19 Most Common And Useful Chinese Idioms (You Can Actually Use)

Do you know what Chengyu means?

Well, if you aren't a Chinese learner, you probably don't know.

Chengyu or in English, idioms are traditional Chinese expressions that mainly consist of four characters.

Knowing Chinese idioms is useful for many reasons. Not only can you expand your vocabulary, but it shows that you are progressing in language learning.

If you want to learn Chinese idioms, it means that you've over there, just around the corner, to become fluent.

In this post, we will show you the most common Chinese idioms every Chinese student should know.

We know what you are thinking right now. It's not just about memorizing idioms. Who will help you practice them? That's easy; Chinese tutors. Besides being professional teachers for years, they are also native Chinese speakers 

So, grab your paper and pen, and let's get started.

Being the hardest language to learn doesn't mean that it's impossible. It only means that you have to give your best efforts and try out some unexpected ways of learning a language

One of them is Chingyu or Chinese idioms. 

Here, you can find the 19 most common and useful Chinese idioms.

半途而废 (bàn tú ér fèi)

Translation: to walk half the road and give up.

This expression is used in situations when you start doing something but for some reason, you give it up half away.

Even though you should memorize the idiom, we suggest you not to apply it.

不可思议 (bù kě sī yì)

Translation: something is fascinating in an unexpected way

When you want to describe, explain or admire something that is amazing, such as polar nights or magic, you can use this expression.

豁然开朗 (huò rán kāi lǎng)

Here's one idiom you can use in two different situations.

The first one when you can use it is when you have that refreshing, positive feeling when you are in the open. You know that feeling when you lack an open area and you feel odd and uncomfortable but when you get out you feel so liberated.

The second situation is when you achieve the feeling of 'eureka.' So, when you find out, learn or do something very useful, something that can change your life, days, or anything, use this expression.

 脚踏实地 (jiǎo tà shí dì)

Translation: to step on solid ground.

When you work hard and give your best, and focus on what's essential and steady, the results are that you'll 'step on solid ground.'

津津有味 (jīn jīn yǒu wèi)

Translation: to eat something deliciously

Not only can you use this expression for something very delicious, but you can also use it for anything else you find engaging.

Therefore besides using it literally for food, you can use it to describe yourself and your friends, too in a positive way.

九牛一毛 (jiǔ niú yì máo)

Translation: 9 cows and 1 strand of cow hair.

This expression refers to something so small or meaningless just like one strand of cow hair among nine cows.

理所当然 (lǐ suǒ dāng rán)

Translation: according to reason, it should be the case.

The translation of this idiom is literal. It is however used when you want to say 'as a matter of course' or 'to go without saying.'

全力以赴 (quán lì yǐ fù)

Translation: give all your strength to a goal

When you haven't finished something but you will and you are on a good path to do it, feel free to use this phrase.

Even though it is formal, the phrase is used in everyday speech especially because it has a positive connotation.

乱七八糟 (luàn qī bā zāo)

Translation: it is a total mess

You can use this phrase in different situations, whatever you think or find messy; your room books, even your love life for example.

抛砖引玉 (pāo zhuān yǐn yù)

Translation: to cast a brick to attract jade

This idiom can be used in situations when you have some ideas, for example, but all of them are bad so you're just throwing them in the garbage. But thanks to those bad ideas, one goodwill appears in your mind.

 一见钟情(yí jiàn zhōng qíng)

Translation: Love at first sight.

There is no doubt when and to who you can use this expression.

However, not only can you use it for people but also for objects and non-living things.

自由自在 (zì yóu zì zài)

Translation: to be something easy and free.

When you need an expression to explain how people behave, what is their personality, or how something makes people feel, this one is perfect.

不可得兼 (bù kě dé jiān)

Translation: you can’t have both at the same time.

When there are two things, you have to choose one. You can't have them both. This expression can be used for practically anything, from objects to living beings.

心神不宁 (xīn shén bù níng)

Translation: to feel bad about nothing.

This is a literal translation because, in English, we usually say 'to feel bad about something.' The meaning, however, is the same and pretty clear. The phrase is used in cases when you feel bad about doing or saying something.

损人利己 (sǔn rén lì jǐ)

Translation: to seek benefit at the expense of others.

When you achieve something big or essential for you but can harm or embarrass others, in Chinese, you usually use this expression. But honestly, the act itself isn't a good one so we hope that you won't be using it a lot.

厮守终生 (sīshǒu zhōngshēng)

Translation: to be together forever.

Perhaps this phrase is so common in other languages that you surely wonder why we've mentioned it.

Besides being so romantic, the phrase that can be expressed as Chengyu is priceless.

塞翁失马 (sài wēng shī mǎ)

Translation: not all bad comes to cause harm.

This idiom is one of positive and optimistic thinking. In every person's life, there comes a period of time when you experience only bad things. This phrase is here to show you that not every bad thing can happen to you that causes harm. Something good can come out of that.

心甘情愿 (xīn gān qíng yuàn)

Translation: to be extremely happy to do something.

No matter what you are doing starting from your hobbies to the job, everything that makes you very happy can be expressed with this phrase.

无所不谈 (wú suǒ bù tán)

Translation: to talk about everything under the Sun.

Have you been thinking about what you can talk about under the Sun?

Yes, practically anything that comes to your mind, from books to abstract things or feelings. So, use this one to describe the things you can talk about.

Besides learning basic Chinese words and phrases, learning Chengyu is not only useful but fun as well.

With these expressions, you will see how learning a language is an unforgettable experience and that even some unusual ways can be helpful in improving your language skills.

Besides improving listening skills with podcasts, speaking skills with Chinese tutors, or vocabulary with Chengyu, one thing is for sure; you will have proof that Chinese isn’t as difficult as you thought in the first place.