Simplified  | Traditional | Pinyin  | English | French |
| 一不做，二不休 | 一不做，二不休 | yī bù zuò , èr bù xiū | don't do it, or don't rest (idiom); either give up, or go through to the end ; Since we started, we must carry it through whatever happens. ; in for a penny, in for a pound | |
| 一丘之貉 | 一丘之貉 | yī qiū zhī háo | jackals of the same tribe (idiom); fig. They are all just as bad as each other. | être des chacals de la même tanière ; de la même farine ; du même tabac ; de la même espèce ; du même acabit |
| 一丝一毫 | 一絲一毫 | yī sī yī háo | one thread, one hair (idiom); a tiny bit ; an iota | |
| 一丝不挂 | 一絲不掛 | yī sī bù guà | not wearing one thread (idiom); absolutely naked ; without a stitch of clothing ; in one's birthday suit | tout nu ; nu comme un ver |
| 一丝不苟 | 一絲不苟 | yī sī bù gǒu | not one thread loose (idiom); strictly according to the rules ; meticulous ; not one hair out of place | être très scrupuleux, méticuleux, minutieux ; exécuter toutes choses avec une extrême minutie et une extrême exactitude; mettre beaucoup de ponctualité et de minutie à faire son travail ; travailler tr& |
| 一个萝卜一个坑 | 一個蘿蔔一個坑 | yī gè luó bo yī gè kēng | lit. one turnip, one hole (idiom); fig. each person has his own position ; each to his own ; horses for courses | Chacun et chaque chose à sa place (idiome) |
| 一举两得 | 一舉兩得 | yī jǔ liǎng de | one move, two gains (idiom); two birds with one stone | (phrase) atteindre deux objectifs d'un seul mouvement; réussir à faire deux choses en une action; faire d'une pierre deux coups; |
| 一五一十 | 一五一十 | yī wǔ yī shí | lit. count by fives and tens (idiom); to narrate systematically and in full detail | raconter en détail(ou : par le menu,tout au long); |
| 一人得道，鸡犬升天 | 一人得道，雞犬升天 | yī rén dé dào , jī quǎn shēng tiān | lit. when a man achieves the Dao, his poultry and dogs rise to Heaven (idiom) ; fig. to ride on sb else's success ; Once one man gets a government position, all his cronies get in too ; Once sb has cracked the problem, every Tom, Dick and Harry can do it | |
| 一传十，十传百 | 一傳十，十傳百 | yī chuán shí , shí chuán bǎi | news pass quickly from mouth to mouth (idiom) ; an infectious disease spreads quickly (old meaning) | |
| 一刀两断 | 一刀兩斷 | yī dāo liǎng duàn | lit. one knife to cut two segments (idiom); fig. to make a clean break ; firm resolution to break off a relation | |
| 一刀切 | 一刀切 | yī dāo qiē | lit. to cut all at one stroke (idiom); to impose uniformity ; one solution fits a diversity of problems ; one size fits all | |
| 一分为二 | 一分為二 | yī fēn wéi èr | one divides into two ; to be two-sided ; there are two sides to everything ; to see both sb's good points and shortcomings (idiom) | |
| 一切就绪 | 一切就緒 | yī qiè jiù xù | everything in its place and ready (idiom) | |
| 一反常态 | 一反常態 | yī fǎn cháng tài | complete change from the normal state (idiom); quite uncharacteristic ; entirely outside the norm ; out of character | |
| 一命呜呼 | 一命嗚呼 | yī mìng wū hū | one's life, one word (idiom); to die ; to breathe one's last ; to give up the ghost | |
| 一唱一和 | 一唱一和 | yī chàng yī hè | to echo one another (idiom) | |
| 一回生，二回熟 | 一回生，二回熟 | yī huí shēng , èr huí shú | lit. at first raw, later ripe (idiom); unfamiliar at first but you get used to it ; strangers at first meeting, but soon friends ; awkward at first but becoming skillful later ; an acquired taste | |
| 一塌糊涂 | 一塌糊塗 | yī tā hú tu | muddled and completely collapsing (idiom); in an awful condition ; complete shambles ; a total mess | |
| 一夔已足 | 一夔已足 | yī kuí yǐ zú | one talented person is enough for the job (idiom) | |
| 一夫当关，万夫莫开 | 一夫當關，萬夫莫開 | yī fū dāng guān , wàn fū mò kāi | If one man holds the pass, ten thousand cannot pass (idiom); One man can hold the pass against ten thousand enemies | |
| 一失足成千古恨 | 一失足成千古恨 | yī shī zú chéng qiān gǔ hèn | lit. one wrong step causes thousand hatred (idiom) ; A single slip may cause lasting sorrow. | |
| 一如既往 | 一如既往 | yī rú jì wǎng | just as in the past (idiom); as before ; continuing as always | |
| 一字不提 | 一字不提 | yī zì bù tí | to not mention a single word (about sth) (idiom) | |
| 一字不识 | 一字不識 | yī zì bù shí | to be unable to distinguish good from bad (idiom) | |
| 一字千金 | 一字千金 | yī zì qiān jīn | one word worth a thousand in gold (idiom); valuable advice ; words of enormous weight | |
| 一尘不染 | 一塵不染 | yī chén bù rǎn | untainted by even a speck of dust (idiom); selfless and incorruptible ; spotless | |
| 一帆风顺 | 一帆風順 | yī fán fēng shùn | single sail, gentle wind (idiom); plain sailing ; to go smoothly | (phrase) avoir le vent favorable; aller comme sur des roulettes; avoir le vent en poupe; Bon voyage!; |
| 一干二净 | 一乾二淨 | yī gān èr jìng | thoroughly (idiom) ; completely ; one and all | (phrase) complètement; tout à fait; parfaitement; purement et simplement; |
| 一年被蛇咬十年怕井绳 | 一年被蛇咬十年怕井繩 | yī nián bèi shé yǎo shí nián pà jǐng shéng | bitten by a snake in one year, fears the well rope for ten years (idiom); once bitten twice shy | |
| 一弹指顷 | 一彈指頃 | yī tán zhǐ qǐng | a snap of the fingers (idiom); in a flash ; in the twinkling of an eye | |
| 一成不变 | 一成不變 | yī chéng bù biàn | nothing much changes (idiom); always the same ; stuck in a rut | |
| 一把钥匙开一把锁 | 一把鑰匙開一把鎖 | yī bǎ yào shi kāi yī bǎ suǒ | One key opens one lock. ; There is a different solution for each problem. (idiom) | |
| 一折两段 | 一折兩段 | yī zhé liǎng duàn | to split sth into two (idiom) | |
| 一拍即合 | 一拍即合 | yī pāi jí hé | lit. on the beat, together now (idiom); Start dancing! ; fig. things fit together at one go ; to click together ; to chime in easily | |
| 一拥而入 | 一擁而入 | yī yōng ér rù | to swarm in (of people etc) (idiom) | |
| 一掬同情之泪 | 一掬同情之淚 | yī jū tóng qíng zhī lèi | to shed tears of sympathy (idiom) | (idiome) verser des larmes de sympathie |
| 一掷千金 | 一擲千金 | yī zhì qiān jīn | lit. stake a thousand pieces of gold on one throw (idiom); to throw away money recklessly ; extravagant | |
| 一改故辙 | 一改故轍 | yī gǎi gù zhé | complete change from the old rut (idiom); dramatic change of direction ; a volte-face ; to change old practices | |
| 一无所有 | 一無所有 | yī wú suǒ yǒu | not having anything at all (idiom); utterly lacking ; without two sticks to rub together | ne rien poisséder ; être extrêmement pauvre |
| 一无所知 | 一無所知 | yī wú suǒ zhī | not knowing anything at all (idiom); completely ignorant ; without an inkling | |
| 一日千里 | 一日千里 | yī rì qiān lǐ | lit. one day, a thousand miles (idiom); rapid progress | (idiome) avancer de mille li par jour; progresser rapidement |
| 一暴十寒 | 一暴十寒 | yī pù shí hán | one day's sun, ten days' frost (idiom, from Mencius); fig. to work for a bit then skimp ; sporadic effort ; short attention span | faire chauffer un jour quelque choseh au soleil et le laisser au froid dix autres jours ; travailler un jour avec application , dix autres avec négligence ; travailler à bâtons rompus (par àcoups, par saccades) |
| 一曝十寒 | 一曝十寒 | yī pù shí hán | one day's sun, ten days' frost (idiom, from Mencius); fig. to work for a bit then skimp ; sporadic effort ; lack of sticking power ; short attention span | |
| 一望无垠 | 一望無垠 | yī wàng wú yín | to stretch as far as the eye can see (idiom) | |
| 一望无际 | 一望無際 | yí wàng wú jì | as far as the eye can see (idiom) | |
| 一朝被蛇咬，十年怕井绳 | 一朝被蛇咬，十年怕井繩 | yī zhāo bèi shé yǎo , shí nián pà jǐng shéng | once bitten by a snake, ten years in fear of a well rope ; once bitten, twice shy (idiom) | |
| 一本万利 | 一本萬利 | yī běn wàn lì | small capital, huge profit (idiom); to put in a little and get a lot out | |
| 一板一眼 | 一板一眼 | yī bǎn yī yǎn | lit. one strong beat and one weak beats in a measure of music (two beats in the bar) (idiom); fig. follow a prescribed pattern to the letter ; scrupulous attention to detail | |
| 一板三眼 | 一板三眼 | yī bǎn sān yǎn | lit. one strong beat and three weak beats in a measure of music (four beats in the bar) (idiom); fig. scrupulous attention to detail | |
| 一模一样 | 一模一樣 | yī mú yī yàng | exactly the same (idiom) ; carbon copy | |
| 一步一个脚印 | 一步一個腳印 | yī bù yī gè jiǎo yìn | one step, one footprint (idiom); steady progress ; reliable | |
| 一步登天 | 一步登天 | yī bù dēng tiān | reaching heaven in a single bound (idiom); (esp. with negative: don't expect) instant success | parvenir à un niveau élevé (à une haute position sociale) ; monter en flèche dans sa carrière |
| 一毛不拔 | 一毛不拔 | yī máo bù bá | stingy (idiom) | avare; parcimonieux |
| 一波未平，一波又起 | 一波未平，一波又起 | yī bō wèi píng , yī bō yòu qǐ | before the first wave subsides, a new wave rises (idiom); a new problem arises before the old is solved ; many twists and turns to a story ; one thing after another | |
| 一清二楚 | 一清二楚 | yī qīng èr chǔ | to be very clear about sth (idiom) | clair comme le jour |
| 一清二白 | 一清二白 | yī qīng èr bái | perfectly clean ; blameless ; unimpeachable (idiom) | |
