the broadsword in the presence of Lord Guan (idiom); fig. to make a fool of oneself by showing off in front of an expert |
雷聲大，雨點小 雷声大，雨点小 see styles |
léi shēng dà , yǔ diǎn xiǎo lei2 sheng1 da4 , yu3 dian3 xiao3 lei sheng ta , yü tien hsiao |
lit. loud thunder, but only tiny drops of rain (idiom); fig. a lot of talk, but no action |
頭懸梁，錐刺股 头悬梁，锥刺股 see styles |
tóu xuán liáng , zhuī cì gǔ tou2 xuan2 liang2 , zhui1 ci4 gu3 t`ou hsüan liang , chui tz`u ku tou hsüan liang , chui tzu ku |
lit. with his head attached to a beam and stabbing his thigh with an awl (idiom); fig. to study assiduously and tirelessly |
頭髮鬍子一把抓 头发胡子一把抓 see styles |
tóu fa hú zi yī bǎ zhuā tou2 fa5 hu2 zi5 yi1 ba3 zhua1 t`ou fa hu tzu i pa chua tou fa hu tzu i pa chua |
lit. hair and beard all in one stroke; fig. to handle different things by the same method; one method to solve all problems; one size fits all |
風中燭，瓦上霜 风中烛，瓦上霜 see styles |
fēng zhōng zhú , wǎ shàng shuāng feng1 zhong1 zhu2 , wa3 shang4 shuang1 feng chung chu , wa shang shuang |
lit. like a candle in the wind, or frost on the roof (idiom); fig. (of sb's life) feeble; hanging on a thread |
鮮花插在牛糞上 鲜花插在牛粪上 see styles |
xiān huā chā zài niú fèn shàng xian1 hua1 cha1 zai4 niu2 fen4 shang4 hsien hua ch`a tsai niu fen shang hsien hua cha tsai niu fen shang |
lit. a bunch of flowers poked into a pile of manure; fig. a terrible shame (as when a lovely woman marries an odious man) |
龍生龍，鳳生鳳 龙生龙，凤生凤 see styles |
lóng shēng lóng , fèng shēng fèng long2 sheng1 long2 , feng4 sheng1 feng4 lung sheng lung , feng sheng feng |
lit. dragon births dragon, phoenix births phoenix (idiom); fig. the apple doesn't fall far from the tree |
インドボダイジュ see styles |
indobodaiju インドボダイジュ |
(kana only) sacred fig (Ficus religiosa); peepul; bo-tree; bodhi tree; pippala tree; ashwattha tree |
カシワバゴムノキ see styles |
kashiwabagomunoki カシワバゴムノキ |
(kana only) fiddle-leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) |
一家人不說兩家話 一家人不说两家话 see styles |
yī jiā rén bù shuō liǎng jiā huà yi1 jia1 ren2 bu4 shuo1 liang3 jia1 hua4 i chia jen pu shuo liang chia hua |
lit. family members speak frankly with one another, not courteously, as if they were from two different families (idiom); fig. people don't need to be deferential when they ask a family member for help; people from the same family should stick together (and good friends likewise) |
不是魚死就是網破 不是鱼死就是网破 see styles |
bù shì yú sǐ jiù shì wǎng pò bu4 shi4 yu2 si3 jiu4 shi4 wang3 po4 pu shih yü ssu chiu shih wang p`o pu shih yü ssu chiu shih wang po |
lit. either the fish dies or the net gets torn (idiom); fig. it's a life-and-death struggle; it's either him or me |
光腳的不怕穿鞋的 光脚的不怕穿鞋的 see styles |
guāng jiǎo de bù pà chuān xié de guang1 jiao3 de5 bu4 pa4 chuan1 xie2 de5 kuang chiao te pu p`a ch`uan hsieh te kuang chiao te pu pa chuan hsieh te |
lit. the barefooted people are not afraid of those who wear shoes (idiom); fig. the poor, who have nothing to lose, do not fear those in power |
別人牽驢你拔橛子 别人牵驴你拔橛子 see styles |
bié ren qiān lǘ nǐ bá jué zi bie2 ren5 qian1 lu:2 ni3 ba2 jue2 zi5 pieh jen ch`ien lü ni pa chüeh tzu pieh jen chien lü ni pa chüeh tzu |
