Blog Article Key Points: 8 Most Common and Useful Chinese Four-Character Expressions (成语)

Introduction

• Chinese has over 20,000 four-character expressions (成语, chéngyǔ).
• Most are used in writing or formal speech, but some are common in daily conversation.
• Learning these can impress native speakers and quickly improve your Chinese language skills.

1. 合理 (hélǐ)

• Core meaning: Logic or Reason.
• Usage: Indicates that something is logical or makes sense.
• Example: 奖学金是他应得的，合理 — "The scholarship is rightfully his; it makes sense."

2. 想方设法 (xiǎng fāng shè fǎ)

• Literal translation: To think of every possible method.
• Core meaning: Devise ways and means; use creativity and determination to solve a problem.
• Usage: Emphasizes effort and persistence in overcoming obstacles.

3. 一目了然 (yí mù liǎo rán)

• Literal translation: Clear at a single glance.
• Core meaning: Obvious or immediately understood.
• Usage: To indicate that something is obvious or easily comprehended at first sight.
• Example: 这份报告一目了然 — "This report is clear at a glance."

4. 人山人海 (rén shān rén hǎi)

• Literal translation: People mountain people sea.
• Core meaning: Huge crowds.
• Usage: Describes a place that is extremely crowded; can be positive (lively) or negative (overcrowded).
• Common scenario: Describing a busy holiday market.

5. 独一无二 (dú yī wú èr)

• Literal translation: One of a kind, second to none.
• Core meaning: Unique; unrivaled.
• Usage: Used to praise someone's exceptional ability or originality.
• Example: 他的创造力独一无二 — "His creativity is unique and unmatched."

6. 迫不及待 (pò bù jí dài)

• Core meaning: Unable to wait; too impatient to delay.
• Usage: Describes strong eagerness or impatience, often because of excitement.
• Example: 他迫不及待要分享他的好消息 — "He can't wait to share his good news."

7. 一言为定 (yī yán wéi dìng)

• Literal translation: It’s a deal with one word.
• Core meaning: Agreement is settled; "deal!"
• Usage: Used after making a plan or arrangement to confirm and commit.
• Example: 我们下周去爬山，一言为定 — "We’ll go hiking next week, it’s a deal."

8. 持之以恒 (chí zhī yǐ héng)

• Core meaning: To persevere unremittingly; stick with something consistently.
• Usage: Motivational saying, used to encourage persistence and long-term commitment (especially in language learning or self-development).

Tips for Mastery

• Use these idioms to sound more like a native speaker and express yourself with nuance.
• Practice them in context to internalize their meaning and usage.
• Download additional resources (audio & PDFs) for deeper practice.

Conclusion

• Learning common chéngyǔ not only boosts your language skills but also helps you connect culturally.
• Stick with your studies—持续以恒—and take advantage of proven learning strategies to reach your goals in Chinese.

For more resources and detailed guides on learning Chinese efficiently, follow the provided link and explore further content.