| 一生 | 一生 | yì shēng | all one's life ; throughout one's life | toute la vie; |
| 一生一世 | 一生一世 | yī shēng yī shì | a whole lifetime (idiom); all my life | |
| 一盘散沙 | 一盤散沙 | yī pán sǎn shā | lit. like a sheet of loose sand ; fig. unable to cooperate (idiom) | |
| 一目了然 | 一目瞭然 | yī mù liǎo rán | obvious at a glance (idiom) | |
| 一眼看穿 | 一眼看穿 | yī yǎn kàn chuān | to see through something at first glance (idiom) | |
| 一着不慎，满盘皆输 | 一著不慎，滿盤皆輸 | yī zhāo bù shèn , mǎn pán jiē shū | One careless move and the whole game is lost. (idiom) | |
| 一矢中的 | 一矢中的 | yī shǐ zhòng dì | to hit the target with a single shot ; to say something spot on (idiom) | |
| 一知半解 | 一知半解 | yī zhī bàn jiě | lit. to know one and understand half (idiom); a smattering of knowledge ; dilettante ; amateur | avoir des connaissances superficielles ; avoir un vernis de savoir ; avoir demisavoir ; en être encore à moitié ignorant |
| 一秉虔诚 | 一秉虔誠 | yī bǐng qián chéng | earnestly and sincerely (idiom); devoutly | |
| 一窍不通 | 一竅不通 | yī qiào bù tōng | I don't understand a word (idiom); all Greek to me | être complètement bouché ; être stupide ; ne rien comprendre (ou savoir) de quelque choseh ; ignorer totalement quelque choseh ; être une nullité ; quelque choseh lui est totalement étranger |
| 一箭双雕 | 一箭雙鵰 | yī jiàn shuāng diāo | lit. one arrow, two golden eagles (idiom) ; to kill two birds with one stone | |
| 一纸空文 | 一紙空文 | yī zhǐ kōng wén | a worthless piece of paper (idiom) | |
| 一网打尽 | 一網打盡 | yī wǎng dǎ jìn | to catch everything in one net (idiom); to eliminate at one stroke ; to solve the problem at one fell swoop | |
| 一脉相承 | 一脈相承 | yī mài xiāng chéng | traceable to the same stock (idiom); of a common origin (of trends, ideas etc) | |
| 一见钟情 | 一見鐘情 | yī jiàn zhōng qíng | love at first sight (idiom) | coup de foudre |
| 一见高低 | 一見高低 | yī jiàn gāo dī | lit. to fight it out with sb to see who is best (idiom) ; fig. to cross swords with ; to lock horns | |
| 一视同仁 | 一視同仁 | yī shì tóng rén | to treat everyone equally favorably (idiom); not to discriminate between people | |
| 一言一行 | 一言一行 | yī yán yī xíng | words and deeds (idiom) | |
| 一言不发 | 一言不發 | yī yán bù fā | to not say a word (idiom) | |
| 一言为定 | 一言為定 | yī yán wéi dìng | one word and it's settled (idiom); It's a deal! ; That's settled then. | |
| 一言为重 | 一言為重 | yī yán wéi zhòng | each word carries weight ; a promise must be kept (idiom) | |
| 一言九鼎 | 一言九鼎 | yī yán jiǔ dǐng | one word worth nine sacred tripods (idiom); words of enormous weight | |
| 一言以蔽之 | 一言以蔽之 | yī yán yǐ bì zhī | one word says it all (idiom, from Analects); to cut a long story short ; in a nutshell | |
| 一言千金 | 一言千金 | yī yán qiān jīn | one word worth a thousand in gold (idiom); valuable advice ; words of enormous weight | |
| 一言既出，驷马难追 | 一言既出，駟馬難追 | yī yán jì chū , sì mǎ nán zhuī | lit. once said, a team of horses cannot unsay it (idiom); a promise must be kept | |
| 一言难尽 | 一言難盡 | yī yán nán jìn | hard to explain in a few words (idiom); complicated and not easy to express succinctly | |
| 一语不发 | 一語不發 | yī yǔ bù fā | to not say a word (idiom) | |
| 一诺千金 | 一諾千金 | yī nuò qiān jīn | a promise worth one thousand in gold (idiom); a promise that must be kept | |
| 一败涂地 | 一敗塗地 | yī bài tú dì | failed and wiped over the floor (idiom); to fail utterly ; a crushing defeat ; beaten and in a hopeless position | |
| 一路发 | 一路發 | yī lù fā | fortune street (idiom) | |
| 一蹴即至 | 一蹴即至 | yī cù jí zhì | to get there in one step (idiom); easily done ; success at a stroke ; to get results overnight | |
| 一蹴可几 | 一蹴可幾 | yī cù kě jǐ | succeed at the first try (idiom); easy as pie ; one can do it at once | |
| 一蹴而就 | 一蹴而就 | yī cù ér jiù | to get there in one step (idiom); easily done ; success at a stroke ; to get results overnight | |
| 一蹴而得 | 一蹴而得 | yī cù ér dé | to get there in one step (idiom); easily done ; success at a stroke ; to get results overnight | |
| 一蹶不振 | 一蹶不振 | yī jué bù zhèn | one stumble, unable to rise (idiom); a setback leading to total collapse ; ruined at a stroke ; unable to recover after a minor hitch | |
| 一辞莫赞 | 一辭莫贊 | yī cí mò zàn | to be unable to offer an opinion (idiom) | |
| 一门心思 | 一門心思 | yī mén xīn si | to set one’s heart on sth (idiom) | |
| 一问三不知 | 一問三不知 | yī wèn sān bù zhī | lit. to reply "don't know" whatever the question (idiom) ; fig. absolutely no idea of what's going on ; complete ignorance | |
| 一马平川 | 一馬平川 | yī mǎ píng chuān | flat land one could gallop straight across (idiom); wide expanse of flat country | |
| 一鳞半爪 | 一鱗半爪 | yī lín bàn zhuǎ | lit. one scale and half a claw (idiom); only odd bits and pieces | |
| 一鸣惊人 | 一鳴驚人 | yī míng jīngrén | to amaze the world with a single brilliant feat (idiom); an overnight celebrity | (idiome) d'un cri étonner les gens; se faire soudain remarquer; s'illustrer soudainement; A l'entendre chanter une première fois, tout le monde s'en est étonné.; Son début a fait sensation.; |
| 一鼻孔出气 | 一鼻孔出氣 | yī bí kǒng chū qì | lit. to breathe through the same nostril (idiom); fig. two people say exactly the same thing (usually derog.) ; to sing from the same hymn sheet | |
| 七扭八歪 | 七扭八歪 | qī niǔ bā wāi | in a state of great disorder (idiom) | |
| 七窍生烟 | 七竅生煙 | qī qiào shēng yān | lit. spouting smoke through the seven orifices (idiom) ; fig. to seethe with anger | |
| 七零八落 | 七零八落 | qī líng bā luò | (idiom) everything broken and in disorder | |
| 七魄 | 七魄 | qī pò | seven mortal forms in Daoism, representing carnal life and desires ; contrasted with 三魂 three immortal souls | |
| 万不得已 | 萬不得已 | wàn bù dé yǐ | only when absolutely essential (idiom); as a last resort | |
| 万世师表 | 萬世師表 | wàn shì shī biǎo | model teacher of every age (idiom); eternal paragon ; refers to Confucius (551-479 BC) 孔子[Kong3 zi5] | |
| 万事亨通 | 萬事亨通 | wàn shì hēng tōng | everything is going smoothly (idiom) | |
| 万事俱备，只欠东风 | 萬事俱備，只欠東風 | wàn shì jù bèi , zhǐ qiàn dōng fēng | everything is ready, all we need is an east wind (idiom); lacking only one tiny crucial item | |
| 万事大吉 | 萬事大吉 | wàn shì dà jí | everything is fine (idiom); all is well with the world | |
| 万事如意 | 萬事如意 | wàn shì rú yì | to have all one's wishes (idiom) ; best wishes ; all the best ; may all your hopes be fulfilled | |
| 万众一心 | 萬眾一心 | wàn zhòng yī xīn | millions of people all of one mind (idiom); the people united | |
| 万变不离其宗 | 萬變不離其宗 | wàn biàn bù lí qí zōng | many superficial changes but no departure from the original stand (idiom); plus ça change, plus ça reste la mème chose | |
| 万古千秋 | 萬古千秋 | wàn gǔ qiān qiū | for all eternity (idiom) | (idiome) pour l'éternité |
| 万古长新 | 萬古長新 | wàn gǔ cháng xīn | to remain forever new (idiom) | |
| 万寿无疆 | 萬壽無疆 | wàn shòu wú jiāng | ten thousand years of boundless longevity (idiom, conventional greeting) ; We wish you a Happy Birthday and many more of them. | |
| 万岁 | 萬歲 | wàn suì | live long ; wish a long life ; your majesty | Vive ....; Sa ( Votre ) Majesté; empereur; |
| 万念俱灰 | 萬念俱灰 | wàn niàn jù huī | every hope turns to dust (idiom); completely disheartened | |
| 万恶滔天 | 萬惡滔天 | wàn è tāo tiān | so much evil that it reaches all the way to heaven (idiom) | |
| 万无一失 | 萬無一失 | wàn wú yī shī | surefire; absolutely safe (idiom) | sans faute; de toute sécurité; absolument sûr; être infaillible ; Rien n'est laissé au hasard.; Toutes les précautions sont prises.; |
| 万死不辞 | 萬死不辭 | wàn sǐ bù cí | ten thousand deaths will not prevent me (idiom); ready to risk life and limb to help out | |
| 万水千山 | 萬水千山 | wàn shuǐ qiān shān | ten thousand crags and torrents (idiom); the trials and tribulations of a long journey ; a long and difficult road | dix mille rivières et mille montagnes; un voyage long et hasardeux |
| 万籁俱寂 | 萬籟俱寂 | wàn lài jù jì | ten thousand pipes are still (idiom); not a sound to be heard | silence complet ; Tous les bruits sont étouffés |
| 万紫千红 | 萬紫千紅 | wàn zǐ qiān hóng | thousands of purples and reds (idiom); a blaze of color ; fig. a profusion of flourishing trades | une profusion de fleurs; une débauche de couleurs |
| 万里江山 | 萬里江山 | wàn lǐ jiāng shān | lit. ten thousand miles of rivers and mountains ; a vast territory (idiom) | |
| 万马齐喑 | 萬馬齊喑 | wàn mǎ qí yīn | thousands of horses, all mute (idiom); no-one dares to speak out ; an atmosphere of political oppression | |
| 三个女人一台戏 | 三個女人一臺戲 | sān ge nǚ rén yī tái xì | three women are enough for a drama (idiom) | (idiome) trois femmes sont suffisantes pour une pièce de théâtre |
| 三个臭皮匠，合成一个诸葛亮 | 三個臭皮匠，合成一個諸葛亮 | sān gè chòu pí jiang , hé chéng yī gè zhū gě liàng | lit. three ignorant cobblers add up to a genius (idiom); fig. collective wisdom | |