lit. someone else stole the donkey; you only pulled up the stake it was tethered to (idiom); fig. you're the least culpable, but you're the one who gets the blame |
半路殺出個程咬金 半路杀出个程咬金 see styles |
bàn lù shā chū gè chéng yǎo jīn ban4 lu4 sha1 chu1 ge4 cheng2 yao3 jin1 pan lu sha ch`u ko ch`eng yao chin pan lu sha chu ko cheng yao chin |
lit. Cheng Yaojin ambushes the enemy (saying); fig. sb shows up unexpectedly and disrupts the plan; sb whose presence is regarded as irksome |
只見樹木不見森林 只见树木不见森林 see styles |
zhǐ jiàn shù mù bù jiàn sēn lín zhi3 jian4 shu4 mu4 bu4 jian4 sen1 lin2 chih chien shu mu pu chien sen lin |
unable to see the wood for the trees; fig. only able to see isolated details, and not the bigger picture |
Variations: |
umoregi; mumoregi(ok) うもれぎ; むもれぎ(ok) |
(1) bogwood; bog oak; (2) obscurity; (3) (rare) (See 無花果) fig |
塞翁失馬安知非福 塞翁失马安知非福 see styles |
sài wēng shī mǎ ān zhī fēi fú sai4 weng1 shi1 ma3 an1 zhi1 fei1 fu2 sai weng shih ma an chih fei fu |
the old man lost his mare, but it all turned out for the best (idiom); fig. a blessing in disguise; it's an ill wind that blows nobody any good; also written 塞翁失馬焉知非福|塞翁失马焉知非福 |
塞翁失馬焉知非福 塞翁失马焉知非福 see styles |
sài wēng shī mǎ yān zhī fēi fú sai4 weng1 shi1 ma3 yan1 zhi1 fei1 fu2 sai weng shih ma yen chih fei fu |
the old man lost his mare, but it all turned out for the best (idiom); fig. a blessing in disguise; it's an ill wind that blows nobody any good |
拉不出屎來怨茅房 拉不出屎来怨茅房 see styles |
lā bù chū shǐ lái yuàn máo fáng la1 bu4 chu1 shi3 lai2 yuan4 mao2 fang2 la pu ch`u shih lai yüan mao fang la pu chu shih lai yüan mao fang |
lit. to blame the toilet because one is having difficulty completing a bowel movement (idiom); fig. to blame others for problems caused by one's own shortcomings |
會哭的孩子有奶吃 会哭的孩子有奶吃 see styles |
huì kū de hái zi yǒu nǎi chī hui4 ku1 de5 hai2 zi5 you3 nai3 chi1 hui k`u te hai tzu yu nai ch`ih hui ku te hai tzu yu nai chih |
lit. a child who cries gets to feed at the breast (idiom); fig. the squeaky wheel gets the grease |
會哭的孩子有糖吃 会哭的孩子有糖吃 see styles |
huì kū de hái zi yǒu táng chī hui4 ku1 de5 hai2 zi5 you3 tang2 chi1 hui k`u te hai tzu yu t`ang ch`ih hui ku te hai tzu yu tang chih |
lit. the child who cries gets the candy (idiom); fig. the squeaky wheel gets the grease |
燕雀安知鴻鵠之志 燕雀安知鸿鹄之志 see styles |
yàn què ān zhī hóng hú zhī zhì yan4 que4 an1 zhi1 hong2 hu2 zhi1 zhi4 yen ch`üeh an chih hung hu chih chih yen chüeh an chih hung hu chih chih |
lit. can the sparrow and swallow know the will of the great swan? (idiom); fig. how can we small fry predict the ambitions of the great? |
燕雀焉知鴻鵠之志 燕雀焉知鸿鹄之志 see styles |
yàn què yān zhī hóng gǔ zhī zhì yan4 que4 yan1 zhi1 hong2 gu3 zhi1 zhi4 yen ch`üeh yen chih hung ku chih chih yen chüeh yen chih hung ku chih chih |
lit. can the sparrow and swallow know the will of the great swan? (idiom); fig. how can we small fry predict the ambitions of the great? |
狗嘴裏吐不出象牙 狗嘴里吐不出象牙 see styles |
gǒu zuǐ li tǔ bù chū xiàng yá gou3 zui3 li5 tu3 bu4 chu1 xiang4 ya2 kou tsui li t`u pu ch`u hsiang ya kou tsui li tu pu chu hsiang ya |
lit. no ivory comes from the mouth of a dog (idiom); fig. one does not expect fine words from a scoundrel |