| 三个臭皮匠，赛过一个诸葛亮 | 三個臭皮匠，賽過一個諸葛亮 | sān gè chòu pí jiang , sài guò yī gè zhū gě liàng | lit. three ignorant cobblers add up to a genius (idiom); fig. collective wisdom ; wisdom of the masses exceeds that of any individual | |
| 三个臭皮匠，赛过诸葛亮 | 三個臭皮匠，賽過諸葛亮 | sān gè chòu pí jiang , sài guò zhū gě liàng | lit. three ignorant cobblers add up to a genius (idiom); fig. collective wisdom ; wisdom of the masses exceeds that of any individual | |
| 三个臭皮匠，顶个诸葛亮 | 三個臭皮匠，頂個諸葛亮 | sān gè chòu pí jiang , dǐng gè zhū gě liàng | lit. three ignorant cobblers add up to a genius (idiom); fig. collective wisdom ; wisdom of the masses exceeds that of any individual | |
| 三五成群 | 三五成群 | sān wǔ chéng qún | forming groups of three or squads of five (idiom); people stand around in small clumps | |
| 三人成虎 | 三人成虎 | sān rén chéng hǔ | three men talking makes a tiger (idiom); repeated rumor becomes a fact | |
| 三人行，必有我师 | 三人行，必有我師 | sān rén xíng , bì yǒu wǒ shī | lit. If three walk together, one should be my teacher (idiom, from Confucian analects). You have sth to learn from everyone. ; also translated as: If three of us walk together, at least one of the other two is good enough to be my teacher. | |
| 三天两头 | 三天兩頭 | sān tiān liǎng tóu | lit. twice every three days (idiom); practically every day ; frequently | |
| 三头六臂 | 三頭六臂 | sān tóu liù bì | lit. to have three heads and six arms ; to be extremely talented (idiom) | |
| 三姑六婆 | 三姑六婆 | sān gū liù pó | women with disreputable or illegal professions (idiom) | |
| 三心二意 | 三心二意 | sān xīn èr yì | in two minds about sth (idiom); half-hearted ; shilly-shallying | |
| 三思而后行 | 三思而後行 | sān sī ér hòu xíng | think again and again before acting (idiom); consider carefully in advance | |
| 三思而行 | 三思而行 | sān sī ér xíng | think three times then go (idiom); don't act before you've thought it through carefully | |
| 三旬九食 | 三旬九食 | sān xún jiǔ shí | in thirty days only nine meals (idiom); family on the brink of starvation ; in dire straights | |
| 三纲五常 | 三綱五常 | sān gāng wǔ cháng | three principles and five virtues (idiom) ; the three rules (ruler guides subject, father guides son and husband guides wife) and five constant virtues of Confucianism (benevolence 仁, righteousness 義|义, propriety 禮|礼, wi | |
| 三茶六饭 | 三茶六飯 | sān chá liù fàn | lit. to offer three kinds of tea and six different dishes ; to be extremely considerate towards guests (idiom) | |
| 三言两句 | 三言兩句 | sān yán liǎng jù | in a few words (idiom); expressed succinctly | |
| 三言两语 | 三言兩語 | sān yán liǎng yǔ | in a few words (idiom); expressed succinctly | en peu de mots ; brièvement |
| 三马同槽 | 三馬同槽 | sān mǎ tóng cáo | three horses at the same trough (idiom, alluding to Sima Yi 司馬懿|司马懿[Si1 ma3 Yi4] and his two sons); conspirators under the same roof | |
| 上下其手 | 上下其手 | shàng xià qí shǒu | to raise and lower one's hand (idiom); to signal as conspiratorial hint ; fig. conspiring to defraud | |
| 上有政策，下有对策 | 上有政策，下有對策 | shàng yǒu zhèng cè , xià yǒu duì cè | The higher ups have policies while the lower downs have their own ways of getting around them. (idiom) | |
| 上梁不正下梁歪 | 上梁不正下梁歪 | shàng liáng bù zhèng xià liáng wāi | lit. If the upper beam is not straight, the lower beam will be crooked (idiom); fig. subordinates imitate their superiors' vices | |
| 上气不接下气 | 上氣不接下氣 | shàng qì bù jiē xià qì | not enough breath (idiom); to gasp for breath | |
| 下辈子 | 下輩子 | xià bèi zi | the next life | |
| 不为左右袒 | 不為左右袒 | bù wèi zuǒ yòu tǎn | to remain neutral in a quarrel (idiom) | |
| 不以为然 | 不以為然 | bù yǐ wéi rán | not to accept as correct (idiom); to object ; to disapprove ; to take exception to | ne pas donner raison à qn; ne pas être du même avis que qn; Je pense que non./Je ne suis pas de cet avis; ne pas être du même avis que q; |
| 不以人废言 | 不以人廢言 | bù yǐ rén fèi yán | not to reject a word because of the speaker (idiom, from Analects); to judge on the merits of the case rather than preference between advisers | |
| 不以规矩，不能成方圆 | 不以規矩，不能成方圓 | bù yǐ guī ju , bù néng chéng fāng yuán | without rules, nothing can be done (idiom, from Mencius); one must follow some rules | |
| 不以词害志 | 不以詞害誌 | bù yǐ cí hài zhì | don't let rhetoric spoil the message (idiom); don't get carried away with flowery speech to the detriment of what you want to say | |
| 不以辞害志 | 不以辭害志 | bù yǐ cí hài zhì | don't let rhetoric spoil the message (idiom); don't get carried away with flowery speech to the detriment of what you want to say | |
| 不依不饶 | 不依不饒 | bù yī bù ráo | not to overlook, nor spare (idiom); unwilling to forgive ; to treat severely without listening to excuses | |
| 不俭则匮 | 不儉則匱 | bù jiǎn zé kuì | wastage makes one destitute (idiom) | |
| 不修边幅 | 不修邊幅 | bù xiū biān fú | not care about one's appearance (idiom) ; slovenly in dress and manner | négligence |
| 不假思索 | 不假思索 | bù jiǎ sī suǒ | to act without taking time to think (idiom); to react instantly ; to fire from the hip | sans réflexion ; sans hésitation ; au pied levé ; avec empressement |
| 不入虎穴，焉得虎子 | 不入虎穴，焉得虎子 | bù rù hǔ xué , yān dé hǔ zǐ | How do you catch the tiger cub without entering the tiger's lair? (idiom); Nothing ventured, nothing gained. | |
| 不分伯仲 | 不分伯仲 | bù fēn bó zhòng | lit. unable to distinguish eldest brother from second brother (idiom); they are all equally excellent ; nothing to choose between them | |
| 不分清红皂白 | 不分清紅皂白 | bù fēn qīng hóng zào bái | not distinguishing red-blue or black-white (idiom); not to distinguish between right and wrong | |
| 不分皂白 | 不分皂白 | bù fēn zào bái | not distinguishing black or white (idiom); not to distinguish between right and wrong | |
| 不分胜负 | 不分勝負 | bù fēn shèng fù | unable to determine victory or defeat (idiom); evenly matched ; to come out even ; to tie ; to draw | dead-heat |
| 不分青红皂白 | 不分青紅皂白 | bù fēn qīng hóng zào bái | not distinguishing red-blue or black-white (idiom); not to distinguish between right and wrong | sans faire la moindre distinction entre le rouge et le vert ou le noir et le blane; sans distinguer le vrai du faux(ou : le bien du mal); sans faire la moindre distinction entre le rouge et le vert ou le noir et le blanc; ne pas distinguer le vrai du faux |
| 不到黄河心不死 | 不到黃河心不死 | bù dào huáng hé xīn bù sǐ | lit. do not stop until one reaches the Yellow River (idiom); fig. to persevere until one reaches one's goal ; to keep going while some hope is left | |
| 不动声色 | 不動聲色 | bù dòng shēng sè | not a word or movement (idiom); remaining calm and collected ; not batting an eyelid | ne pas laisser paraître ses sentiments; n'avoir l'air de rien; comme si de rien n'était; rester impassible; |
| 不劳无获 | 不勞無獲 | bù láo wú huò | no pain, no gain (idiom) | |
| 不劳而获 | 不勞而獲 | bù láo ér huò | to reap without sowing (idiom) | gagner sans travailler; s'emparer du fruit du labeur d'autrui; |
| 不可同日而语 | 不可同日而語 | bù kě tóng rì ér yǔ | lit. mustn't speak of two things on the same day (idiom); not to be mentioned in the same breath ; incomparable | ne peut être prononcer d'un seul trait |
| 不可思议 | 不可思議 | bù kě sī yì | inconceivable (idiom); unimaginable ; unfathomable | inimaginable; inconcevable; incompréhensible; incompréhensible ; mystérieux; merveilleux; |
| 不可抗拒 | 不可抗拒 | bù kě kàng jù | act of God ; force majeure (law) ; irresistible (idiom) | |
| 不可枚举 | 不可枚舉 | bù kě méi jǔ | innumerable (idiom) | |
| 不可端倪 | 不可端倪 | bù kě duān ní | impossible to get even an outline (idiom) ; unfathomable ; not a clue | |
| 不可言喻 | 不可言喻 | bù kě yán yù | inexpressible (idiom) | |
| 不同凡响 | 不同凡響 | bù tóng fán xiǎng | lit. not a common chord (idiom); outstanding ; brilliant ; out of the common run | hors ligne; d'une grand originalité; qui se distingue de la musique ordinaire; |
| 不吝珠玉 | 不吝珠玉 | bù lìn zhū yù | lit. do not begrudge gems of wisdom (idiom, humble expr.); fig. Please give me your frank opinion. ; Your criticism will be most valuable. | |
| 不啻天渊 | 不啻天淵 | bù chì tiān yuān | no less than from heaven to the abyss (idiom); differing widely ; worlds apart ; the gap couldn't be bigger | |
| 不声不响 | 不聲不響 | bù shēng bù xiǎng | wordless and silent (idiom); without speaking ; taciturn | |
| 不学无术 | 不學無術 | bù xué wú shù | without learning or skills (idiom); ignorant and incompetent | sans savoir ni compétence; manque d'instruction pour n'avoir rien appris; dépourvu de capacités; ignorant; |
| 不安份 | 不安份 | bù ān fen | discontented with life ; also written 不安分|不安分[bu4 an1 fen5] | |
| 不安其室 | 不安其室 | bù ān qí shì | to be discontented with one's home ; to have adulterous relations after marriage (of women) (idiom) | |
| 不安分 | 不安分 | bù ān fen | discontented with life | |
| 不念旧恶 | 不念舊惡 | bù niàn jiù è | do not recall old grievances (idiom, from Analects); forgive and forget | |
| 不恤人言 | 不恤人言 | bù xù rén yán | not to worry about the gossip (idiom); to do the right thing regardless of what others say | (idiome) ne pas s'inquiéter des commérages |