瘦死的駱駝比馬大 瘦死的骆驼比马大 see styles |
shòu sǐ de luò tuo bǐ mǎ dà shou4 si3 de5 luo4 tuo5 bi3 ma3 da4 shou ssu te lo t`o pi ma ta shou ssu te lo to pi ma ta |
lit. even a scrawny camel is bigger than a horse (idiom); fig. even after suffering a loss, a rich person is still better off than ordinary people; a cultured person may come down in the world, but he is still superior to the common people |
癩蛤蟆想吃天鵝肉 癞蛤蟆想吃天鹅肉 see styles |
lài há ma xiǎng chī tiān é ròu lai4 ha2 ma5 xiang3 chi1 tian1 e2 rou4 lai ha ma hsiang ch`ih t`ien o jou lai ha ma hsiang chih tien o jou |
lit. the toad wants to eat swan meat (idiom); fig. to try to punch above one's weight |
身相圓滿如諾瞿陀 身相圆满如诺瞿陀 see styles |
shēn xiàng yuán mǎn rún uo jù tuó shen1 xiang4 yuan2 man3 run2 uo4 ju4 tuo2 shen hsiang yüan man jun uo chü t`o shen hsiang yüan man jun uo chü to shinsō enman nyo nakuguda |
a body which has proportionate limbs such that its circumference with the extended limbs is circular [like the shape of a fig tree] |
身體是革命的本錢 身体是革命的本钱 see styles |
shēn tǐ shì gé mìng de běn qián shen1 ti3 shi4 ge2 ming4 de5 ben3 qian2 shen t`i shih ko ming te pen ch`ien shen ti shih ko ming te pen chien |
lit. the body is the revolution's capital; fig. good health is a prerequisite for work (Mao Zedong's saying) |
青出於藍而勝於藍 青出于蓝而胜于蓝 see styles |
qīng chū yú lán ér shèng yú lán qing1 chu1 yu2 lan2 er2 sheng4 yu2 lan2 ch`ing ch`u yü lan erh sheng yü lan ching chu yü lan erh sheng yü lan |
lit. the color blue is made out of indigo but is more vivid than indigo (idiom); fig. the student surpasses the master |
魚與熊掌不可兼得 鱼与熊掌不可兼得 see styles |
yú yǔ xióng zhǎng bù kě jiān dé yu2 yu3 xiong2 zhang3 bu4 ke3 jian1 de2 yü yü hsiung chang pu k`o chien te yü yü hsiung chang pu ko chien te |
lit. the fish and the bear's paw, you can't have both at the same time (idiom, from Mencius); fig. you must choose one or the other; you can't always get everything you want; you can't have your cake and eat it |
一人得道，雞犬升天 一人得道，鸡犬升天 see styles |
yī rén - dé dào , jī quǎn - shēng tiān yi1 ren2 - de2 dao4 , ji1 quan3 - sheng1 tian1 i jen - te tao , chi ch`üan - sheng t`ien i jen - te tao , chi chüan - sheng tien |
lit. when a person attains enlightenment and immortality, even his chickens and dogs will ascend to heaven with him (idiom); fig. when somebody attains a position of power and influence, their relatives and friends also benefit |
一手交錢，一手交貨 一手交钱，一手交货 see styles |
yī shǒu jiāo qián , yī shǒu jiāo huò yi1 shou3 jiao1 qian2 , yi1 shou3 jiao1 huo4 i shou chiao ch`ien , i shou chiao huo i shou chiao chien , i shou chiao huo |
lit. one hand exchanges the cash, the other the goods (idiom); fig. to pay for what you want in cash; simple and direct transaction |
三天打魚，兩天曬網 三天打鱼，两天晒网 see styles |
sān tiān dǎ yú , liǎng tiān shài wǎng san1 tian1 da3 yu2 , liang3 tian1 shai4 wang3 san t`ien ta yü , liang t`ien shai wang san tien ta yü , liang tien shai wang |
lit. to fish for three days and sun-dry the nets for two days (proverb); fig. not to persevere in doing something; to do something by fits and starts |
上天無路，入地無門 上天无路，入地无门 see styles |
shàng tiān wú lù , rù dì wú mén shang4 tian1 wu2 lu4 , ru4 di4 wu2 men2 shang t`ien wu lu , ju ti wu men shang tien wu lu , ju ti wu men |
lit. there is no road to the sky, nor door into the earth (idiom); fig. to be at the end of one's rope; to be trapped in a hopeless situation |
上有天堂，下有蘇杭 上有天堂，下有苏杭 see styles |
shàng yǒu tiān táng , xià yǒu sū háng shang4 you3 tian1 tang2 , xia4 you3 su1 hang2 shang yu t`ien t`ang , hsia yu su hang shang yu tien tang , hsia yu su hang |
lit. there is heaven above, and there is 蘇杭|苏杭[Su1 Hang2] below (idiom); fig. the beauty and affluence of Suzhou and Hangzhou is comparable with heaven |
不求有功，但求無過 不求有功，但求无过 see styles |
bù qiú yǒu gōng , dàn qiú wú guò bu4 qiu2 you3 gong1 , dan4 qiu2 wu2 guo4 pu ch`iu yu kung , tan ch`iu wu kuo pu chiu yu kung , tan chiu wu kuo |
lit. not aiming to achieve the best possible result, but rather trying to avoid making mistakes (idiom); fig. to take a risk-averse approach |
不經一事，不長一智 不经一事，不长一智 see styles |
bù jīng yī shì , bù zhǎng yī zhì bu4 jing1 yi1 shi4 , bu4 zhang3 yi1 zhi4 pu ching i shih , pu chang i chih |
lit. you can't gain knowledge without practical experience (idiom); fig. wisdom only comes with experience |
二虎相鬥，必有一傷 二虎相斗，必有一伤 see styles |
èr hǔ xiāng dòu , bì yǒu yī shāng er4 hu3 xiang1 dou4 , bi4 you3 yi1 shang1 erh hu hsiang tou , pi yu i shang |
lit. when two tigers fight, one is sure to be wounded (idiom); fig. if it comes to a fight, someone will get hurt |
人有失手，馬有失蹄 人有失手，马有失蹄 see styles |
rén yǒu shī shǒu , mǎ yǒu shī tí ren2 you3 shi1 shou3 , ma3 you3 shi1 ti2 jen yu shih shou , ma yu shih t`i jen yu shih shou , ma yu shih ti |
lit. just as humans make mistakes, so can a horse stumble (idiom); fig. everyone makes mistakes; even the best fall down sometimes |
人為刀俎，我為魚肉 人为刀俎，我为鱼肉 see styles |
rén wéi dāo zǔ , wǒ wéi yú ròu ren2 wei2 dao1 zu3 , wo3 wei2 yu2 rou4 jen wei tao tsu , wo wei yü jou |
lit. to be the meat on sb's chopping block (idiom); fig. to be at sb's mercy |
人為財死，鳥為食亡 人为财死，鸟为食亡 see styles |
rén wèi cái sǐ , niǎo wèi shí wáng ren2 wei4 cai2 si3 , niao3 wei4 shi2 wang2 jen wei ts`ai ssu , niao wei shih wang jen wei tsai ssu , niao wei shih wang |
lit. human beings will die for riches, just as birds will for food (idiom); fig. man will do anything in his means to become rich |
人生一世，草木一春 see styles |
rén shēng yī shì , cǎo mù yī chūn ren2 sheng1 yi1 shi4 , cao3 mu4 yi1 chun1 jen sheng i shih , ts`ao mu i ch`un jen sheng i shih , tsao mu i chun |
Man has but one life, grass but one spring (idiom). fig. the brevity of human existence |
以子之矛，攻子之盾 see styles |
yǐ zǐ zhī máo , gōng zǐ zhī dùn yi3 zi3 zhi1 mao2 , gong1 zi3 zhi1 dun4 i tzu chih mao , kung tzu chih tun |
lit. use sb's spear to attack his shield (idiom, derived from Han Feizi 韓非子|韩非子); turning a weapon against its owner; fig. to attack an opponent using his own devices; hoist with his own petard |
以眼還眼，以牙還牙 以眼还眼，以牙还牙 see styles |
yǐ yǎn huán yǎn , yǐ yá huán yá yi3 yan3 huan2 yan3 , yi3 ya2 huan2 ya2 i yen huan yen , i ya huan ya |
an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth (idiom); fig. to use the enemy's methods against him; to give sb a taste of his own medicine |