| 不愤不启 | 不憤不啟 | bù fèn bù qǐ | the heart desperately wants to understand how to do sth but cannot (idiom) | |
| 不愧下学 | 不愧下學 | bù kuì xià xué | not ashamed to learn from subordinates (idiom) | |
| 不愧不怍 | 不愧不怍 | bù kuì bù zuò | no shame, no subterfuge (idiom); just and honorable ; upright and above board | |
| 不慌不忙 | 不慌不忙 | bù huāng bù máng | calm and unhurried (idiom); composed ; to take matters calmly | calme et paisible (idiom); prendre les choses calmement |
| 不成体统 | 不成體統 | bù chéng tǐ tǒng | not according with decorum (idiom); scandalous ; bad form ; unacceptable behavior | |
| 不打不成才 | 不打不成才 | bù dǎ bù chéng cái | spare the rod and spoil the child (idiom) | |
| 不打不成相识 | 不打不成相識 | bù dǎ bù chéng xiāng shí | don't fight, won't make friends (idiom); an exchange of blows may lead to friendship | |
| 不打不相识 | 不打不相識 | bù dǎ bù xiāng shì | lit. don't fight, won't make friends (idiom); an exchange of blows may lead to friendship ; no discord, no concord | |
| 不拘小节 | 不拘小節 | bù jū xiǎo jié | to not bother about trifles (idiom) | braver la bienséance ; ne pas faire de cérémonie ; être sans gêne |
| 不撞南墙不回头 | 不撞南牆不回頭 | bù zhuàng nán qiáng bù huí tóu | to stubbornly insist on one's own ideas (idiom) | |
| 不敢自专 | 不敢自專 | bù gǎn zì zhuān | not daring to act for oneself (idiom) | |
| 不明事理 | 不明事理 | bù míng shì lǐ | not understanding things (idiom); devoid of sense | |
| 不显山不露水 | 不顯山不露水 | bù xiǎn shān bù lù shuǐ | lit. to not show the mountain and to not reveal the water (idiom); fig. to hide the key facts | |
| 不杀不辱 | 不殺不辱 | bù shā bù rǔ | to neither kill nor humiliate (idiom) | |
| 不求有功，但求无过 | 不求有功，但求無過 | bù qiú yǒu gōng , dàn qiú wú guò | special achievement not required, just no hyperactive blunders (idiom); not hoping to acquire merit, just avoiding mistakes ; Take it easy and keep your nose clean. | |
| 不求甚解 | 不求甚解 | bù qiú shèn jiě | lit. not requiring a detailed understanding (idiom); only looking for an overview ; not bothered with the details ; superficial ; content with shallow understanding | refuser d'aller au fond des choses; ne pas se donner la peine d'approfondir la chose; se contenter de comprendre aux trois quarts; ne pas chercher à approfondir; |
| 不由自主 | 不由自主 | bù yóu zì zhǔ | can't help; involuntarily (idiom) | ne pouvoir s'empêcher de faire quelque chose; malgré soi; |
| 不畏强暴 | 不畏強暴 | bù wèi qiáng bào | not to submit to force (idiom); to defy threats and violence | |
| 不畏强权 | 不畏強權 | bù wèi qiáng quán | not to submit to force (idiom); to defy threats and violence | |
| 不疾不徐 | 不疾不徐 | bù jí bù xú | neither too fast nor too slow (idiom) | |
| 不痛不痒 | 不痛不痒 | bù tòng bù yǎng | lit. doesn't hurt, doesn't tickle (idiom); sth is wrong, but not quite sure what ; fig. not getting to any matter of substance ; scratching the surface ; superficial ; perfunctory | qui ne donne ni douleur ni démangeason; qui effleure une question sans l'approfondir; |
| 不知所措 | 不知所措 | bù zhī suǒ cuò | not knowing what to do (idiom); at one's wits' end ; embarrassed and at a complete loss | désorientation; déboussolage; perplexité; démonter |
| 不知轻重 | 不知輕重 | bù zhī qīng zhòng | lit. not knowing what's important (idiom); no appreciation of the gravity of things ; naive ; doesn't know who's who ; no sense of priorities | |
| 不知进退 | 不知進退 | bù zhī jìn tuì | not knowing when to come or leave (idiom); with no sense of propriety | |
| 不约而同 | 不約而同 | bù yuē ér tóng | to agree by chance (idiom); taking the same action without prior consultation | faire la même chose sans se donner le mot; tomber d'accord sans s'être donné le mot; se trouver du même avis sans qu'il y ait eu entente préalable; |
| 不终天年 | 不終天年 | bù zhōng tiān nián | to die before one’s allotted lifespan has run its course (idiom) | |
| 不胜其苦 | 不勝其苦 | bù shèng qí kǔ | unable to bear the pain (idiom) | |
| 不行了 | 不行了 | bù xíng le | on the point of death ; dying | sur le point de mourir; mourant |
| 不见不散 | 不見不散 | bù jiàn bù sàn | let's not leave before we've met (said when making an appointment) (idiom) | |
| 不见天日 | 不見天日 | bù jiàn tiān rì | all black, no daylight (idiom); a world without justice | |
| 不见棺材不落泪 | 不見棺材不落淚 | bù jiàn guān cái bù luò lèi | fig. not to shed a tear until one sees the coffin (idiom); lit. refuse to be convinced until one is faced with grim reality | |
| 不见经传 | 不見經傳 | bù jiàn jīng zhuàn | not found in the classics (idiom); unknown ; unfounded ; not authoritative | |
| 不言自明 | 不言自明 | bù yán zì míng | self-evident; needing no explanation (idiom) | |
| 不计其数 | 不計其數 | bù jì qí shù | lit. their number cannot be counted (idiom); fig. countless ; innumerable | innombrable; qui ne peut se compter; |
| 不让须眉 | 不讓鬚眉 | bù ràng xū méi | (idiom) to compare favorably with men in terms of ability, bravery etc ; to be a match for men ; lit. not conceding to men (beard and eyebrows) | |
| 不识大体 | 不識大體 | bù shí dà tǐ | unable to see the larger issue (idiom); unaware of the general interest | |
| 不识时务 | 不識時務 | bù shí shí wù | to show no understanding of the times (idiom); cannot adapt to current circumstances ; not amenable to reason | méconnaître ce qui caractérise l'époque où l'on vit; ne pas connaître l'esprit de l'époque; ne pas être sensible; manquer de profiter d'une bonne chance |
| 不识时变 | 不識時變 | bù shí shí biàn | to show no understanding of the times (idiom); cannot adapt to current circumstances ; not amenable to reason | |
| 不识泰山 | 不識泰山 | bù shí tài shān | can't recognize Mt Taishan (idiom); fig. not to recognize a famous person | |
| 不识高低 | 不識高低 | bù shí gāo dī | can't recognize tall or short (idiom); doesn't know what's what | |
| 不说自明 | 不說自明 | bù shuō zì míng | self-explanatory ; self-evident (idiom) | |
| 不足为外人道 | 不足為外人道 | bù zú wéi wài rén dào | no use to tell others ; let's keep this between ourselves (idiom) | (idiome) gardons cela entre nous |
| 不足为奇 | 不足為奇 | bù zú wéi qí | not at all surprising (idiom) | |
| 不辨菽麦 | 不辨菽麥 | bù biàn shū mài | lit. cannot tell beans from wheat (idiom); fig. ignorant of practical matters | |
| 不过 | 不過 | bù guò | only ; merely ; no more than ; but ; however ; anyway (to get back to a previous topic) | mais; néanmoins; seulement; pas plus que; |
| 不过尔尔 | 不過爾爾 | bù guò ěr ěr | not more than so-so (idiom); mediocre ; nothing out of the ordinary | |
| 不遗余力 | 不遺餘力 | bù yí yú lì | to spare no pains or effort (idiom); to do one's utmost | faire de son mieux; ne pas épargner ses efforts |
| 不避斧钺 | 不避斧鉞 | bù bì fǔ yuè | don't avoid the battle-ax (idiom); soldier must face danger bravely | |
| 不问好歹 | 不問好歹 | bù wèn hǎo dǎi | no matter what may happen (idiom) | |
| 不问就听不到假话 | 不問就聽不到假話 | bù wèn jiù tīng bù dào jiǎ huà | Don't ask and you won't be told any lies. (idiom) | |
| 不问青红皂白 | 不問青紅皂白 | bù wèn qīng hóng zào bái | not distinguishing red-blue or black-white (idiom); not to distinguish between right and wrong | |
| 不闻不问 | 不聞不問 | bù wén bù wèn | not to hear, not to question (idiom) ; to show no interest in sth ; uncritical ; not in the least concerned | se boucher les yeux et les oreilles; laisser tout aller; fermer les yeux sur; |
| 不顾前后 | 不顧前後 | bù gù qián hòu | regardless of what's before or after (idiom); rushing blindly into sth | |
| 与世隔绝 | 與世隔絕 | yǔ shì gé jué | to be cut off from the rest of the world (idiom) | |
| 与人方便，自己方便 | 與人方便，自己方便 | yù rén fāng biàn , zì jǐ fāng biàn | Help others, and others may help you (idiom). | |
| 与众不同 | 與眾不同 | yǔ zhòng bù tóng | to stand out from the masses (idiom) | |
| 与日俱辉 | 與日俱輝 | yǔ rì jù huī | for as long as the sun continues to shine (idiom) | |
| 与日俱进 | 與日俱進 | yù rì jù jìn | every day sees new developments (idiom); constant progress | |
| 与日同辉 | 與日同輝 | yǔ rì tóng huī | to become more glorious with each passing day (idiom) | |
| 专心致志 | 專心致志 | zhuān xīn zhì zhì | with single-hearted devotion (idiom) | |
| 专美于前 | 專美於前 | zhuān měi yú qián | to take advantage of the good reputations of others (idiom) | |
| 世 | 世 | shì | life ; age ; generation ; era ; world ; lifetime ; epoch ; descendant ; noble | vie ; génération ; monde; |
| 世事 | 世事 | shì shì | affairs of life ; things of the world | les affaires de la vie humaine; les événements du monde; |
| 世代相传 | 世代相傳 | shì dài xiāng chuán | passed on from generation to generation (idiom); to hand down | |
| 业精于勤 | 業精於勤 | yè jīng yú qín | mastery of study lies in diligence (idiom). You can only master a subject by assiduous study. ; Excellence in work is only possible with diligence. ; Practice makes perfect. | |
| 业荒于嬉 | 業荒於嬉 | yè huāng yú xī | to be distracted from one’s work and fail to achieve results (idiom) | |
| 东倒西歪 | 東倒西歪 | dōng dǎo xī wāi | to lean unsteadily from side to side (idiom); to sway | |
| 东奔西走 | 東奔西走 | dōng bēn xī zǒu | to run this way and that (idiom); to rush about busily ; to bustle about ; to hopscotch ; also 東跑西顛|东跑西颠[dong1 pao3 xi1 dian1] | |
| 东奔西跑 | 東奔西跑 | dōng bēn xī pǎo | to run this way and that (idiom); to rush about busily ; to bustle about | |
| 东山再起 | 東山再起 | dōng shān zài qǐ | lit. to return to office after living as a hermit on Mount Dongshan (idiom); fig. to make a comeback | réapparaître sur la scène politique ; organiser un retour |
| 东张西望 | 東張西望 | dōng zhāng xī wàng | to look in all directions (idiom) ; to glance around | |
| 东征西怨 | 東征西怨 | dōng zhēng xī yuàn | war on all sides (idiom); fighting from all four quarters | |
| 东征西讨 | 東征西討 | dōng zhēng xī tǎo | war on all sides (idiom); fighting from all four quarters | |
| 东拉西扯 | 東拉西扯 | dōng lā xī chě | to talk about this and that (idiom); to ramble incoherently | |
| 东掩西遮 | 東掩西遮 | dōng yǎn xī zhē | to cover up the truth on all sides (idiom) | |
| 东施效颦 | 東施傚顰 | dōng shī xiào pín | to impersonate sb but gain the opposite of the desired effect (idiom) | |
| 东讨西征 | 東討西征 | dōng tǎo xī zhēng | war on all sides (idiom); fighting from all four quarters | |
| 东鳞西爪 | 東鱗西爪 | dōng lín xī zhǎo | lit. a dragon's scale from the east and a dragon's claw from the west ; odds and ends (idiom) | |
| 丢轮扯炮 | 丟輪扯砲 | diū lún chě pào | lose a wheel, tear at the gun (idiom); flustered and confused in a panic | |
| 两手空空 | 兩手空空 | liǎng shǒu kōng kōng | empty-handed (idiom); fig. not receiving anything | |
| 两虎相争 | 兩虎相爭 | liǎng hǔ xiāng zhēng | two tigers fighting (idiom); fierce contest between evenly matched protagonists | |
| 两虎相争，必有一伤 | 兩虎相爭，必有一傷 | liǎng hǔ xiāng zhēng , bì yǒu yī shāng | if two tigers fight, one must get injured (idiom); if you start a war, someone is bound to get hurt | |
| 两虎相斗 | 兩虎相鬥 | liǎng hǔ xiāng dòu | two tigers fight (idiom); fig. a dispute between two major contestants ; a battle of the giants | |
| 两虎相斗，必有一伤 | 兩虎相鬥，必有一傷 | liǎng hǔ xiāng dòu , bì yǒu yī shāng | When two tigers fight, one will get injured (idiom). If it comes to a fight, someone will get hurt. | |
| 两袖清风 | 兩袖清風 | liǎng xiù qīng fēng | lit. both sleeves flowing in the breeze (idiom); having clean hands ; uncorrupted ; unsoiled by corrupt practices | intègre ; incorruptible (idiome) |
| 两败俱伤 | 兩敗俱傷 | liǎng bài jù shāng | both sides suffer (idiom) ; neither side wins | se battre et subir des pertes de chaque côté ; les deux parties aux prises se sont affaiblies (ou épuisées) mutuellement. |
| 两面三刀 | 兩面三刀 | liǎng miàn sān dāo | two-faced, three knives (idiom); double-cross ; double dealing and back stabbing | |
| 严以责己宽以待人 | 嚴以責己寬以待人 | yán yǐ zé jǐ kuān yǐ dài rén | to be severe with oneself and lenient with others (idiom) | |
| 严惩不贷 | 嚴懲不貸 | yán chéng bù dài | to punish strictly with no leniency (idiom); to punish and show no mercy ; zero tolerance | |
| 丧命 | 喪命 | sàng mìng | to lose one's life | perdre la vie |
| 丧天害理 | 喪天害理 | sàng tiān hài lǐ | devoid of conscience (idiom) | |
| 丧家之犬 | 喪家之犬 | sàng jiā zhī quǎn | lit. a homeless dog (idiom); fig. homeless and with nowhere to go | chien sans foyer ; chien sans maître ; chien perdu sans collier |
| 丧尽天良 | 喪盡天良 | sàng jìn tiān liáng | devoid of conscience (idiom); utterly heartless | |
| 丧心病狂 | 喪心病狂 | sāng xīn bìng kuáng | frenzied (idiom); completely crazy and ridiculous ; loss of reason ; insane ; crazed cruelty | devenir forcené et perverti; persister dans le mal; agir sans scrupule(ou : sans vergogne); |
| 丧权辱国 | 喪權辱國 | sàng quán rǔ guó | to forfeit sovereignty and humiliate the country (idiom) ; to surrender territory under humiliating terms | |
| 丧生 | 喪生 | sàng shēng | to die ; lose one's life | perdre la vie; mourir; |
| 丧魂失魄 | 喪魂失魄 | sàng hún shī pò | lit. lost soul, vanished spirit (idiom); distraught (at a loss) ; heart-broken | |
| 丧魂落魄 | 喪魂落魄 | sàng hún luò pò | scared out of one's wits (idiom); in a panic | |
| 中俄伊犁条约 | 中俄伊犁條約 | zhōng é yī lí tiáo yuē | Treaty of Saint Petersburg of 1881, whereby Russia handed back Yili province to Qing China in exchange for compensation payment and unequal treaty rights | |
| 中俄改订条约 | 中俄改訂條約 | zhōng é gǎi dìng tiáo yuē | Treaty of Saint Petersburg of 1881, whereby Russia handed back Yili province to Qing China in exchange for compensation payment and unequal treaty rights | |
| 中箭落马 | 中箭落馬 | zhòng jiàn luò mǎ | lit. to be struck by an arrow and fall from one's horse ; to suffer a serious setback (idiom) | |
| 中缝 | 中縫 | zhōng fèng | vertical space in a newspaper between two attached pages ; vertical line on the back of clothing | |
| 丰俭由人 | 豐儉由人 | fēng jiǎn yóu rén | fancy or simple according to sb's budget (idiom) | |
| 丰功伟绩 | 豐功偉績 | fēng gōng wěi jì | glorious achievement (idiom) | |
| 丰衣足食 | 豐衣足食 | fēng yī zú shí | having ample food and clothing (idiom); well fed and clothed | avoir largement de quoi se vêtir et se nourrir; avoir des vivres et des vêtements en abondance; pourvoir à tous ses besoins en nourriture et en habillement; mener une vie aisé; |
| 串亲访友 | 串親訪友 | chuàn qīn fǎng yǒu | to call on friends and relations (idiom) | (idiome) faire appel à des amis et des relations |
| 临危 | 臨危 | lín wēi | dying (from illness) ; facing death ; on one's deathbed | en danger; en face du danger; |
| 临危授命 | 臨危授命 | lín wēi shòu mìng | to sacrifice one's life in a crisis | |
| 临时抱佛脚 | 臨時抱佛腳 | lín shí bào fó jiǎo | lit. to clasp the Buddha's feet when danger arises (idiom); fig. to profess devotion only when in trouble ; doing things at the last minute ; making a hasty last-minute effort | |
| 临渴掘井 | 臨渴掘井 | lín kě jué jǐng | lit. not to dig a well until one is thirsty ; to be unprepared and seek help at the last minute (idiom) | |
| 临渴穿井 | 臨渴穿井 | lín kě chuān jǐng | lit. face thirst and dig a well (idiom); fig. not to make adequate provision ; to act when it is too late | |
| 为人师表 | 為人師表 | wéi rén shī biǎo | to serve as a model (idiom); a paragon | (idiome) servir de modèle; un parangon |
| 为仁不富 | 為仁不富 | wéi rén bù fù | the rich man cannot be benevolent (idiom, from Mencius). It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 19:24). | |
| 为富不仁 | 為富不仁 | wéi fù bù rén | the benevolent man cannot be rich (idiom, from Mencius). It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 19:24). | |
| 为富不仁，为仁不富 | 為富不仁，為仁不富 | wéi fù bù rén , wéi rén bù fù | the benevolent man cannot be rich and vice versa (idiom, from Mencius). It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 19:24). | |
| 为德不卒 | 為德不卒 | wéi dé bù zú | to start on virtue but give up (idiom); to fail to carry things through ; lack of sticking power ; short attention span | |
| 为德不终 | 為德不終 | wéi dé bù zhōng | to start on virtue but give up (idiom); to fail to carry things through ; lack of sticking power ; short attention span | |
| 为时不晚 | 為時不晚 | wéi shí bù wǎn | it is not too late (idiom) | (idiome) il n'est pas trop tard |
| 为时未晚 | 為時未晚 | wéi shí wèi wǎn | it is not too late (idiom) | (idiome) il n'est pas trop tard |
| 为虎作伥 | 為虎作倀 | wèi hǔ zuò chāng | to act as accomplice to the tiger ; to help a villain do evil (idiom) | |
| 为非作歹 | 為非作歹 | wéi fēi zuò dǎi | to break the law and commit crimes (idiom); malefactor ; evil-doer ; to perpetrate outrages | faire le mal |
| 主不先客 | 主不先客 | zhǔ bù xiān kè | guests or visitors first (idiom) | |
| 举一反三 | 舉一反三 | jǔ yī fǎn sān | to raise one and infer three ; to deduce many things from one case (idiom) | |
| 举不胜举 | 舉不勝舉 | jǔ bù shèng jǔ | too numerous to list (idiom); innumerable | |
| 举世无双 | 舉世無雙 | jǔ shì wú shuāng | unrivaled (idiom); world number one ; unique ; unequaled | |
| 举手之劳 | 舉手之勞 | jǔ shǒu zhī láo | as easy as lifting one's hand (idiom); no effort at all ; you only have to lift a finger | |
| 举手投足 | 舉手投足 | jǔ shǒu tóu zú | lit. to lift a hand or move a leg (idiom); very easy ; no effort at all | |
| 举案齐眉 | 舉案齊眉 | jǔ àn qí méi | lit. two eyebrows are equal (idiom); mutual respect in a marriage | |
| 举目无亲 | 舉目無親 | jǔ mù wú qīn | to look up and see no-one familiar (idiom); not having anyone to rely on ; without a friend in the world | |
| 举足轻重 | 舉足輕重 | jǔ zú qīng zhòng | a foot's move sways the balance (idiom); to hold the balance of power ; to play the decisive role | avoir une grande importance ; avoir du poids ; être de conséquence ; être décisif (ou prépondérant) ; qui fait pencher la balance |
| 久仰大名 | 久仰大名 | jiǔ yǎng dà míng | I have been looking forward to meeting you for a long time (idiom) | |
| 久慕盛名 | 久慕盛名 | jiǔ mù shèng míng | I've admired your reputation for a long time (idiom); I've been looking forward to meeting you. ; It's an honor to meet you at last. | |
| 久经考验 | 久經考驗 | jiǔ jīng kǎo yàn | well tested (idiom); seasoned ; veteran | |
| 义之所在 | 義之所在 | yì zhī suǒ zài | justice is to be found everywhere (idiom) | |