做一天和尚撞一天鐘 做一天和尚撞一天钟 see styles |
zuò yī tiān hé shang zhuàng yī tiān zhōng zuo4 yi1 tian1 he2 shang5 zhuang4 yi1 tian1 zhong1 tso i t`ien ho shang chuang i t`ien chung tso i tien ho shang chuang i tien chung |
lit. as a monk for today, toll today's bell (idiom); fig. to do one's job mechanically; to hold a position passively |
先天不足，後天失調 先天不足，后天失调 see styles |
xiān tiān bù zú , hòu tiān shī tiáo xian1 tian1 bu4 zu2 , hou4 tian1 shi1 tiao2 hsien t`ien pu tsu , hou t`ien shih t`iao hsien tien pu tsu , hou tien shih tiao |
to be born with a weak constitution and suffer from ill health during one's life; (fig.) to be problematic from the start, and get even worse over time |
兩虎相爭，必有一傷 两虎相争，必有一伤 see styles |
liǎng hǔ xiāng zhēng , bì yǒu yī shāng liang3 hu3 xiang1 zheng1 , bi4 you3 yi1 shang1 liang hu hsiang cheng , pi yu i shang |
lit. if two tigers fight, one will get injured (idiom); fig. if you start a war, someone is bound to get hurt |
兩虎相鬥，必有一傷 两虎相斗，必有一伤 see styles |
liǎng hǔ xiāng dòu , bì yǒu yī shāng liang3 hu3 xiang1 dou4 , bi4 you3 yi1 shang1 liang hu hsiang tou , pi yu i shang |
lit. when two tigers fight, one will get injured (idiom); fig. if it comes to a fight, someone will get hurt |
八仙過海，各顯神通 八仙过海，各显神通 see styles |
bā xiān guò hǎi , gè xiǎn shén tōng ba1 xian1 guo4 hai3 , ge4 xian3 shen2 tong1 pa hsien kuo hai , ko hsien shen t`ung pa hsien kuo hai , ko hsien shen tung |
lit. the Eight Immortals cross the sea, each showing his own special talent (idiom); fig. (of each individual in a group) to give full play to one's unique capabilities |
冰炭不言，冷熱自明 冰炭不言，冷热自明 see styles |
bīng tàn bù yán , lěng rè zì míng bing1 tan4 bu4 yan2 , leng3 re4 zi4 ming2 ping t`an pu yen , leng je tzu ming ping tan pu yen , leng je tzu ming |
ice or coals, whether hot or cold goes without saying (idiom); fig. sincerity is not expressed in words |
分久必合，合久必分 see styles |
fēn jiǔ bì hé , hé jiǔ bì fēn fen1 jiu3 bi4 he2 , he2 jiu3 bi4 fen1 fen chiu pi ho , ho chiu pi fen |
lit. that which is long divided must unify, and that which is long unified must divide (idiom, from 三國演義|三国演义[San1 guo2 Yan3 yi4]); fig. things are constantly changing |
前不著村，後不著店 前不着村，后不着店 see styles |
qián bù zháo cūn , hòu bù zháo diàn qian2 bu4 zhao2 cun1 , hou4 bu4 zhao2 dian4 ch`ien pu chao ts`un , hou pu chao tien chien pu chao tsun , hou pu chao tien |
lit. no village ahead and no inn behind (idiom); fig. to be stranded in the middle of nowhere; to be in a predicament |
前車之覆，後車之鑒 前车之覆，后车之鉴 see styles |
qián chē zhī fù , hòu chē zhī jiàn qian2 che1 zhi1 fu4 , hou4 che1 zhi1 jian4 ch`ien ch`e chih fu , hou ch`e chih chien chien che chih fu , hou che chih chien |
lit. the cart in front overturns, a warning to the following cart (idiom); fig. draw lesson from the failure of one's predecessor; learn from past mistake; once bitten twice shy |
前門打虎，後門打狼 前门打虎，后门打狼 see styles |
qián mén dǎ hǔ , hòu mén dǎ láng qian2 men2 da3 hu3 , hou4 men2 da3 lang2 ch`ien men ta hu , hou men ta lang chien men ta hu , hou men ta lang |
to beat a tiger from the front door, only to have a wolf come in at the back (idiom); fig. facing one problem after another |
前門拒虎，後門進狼 前门拒虎，后门进狼 see styles |