| 义愤填胸 | 義憤填胸 | yì fèn tián xiōng | righteous indignation fills one's breast (idiom); to feel indignant at injustice | |
| 义愤填膺 | 義憤填膺 | yì fèn tián yīng | righteous indignation fills one's breast (idiom); to feel indignant at injustice | |
| 义无反顾 | 義無反顧 | yì wú fǎn gù | honor does not allow one to glance back (idiom); duty-bound not to turn back ; no surrender ; to pursue justice with no second thoughts | |
| 之乎者也 | 之乎者也 | zhī hū zhě yě | four common characters of classical Chinese (idiom); fig. semi-incomprehensible talk ; double Dutch ; all Greek to me | |
| 乌七八糟 | 烏七八糟 | wū qī bā zāo | everything in disorder; in a hideous mess; obscene; dirty; filthy (idiom) | sens dessus dessous ; pêle-mêle ; confusion complète |
| 乌烟瘴气 | 烏煙瘴氣 | wū yān zhàng qì | foul black smoke atmosphere (idiom); fig. everything in a tremendous mess ; pandemonium reigns | être dans un état chaotique ; tohu-bohu; atmosphère enfumée et miasmatique ; corruption ambiante |
| 乐不可支 | 樂不可支 | lè bù kě zhī | overjoyed (idiom); as pleased as punch | |
| 乐不思蜀 | 樂不思蜀 | lè bù sī shǔ | indulge in pleasure and forget home and duty (idiom) | |
| 乐在其中 | 樂在其中 | lè zài qí zhōng | to take pleasure in sth (idiom) | |
| 乐极生悲 | 樂極生悲 | lè jí shēng bēi | extreme joy turns to sorrow (idiom); Don't celebrate too soon, things could still go wrong! | |
| 乐此不疲 | 樂此不疲 | lè cǐ bù pí | to enjoy sth and never tire of it (idiom) | |
| 乔装打扮 | 喬裝打扮 | qiáo zhuāng dǎ bàn | to dress up in disguise (idiom); to pretend for the purpose of deceit | |
| 乔迁之喜 | 喬遷之喜 | qiáo qiān zhī xǐ | congratulations on house-moving or promotion (idiom); Best wishes for your new home! | |
| 乘人不备 | 乘人不備 | chéng rén bù bèi | to take advantage of sb in an unguarded moment (idiom) ; to take sb by surprise | |
| 乘虚而入 | 乘虛而入 | chéng xū ér rù | to enter by exploiting a weak spot (idiom); to take advantage of a lapse | |
| 乘风破浪 | 乘風破浪 | chéng fēng pò làng | to brave the wind and the billows (idiom); to have high ambitions | |
| 九死一生 | 九死一生 | jiǔ sǐ yī shēng | nine deaths and still alive (idiom); a narrow escape ; new lease of life | |
| 九牛一毛 | 九牛一毛 | jiǔ niú yī máo | lit. one hair from nine oxen (idiom) ; fig. a drop in the ocean | |
| 九牛二虎之力 | 九牛二虎之力 | jiǔ niú èr hǔ zhī lì | tremendous strength (idiom) | efforts énormes |
| 九鼎 | 九鼎 | jiǔ dǐng | The Nine Cauldrons, symbol of Imperial power dating back to the Shang Dynasty (c. 1600-1100 BC) | |
| 乞哀告怜 | 乞哀告憐 | qǐ āi gào lián | begging for pity and asking for help (idiom) | |
| 习惯成自然 | 習慣成自然 | xí guàn chéng zì rán | habit becomes nature (idiom); get used to something and it seems inevitable ; second nature | |
| 习惯用语 | 習慣用語 | xí guàn yòng yǔ | idiom ; idiomatic expression ; habitual form of speech (grammar) | |
| 习惯自然 | 習慣自然 | xí guàn zì rán | habit becomes nature (idiom); get used to something and it seems inevitable ; second nature ; same as 習慣成自然|习惯成自然 | |
| 习惯若自然 | 習慣若自然 | xí guàn ruò zì rán | habit becomes nature (idiom); get used to something and it seems inevitable ; second nature ; same as 習慣成自然|习惯成自然 | |
| 乡亲 | 鄉親 | xiāng qīn | fellow countryman (from the same village) ; local people ; villager ; the folks back home | compatriote |
| 书不尽言 | 書不盡言 | shū bù jìn yán | I have much more to say than can be written in this letter (conventional letter ending) (idiom) | |
| 书香门第 | 書香門第 | shū xiāng mén dì | family with a literary reputation (idiom); literary family | |
| 买回 | 買回 | mǎi huí | to buy back ; to redeem ; repurchase | |
| 买椟还珠 | 買櫝還珠 | mǎi dú huán zhū | to buy a wooden box and return the pearls inside ; to show poor judgement (idiom) | |
| 买笑追欢 | 買笑追歡 | mǎi xiào zhuī huān | lit. to buy smiles to seek happiness ; abandon oneself to the pleasures of the flesh (idiom) | |
| 乱七八糟 | 亂七八糟 | luàn qī bā zāo | everything in disorder (idiom); in a hideous mess ; at sixes and sevens | boxon |
| 乳突窦 | 乳突竇 | rǔ tū dòu | mastoid antrum (bones at the back of tympanic chamber) | |
| 乳臭未干 | 乳臭未乾 | rǔ xiù wèi gān | smell of mother's milk not yet dried (idiom); immature and inexperienced ; still wet behind the ears | être jeune et inexpérimenté ; être encore mouillé derrière les oreilles |
| 了如指掌 | 了如指掌 | liǎo rú zhǐ zhǎng | to understand sth thoroughly (like the back of one's hand) | savoir une chose sur le bout des doigts ; connaître quelque choseh comme (le fond de) sa poche (idiome) |
| 予以照顾 | 予以照顧 | yǔ yǐ zhào gù | to ask somebody to carefully consider a request (idiom) | |
| 争先恐后 | 爭先恐後 | zhēng xiān kǒng hòu | striving to be first and fearing to be last (idiom); outdoing one another | à qui mieux mieux; à l'envi; |
| 争分夺秒 | 爭分奪秒 | zhēng fēn duó miǎo | lit. fight minutes, snatch seconds (idiom); a race against time ; making every second count | |
| 争名夺利 | 爭名奪利 | zhēng míng duó lì | to fight for fame, grab profit (idiom); scrambling for fame and wealth ; only interested in personal gain | |
| 争权夺利 | 爭權奪利 | zhēng quán duó lì | scramble for power and profit (idiom); power struggle | se disputer pouvoir et gain |
| 争长论短 | 爭長論短 | zhēng cháng lùn duǎn | lit. to argue who is right and wrong (idiom); to quibble ; a storm in a teacup | |
| 事与愿违 | 事與願違 | shì yǔ yuàn wéi | things turn out contrary to the way one wishes (idiom) | La fait se développe à l'encontre de sa volonté.La réalité ne répond pas aux espérances.; |
| 事事拗违 | 事事拗違 | shì shì ào wéi | everything has gone to the dogs (idiom) | |
| 事到临头 | 事到臨頭 | shì dào lín tóu | things come to a head (idiom) | |
| 事半功倍 | 事半功倍 | shì bàn gōng bèi | half the work, twice the effect (idiom); the right approach saves effort and leads to better results ; a stitch in time saves nine | obtenir le double avec moitié moins de travail; un demi-effort pour un effet double; un demi effort pour un effet double; le minimum d'efforts pour un grand résultat; |
| 事危累卵 | 事危累卵 | shì wēi lěi luǎn | lit. the matter has become a pile of eggs (idiom); fig. at a critical juncture | |
| 事后聪明 | 事後聰明 | shì hòu cōng ming | wise after the event (idiom); with hindsight, one should have predicted it | |
| 事后诸葛亮 | 事後諸葛亮 | shì hòu zhū gě liàng | a genius in retrospect (idiom); wise after the event | |
| 事在人为 | 事在人為 | shì zài rénwéi | the matter depends on the individual (idiom); it is a matter for your own effort ; With effort, one can achieve anything. | La réussite dépend des efforts de l'homme; La chose est dans le pouvoir de l'homme qui ose agir |
| 事实胜于雄辩 | 事實勝於雄辯 | shì shí shèng yú xióng biàn | Facts speak louder than words. (idiom) | |
| 事必有兆 | 事必有兆 | shì bì yǒu zhào | future events always have an omen (idiom) | |
| 事怕行家 | 事怕行家 | shì pà háng jiā | an expert always produces the best work (idiom) | |
| 事过境迁 | 事過境遷 | shì guò jìng qiān | The issue is in the past, and the situation has changed (idiom). ; It is water under the bridge. | |
| 二话不说 | 二話不說 | èr huà bù shuō | not saying anything further (idiom); not raising any objection ; without demur | sans aucune hésitation ; ne faire aucune objection (ou difficulté) |
| 云散风流 | 雲散風流 | yún sàn fēng liú | lit. clouds scatter, wind flows (idiom); the crisis settles down ; people disperse home ; things return to normal | |
| 云窗雾槛 | 雲窗霧檻 | yún chuāng wù kǎn | cloud around the window, mist on the threshold (idiom); tall building with the windows in the clouds | |
| 互为因果 | 互為因果 | hù wéi yīn guǒ | mutually related karma (idiom); fates are intertwined ; interdependent | |
| 互相推诿 | 互相推諉 | hù xiāng tuī wěi | mutually shirking responsibilities (idiom); each blaming the other ; passing the buck to and fro ; each trying to unload responsibilities onto the other | |
| 互通有无 | 互通有無 | hù tōng yǒu wú | mutual exchange of assistance (idiom) ; to benefit from each other's strengths and make up each other's shortfalls ; to reciprocate with material assistance ; scratch each other's back | |
| 五体投地 | 五體投地 | wǔ tǐ tóu dì | to prostrate oneself in admiration (idiom); to adulate sb | |
| 五味俱全 | 五味俱全 | wǔ wèi jū quán | a complete gamut of all five flavors (idiom); every flavor under the sun | |
| 五彩缤纷 | 五彩繽紛 | wǔ cǎi bīnfēn | all the colors in profusion (idiom); a garish display | multicolore; |
| 五色缤纷 | 五色繽紛 | wǔ sè bīn fēn | all the colors in profusion (idiom); a garish display | |
| 五鬼闹判 | 五鬼鬧判 | wǔ guǐ nào pàn | Five ghosts mock the judge, or Five ghosts resist judgment (title of folk opera, idiom); important personage mobbed by a crowd of ne'er-do-wells | |
| 井井有条 | 井井有條 | jǐng jǐng yǒu tiáo | everything clear and orderly (idiom); neat and tidy | disposé en ordre régulier; avoir de l'ordre; méthodique; |
| 井底之蛙 | 井底之蛙 | jǐng dǐ zhī wā | a frog at the bottom of a well (idiom); fig. an ignorant person | |
| 井然有序 | 井然有序 | jǐng rán yǒu xù | everything clear and in good order (idiom); neat and tidy | |
| 井蛙之见 | 井蛙之見 | jǐng wā zhī jiàn | the view of a frog in a well (idiom); fig. a narrow view | |
| 亡命之徒 | 亡命之徒 | wáng mìng zhī tú | runaway (idiom); desperate criminal ; fugitive | |
| 亡国灭种 | 亡國滅種 | wáng guó miè zhǒng | country destroyed, its people annihilated (idiom); total destruction | |
| 亡羊补牢 | 亡羊補牢 | wáng yáng bǔ láo | lit. to mend the pen after sheep are lost (idiom) ; fig. to act belatedly ; better late than never ; to lock the stable door after the horse has bolted | |
| 交口称誉 | 交口稱譽 | jiāo kǒu chēng yù | voices unanimous in praise (idiom); with an extensive public reputation | |
| 交还 | 交還 | jiāo huán | to return sth ; to hand back | rétrocession |
| 产生 | 產生 | chǎn shēng | to arise ; to come into being ; to come about ; to give rise to ; to bring into being ; to bring about ; to produce ; to engender ; to generate ; to appear ; appearance ; emergence ; generation ; production ; yield | produire; donner naissance à; |
| 享福 | 享福 | xiǎng fú | to live comfortably ; happy and prosperous life | jouir du bonheur; être heureux; |
| 亲临其境 | 親臨其境 | qīn lín qí jìng | to travel to a place personally (idiom) | |
| 亲如手足 | 親如手足 | qīn rú shǒu zú | as close as brothers (idiom); deep friendship | (idiome) comme des frères; amitié profonde |
| 亲密无间 | 親密無間 | qīn mì wú jiān | close relation, no gap (idiom); intimate and nothing can come between | relation étroite; intime et inséparable |
| 亲手 | 親手 | qīn shǒu | personally ; with one's own hands | de sa propre main |
| 亲疏贵贱 | 親疏貴賤 | qīn shū guì jiàn | close and distant, rich and poor (idiom); everyone ; all possible relations | (idiome) proches et lointains, riches et pauvres; tout le monde; toutes les relations |
| 人不可貌相 | 人不可貌相 | rén bù kě mào xiàng | you can't judge a person by appearance (idiom) ; you can't judge a book by its cover ; often in combination 人不可貌相,海水不可斗量[ren2 bu4 ke3 mao4 xiang4 , hai3 shui3 bu4 ke3 dou3 liang4 | (idiome) on ne peut juger une personne à son apparence |
| 人不可貌相，海水不可斗量 | 人不可貌相，海水不可斗量 | rén bù kě mào xiàng , hǎi shuǐ bù kě dǒu liàng | You can't judge a person by appearance, just as you can't measure the sea with a pint pot. (idiom) | |
| 人之常情 | 人之常情 | rén zhī cháng qíng | such is human nature (idiom) ; only natural | (idiome) des sentiments communs à tout le monde |
| 人事 | 人事 | rén shì | human affairs ; ways of the world ; consciousness of the world ; what is humanly possible ; personnel matters ; sexual awareness ; sexual passion ; facts of life | ressources humaines |
| 人云亦云 | 人云亦云 | rén yún yì yún | to say what everyone says (idiom); a yes-man | (idiome) dire ce que tout le monde dit; un béni-oui-oui |
| 人位相宜 | 人位相宜 | rén wèi xiāng yí | to be the right person for the job (idiom) | (idiome) être la bonne personne pour un poste |
| 人命 | 人命 | rén mìng | human life | la vie humaine |
| 人命关天 | 人命關天 | rén mìng guān tiān | human life is beyond value (idiom) | (idiome) la vie humaine n'a pas de valeur |
| 人在江湖，身不由己 | 人在江湖，身不由己 | rén zài jiāng hú , shēn bù yóu jǐ | you can't always do as you like ; one has to compromise in this world (idiom) | |
| 人多势众 | 人多勢眾 | rén duō shì zhòng | many men, a great force (idiom); many hands provide great strength ; There is safety in numbers. | (expression) beaucoup d'hommes, grande force |
| 人定胜天 | 人定勝天 | rén dìng shèng tiān | man can conquer nature (idiom); human wisdom can prevail over nature | (idiome) l'homme conquerra la nature |
| 人寿保险 | 人壽保險 | rén shòu bǎo xiǎn | life insurance | assurance-vie |
| 人寿年丰 | 人壽年豐 | rén shòu nián fēng | long-lived people, rich harvests (idiom); stable and affluent society ; prosperity | (idiome) société stable et prospère |
| 人心难测 | 人心難測 | rén xīn nán cè | hard to fathom a person's mind (idiom) | (idiome) il est difficile de comprendre l'esprit d'une personne |
| 人才济济 | 人才濟濟 | rén cái jǐ jǐ | talented people are extremely useful (idiom) | (idiome) les gens de talent sont extrêmement utiles |
| 人无远虑，必有近忧 | 人無遠慮，必有近憂 | rén wú yuǎn lǜ , bì yǒu jìn yōu | He who gives no thought to far-flung problems soon finds suffering nearby (idiom, from Analects). ; Smug concentration on the here and now will lead to future sorrow. | |
| 人杰地灵 | 人傑地靈 | rén jié dì líng | illustrious hero, spirit of the place (idiom); a place derives reflected glory from an illustrious son | illustre héros; (idiome) l'esprit du lieu |
| 人浮于事 | 人浮於事 | rén fú yú shì | more hands than needed (idiom); too many cooks spoil the broth | en sureffectif |
| 人烟稀少 | 人煙稀少 | rén yān xī shǎo | no sign of human habitation (idiom); desolate | (idiome) aucun signe de présence humaine |
| 人生 | 人生 | rén shēng | human life | vie |
| 人生一世，草木一春 | 人生一世，草木一春 | rén shēng yī shì , cǎo mù yī chūn | Man has but one life, grass but one spring (idiom). fig. the brevity of human existence | |
| 人生如朝露 | 人生如朝露 | rén shēng rú zhāo lù | human life as the morning dew (idiom); fig. ephemeral and precarious nature of human existence | |
| 人生如梦 | 人生如夢 | rén shēng rú mèng | life is but a dream (idiom) | (idiome) la vie n'est pas qu'un rêve |
| 人生朝露 | 人生朝露 | rén shēng zhāo lù | human life as the morning dew (idiom); fig. ephemeral and precarious nature of human existence | (idiome) la vie humaine comme la rosée du matin |
| 人生盛衰 | 人生盛衰 | rén shēng shèng shuāi | life has its ups and downs (idiom) | (idiome) la vie a ses hauts et ses bas |
| 人生短暂，学术无涯 | 人生短暫，學術無涯 | rén shēng duǎn zàn , xué shù wú yá | Life is short, learning is limitless ; Ars longa, vita brevis | |
| 人给家足 | 人給家足 | rén jǐ jiā zú | lit. each household provided for, enough for the individual (idiom); comfortably off | |
| 人说纷纭 | 人說紛紜 | rén shuō fēn yún | to be at loggerheads with sb (idiom) | (idiome) être en désaccord avec quelqu'un |
| 人财两空 | 人財兩空 | rén cái liǎng kōng | loss of life and property ; to lose the beauty and her possessions | |
| 人间地狱 | 人間地獄 | rén jiān dì yù | hell on earth (idiom); suffering the torments of Buddhist hell while still alive ; fig. having an uncomfortable time | enfer sur terre |
| 人面兽心 | 人面獸心 | rén miàn shòu xīn | human face, beast's heart (idiom); two-faced ; malicious and duplicitous | (idiome) visage humain, coeur de bête |
| 仁义道德 | 仁義道德 | rén yì dào dé | compassion, duty, propriety and integrity (idiom); all the traditional virtues ; mainly used sarcastically, to mean hypocritical | vertu et moralité |
| 仁人义士 | 仁人義士 | rén rén yì shì | those with lofty ideals (idiom) ; men of vision | (idiome) ceux qui ont de grands idéaux ;hommes de vision |
| 仁人君子 | 仁人君子 | rén rén jūn zǐ | people of good will (idiom); charitable person | (idiome) personne de bonne volonté; personne charitable |
| 仁人志士 | 仁人志士 | rén rén zhì shì | gentleman aspiring to benevolence (idiom); people with lofty ideals | (idiome) gentilhomme aspirant à la bienveillance; personnes ayant de nobles idéaux |
| 仁心仁术 | 仁心仁術 | rén xīn rén shù | benevolent heart and skillful execution (idiom, from Mencius); charitable in thought and deed | |
| 仁民爱物 | 仁民愛物 | rén mín ài wù | love to all creatures (idiom, from Mencius); universal benevolence | |
| 仁者见仁，智者见智 | 仁者見仁，智者見智 | rén zhě jiàn rén , zhì zhě jiàn zhì | The benevolent sees benevolence, the wise sees wisdom. ; Different views are admissible. (idiom) | Les gens diffèrent par leur point de vue. |
| 仁至义尽 | 仁至義盡 | rén zhì yì jìn | extreme benevolence, utmost duty (idiom); meticulous virtue and attention to duty | |
| 仁言利博 | 仁言利博 | rén yán lì bó | Words of benevolence apply universally (idiom). Humanitarian expressions benefit all. | |
| 今世 | 今世 | jīn shì | this life ; this age | la vie, l'existence de qn ; le temps qui court; notre époque; notre âge; |
| 今日事今日毕 | 今日事今日畢 | jīn rì shì jīn rì bì | never put off until tomorrow what you can do today (idiom) | |
| 今昔对比 | 今昔對比 | jīn xī duì bǐ | to contrast past suffering with present happiness (idiom) | |
| 今生 | 今生 | jīn shēng | this life | la vie ou l'existence de qn; |
| 介于两难 | 介於兩難 | jiè yú liǎng nán | to be on the horns of a dilemma (idiom) | |
| 从严惩处 | 從嚴懲處 | cóng yán chéng chǔ | to deal with sb severely (idiom) | |
| 从井救人 | 從井救人 | cóng jǐng jiù rén | to jump into a well to rescue sb else (idiom); fig. to help others at the risk to oneself | |
| 从善如流 | 從善如流 | cóng shàn rú liú | readily following good advice (idiom); willing to accept other people's views | |
| 从谏如流 | 從諫如流 | cóng jiàn rú liú | to follow admonition as natural flow (idiom); to accept criticism or correction (even from one's inferiors) | |
| 从长计议 | 從長計議 | cōng cháng jì yì | to take one's time making a decision (idiom); to give it further thought decide later | |
| 从难从严 | 從難從嚴 | cóng nán cóng yán | to be arduous and strict (idiom) | |
| 仓皇出逃 | 倉皇出逃 | cāng huáng chū táo | to run off in a great panic (idiom) | |