qián mén jù hǔ , hòu mén jìn láng qian2 men2 ju4 hu3 , hou4 men2 jin4 lang2 ch`ien men chü hu , hou men chin lang chien men chü hu , hou men chin lang |
to beat a tiger from the front door, only to have a wolf come in at the back (idiom); fig. facing one problem after another |
千里之堤，潰於蟻穴 千里之堤，溃于蚁穴 see styles |
qiān lǐ zhī dī , kuì yú yǐ xué qian1 li3 zhi1 di1 , kui4 yu2 yi3 xue2 ch`ien li chih ti , k`uei yü i hsüeh chien li chih ti , kuei yü i hsüeh |
lit. an ant hole may cause the collapse of a great dike (idiom); fig. huge damage may result from a moment's negligence |
Entries with 2nd row of characters: The 2nd row is Simplified Chinese.
This page contains 100 results for "Fig" in Chinese and/or Japanese.Information about this dictionary:
Apparently, we were the first ones who were crazy enough to think that western people might want a combined Chinese, Japanese, and Buddhist dictionary.
A lot of westerners can't tell the difference between Chinese and Japanese - and there is a reason for that. Chinese characters and even whole words were borrowed by Japan from the Chinese language in the 5th century. Much of the time, if a word or character is used in both languages, it will have the same or a similar meaning. However, this is not always true. Language evolves, and meanings independently change in each language.
Example: The Chinese character 湯 for soup (hot water) has come to mean bath (hot water) in Japanese. They have the same root meaning of "hot water", but a 湯屋 sign on a bathhouse in Japan would lead a Chinese person to think it was a "soup house" or a place to get a bowl of soup. See this: Japanese Bath House
This dictionary uses the EDICT and CC-CEDICT dictionary files.
EDICT data is the property of the Electronic Dictionary Research and Development Group, and is used in conformance with the Group's
license.
Chinese Buddhist terms come from Dictionary of Chinese Buddhist Terms by William Edward Soothill and Lewis Hodous. This is commonly referred to as "Soothill's'". It was first published in 1937 (and is now off copyright so we can use it here). Some of these definitions may be misleading, incomplete, or dated, but 95% of it is good information. Every professor who teaches Buddhism or Eastern Religion has a copy of this on their bookshelf. We incorporated these 16,850 entries into our dictionary database ourselves (it was lot of work).
Combined, these cover 1,007,753 Japanese, Chinese, and Buddhist characters, words, idioms, names, placenames, and short phrases.
Just because a word appears here does not mean it is appropriate for a tattoo, your business name, etc. Please consult a professional before doing anything stupid with this data.
We do offer Chinese and Japanese Tattoo Services. We'll also be happy to help you translate something for other purposes.
No warranty as to the correctness, potential vulgarity, or clarity is expressed or implied. We did not write any of these definitions (though we occasionally act as a contributor/editor to the CC-CEDICT project). You are using this dictionary for free, and you get what you pay for.
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