| 他山之石可以攻玉 | 他山之石可以攻玉 | tā shān zhī shí kě yǐ gōng yù | lit. the other mountain's stone can polish jade (idiom); to improve oneself by accepting criticism from outside ; to borrow talent from abroad to develop the nation effectively | |
| 仗义执言 | 仗義執言 | zhàng yì zhí yán | to speak out for justice (idiom); to take a stand on a matter of principle | parler au nom de la justice; |
| 仗义疏财 | 仗義疏財 | zhàng yì shū cái | to help the needy for justice (idiom); to be loyal to one's friends and generous to the needy | |
| 仗势欺人 | 仗勢欺人 | zhàng shì qī rén | relying on force to bully others (idiom) | |
| 仗腰 | 仗腰 | zhàng yāo | to back sb up ; to support (from the rear) | |
| 付之一叹 | 付之一歎 | fù zhī yī tàn | to dismiss with a sigh (idiom); a hopeless case | |
| 付之一炬 | 付之一炬 | fù zhī yī jù | to put to the torch (idiom) ; to commit to the flames ; to burn sth down deliberately | |
| 付之一笑 | 付之一笑 | fù zhī yī xiào | to dismiss sth with a laugh (idiom) ; to laugh it off | |
| 付之丙丁 | 付之丙丁 | fù zhī bǐng dīng | to burn down (idiom) | |
| 付之东流 | 付之東流 | fù zhī dōng liú | to commit to the waters (idiom); to lose sth irrevocably | |
| 付之度外 | 付之度外 | fù zhī dù wài | to think nothing of doing sth (idiom) ; to do sth without considering the risks ; to leave out of consideration | |
| 付诸实施 | 付諸實施 | fù zhū shí shī | to put into practice ; to carry out (idiom) | |
| 仙姿玉色 | 仙姿玉色 | xiān zī yù sè | heavenly beauty, jewel colors (idiom); unusually beautiful lady | |
| 代代相传 | 代代相傳 | dài dài xiāng chuán | passed on from generation to generation (idiom); to hand down | |
| 令人发指 | 令人髮指 | lìng rén fà zhǐ | to make one's hair stand up in anger (idiom); to raise people's hackles | |
| 令行禁止 | 令行禁止 | lìng xíng jìn zhǐ | lit. if he orders you go, he forbids you stop (idiom); fig. to demand exact compliance with instructions ; to ensure strictly obedience | Tous les or dres sont strictement exécutés et toutes les interdictions observées ; exécution stricte des lois et décrets |
| 以一驭万 | 以一馭萬 | yǐ yī yù wàn | to control a key point is to be master of the situation (idiom) | |
| 以人废言 | 以人廢言 | yǐ rén fèi yán | to reject a word because of the speaker (idiom, from Analects); to judge on preference between advisers rather than the merits of the case | |
| 以债养债 | 以債養債 | yǐ zhài yǎng zhài | debt nurtures more debt (idiom) | |
| 以免借口 | 以免藉口 | yǐ miǎn jiè kǒu | to remove sth that could be used as a pretext (idiom) | |
| 以其人之道，还治其人之身 | 以其人之道，還治其人之身 | yǐ qí rén zhī dào , huán zhì qí rén zhī shēn | to use an opponent's own methods to obtain retribution (idiom, from Song dynasty neo-Confucianist Zhu Xi 朱熹); to get revenge by playing sb back at his own game ; to give sb a taste of his own medicine | |
| 以卵击石 | 以卵擊石 | yǐ luǎn jī shí | lit. to strike a stone with egg (idiom); to attempt the impossible ; to invite disaster by overreaching oneself | |
| 以夷制夷 | 以夷制夷 | yǐ yí zhì yí | to use foreigners to subdue foreigners (idiom); let the barbarians fight it out among themselves (traditional policy of successive dynasties) ; To use western science and technology to counter imperialist encroachment (late Qing modernizing slogan). | |
| 以子之矛，攻子之盾 | 以子之矛，攻子之盾 | yǐ zǐ zhī máo , gōng zǐ zhī dùn | 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 | |
| 以小挤大 | 以小擠大 | yǐ xiǎo jǐ dà | minor issues eclipse major ones (idiom) | |
| 以少胜多 | 以少勝多 | yǐ shǎo shèng duō | using the few to defeat the many (idiom); to win from a position of weakness | |
| 以弱胜强 | 以弱勝強 | yǐ ruò shèng qiáng | using the weak to defeat the strong (idiom); to win from a position of weakness | |
| 以强凌弱 | 以強凌弱 | yǐ qiáng líng ruò | there is no honor in the strong bullying the weak (idiom) | |
| 以慎为键 | 以慎為鍵 | yǐ shèn wéi jiàn | to take caution as the key (idiom); to proceed very carefully | |
| 以李报桃 | 以李報桃 | yǐ lǐ bào táo | lit. give a plum in exchange for a peach ; to return a favor (idiom) | |
| 以毒攻毒 | 以毒攻毒 | yǐ dú gōng dú | to cure ills with poison (idiom, refers to technique of traditional Chinese medicine); to fight evil with evil ; set a thief to catch a thief ; to fight fire with fire | combattre le poison par le poison ; combattre le mal par le le mal ; se servir du poison comme contre-poison, antidote |
| 以汤沃沸 | 以湯沃沸 | yǐ tāng wò fèi | to manage a situation badly (idiom) | |
| 以眼还眼 | 以眼還眼 | yǐ yǎn huán yǎn | an eye for an eye (idiom); fig. to use the enemy's methods against him ; to give sb a taste of his own medicine | |
| 以眼还眼，以牙还牙 | 以眼還眼，以牙還牙 | yǐ yǎn huán yǎn , yǐ yá huán yá | 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 | |
| 以礼相待 | 以禮相待 | yǐ lǐ xiāng dài | to treat sb with due respect (idiom) | |
| 以虚带实 | 以虛帶實 | yǐ xū dài shí | to let correct ideology guide practical work (idiom) | |
| 以言代法 | 以言代法 | yǐ yán dài fǎ | to substitute one's words for the law (idiom); high-handedly putting one's orders above the law | |
| 以言代法，以权压法 | 以言代法，以權壓法 | yǐ yán dài fǎ , yǐ quán yā fǎ | to substitute one's words for the law and abuse power to crush it (idiom); completely lawless behavior ; Might makes right. | |
| 以讹传讹 | 以訛傳訛 | yǐ é chuán é | to spread falsehoods; to increasingly distort the truth; to pile errors on top of errors (idiom) | |
| 以貌取人 | 以貌取人 | yǐ mào qǔ rén | to judge sb by appearances (idiom) | (idiome) juger par les apparences |
| 以资证明 | 以資證明 | yǐ zī zhèng míng | in support or witness hereof (idiom) | |
| 以身作则 | 以身作則 | yǐ shēn zuò zé | to set an example (idiom); to serve as a model | (phrase) se donner en exemple; servir d'exemple; prêcher d'exemple; |
| 以身报国 | 以身報國 | yǐ shēn bào guó | to give one's body for the nation (idiom); to spend one's whole life in the service of the country | |
| 以身许国 | 以身許國 | yǐ shēn xǔ guó | to dedicate oneself to the cause of one’s country (idiom) | |
| 以逸待劳 | 以逸待勞 | yǐ yì dài láo | to wait at one's ease for the exhausted enemy ; to nurture one's strength and bide one's time (idiom) | |
| 以邻为壑 | 以鄰為壑 | yǐ lín wéi hè | to use one's neighbor as a drain ; to shift one's problems onto others (idiom) | |
| 以防万一 | 以防萬一 | yǐ fáng wàn yī | to guard against the unexpected (idiom); just in case ; prepared for any eventualities | |
| 仰人鼻息 | 仰人鼻息 | yǎng rén bí xī | to rely on others for the air one breathes (idiom); to depend on sb's whim for one's living | |
| 仰屋著书 | 仰屋著書 | yǎng wū zhù shū | lit. to stare at the ceiling while writing a book (idiom); to put one's whole body and soul into a book | |
| 仰躺 | 仰躺 | yǎng tǎng | to lie on one's back | |
| 任人唯亲 | 任人唯親 | rèn rén wéi qīn | to appoint people by favoritism (idiom); nepotism ; corrupt appointment | |
| 任人唯贤 | 任人唯賢 | rèn rén wéi xián | to appoint people according to their merits (idiom); appointment on the basis of ability and integrity | nommer les cadres selon leur mérite |
| 任其自然 | 任其自然 | rèn qí zì rán | to let things take their course (idiom) ; to leave it to nature ; laissez-faire | |
| 任凭风浪起，稳坐钓鱼台 | 任憑風浪起，穩坐釣魚臺 | rèn píng fēng làng qǐ , wěn zuò diào yú tái | lit. sitting at ease in a fishing boat despite wind and storm (idiom); to stay calm during tense situation ; a cool head in a crisis | |
| 任劳任怨 | 任勞任怨 | rèn láo rèn yuàn | to undertake a task despite criticism (idiom); to bear the burden of office willingly | supporter toutes les peines sans se plaindre du tout; ne craindre ni peine ni remarque; ne pas ménager sa peine et supporter patiemment les reproches; ne pas épargner ses efforts ni craindre de s'attirer des plaintes; |
| 任贤使能 | 任賢使能 | rèn xián shǐ néng | to appoint the virtuous and use the able (idiom); appointment on the basis of ability and integrity | |
| 伏地挺身 | 伏地挺身 | fú dì tǐng shēn | pushup (exercise) idiom) | |
| 伏龙凤雏 | 伏龍鳳雛 | fú lóng fèng chú | hidden genius (idiom) | |
| 众寡悬殊 | 眾寡懸殊 | zhòng guǎ xuán shū | the multitude against the few, a wide disparity (idiom from Mencius); heavily outnumbered ; unequally matched ; overwhelmed by weight of numbers | |
| 众志成城 | 眾志成城 | zhòng zhì chéng chéng | unity of will is an impregnable stronghold (idiom) | La volonté de tous fait rempart.; |
| 众星拱辰 | 眾星拱辰 | zhòng xīng gǒng chén | lit. all the stars revolve around Polaris 北辰[Bei3 chen2] (idiom, from Analects); fig. to view sb as core figure ; to group around a revered leader | |
| 众星捧月 | 眾星捧月 | zhòng xīng pěng yuè | lit. all the stars cup themselves around the moon (idiom, from Analects); fig. to view sb as core figure ; to group around a revered leader ; to revolve around sb | |
| 众毛攒球 | 眾毛攢毬 | zhòng máo zǎn qiú | many little drops make an ocean (idiom) | |
| 众盲摸象 | 眾盲摸象 | zhòng máng mō xiàng | multitude of blind people touch an elephant (idiom, from Nirvana sutra 大般涅槃經|大般涅盘经[da4 ban1 Nie4 pan2 jing1]); fig. unable to see the big picture ; to mistake the part for the whole ; u | |
| 众矢之的 | 眾矢之的 | zhòng shǐ zhī dì | lit. target of a multitude of arrows (idiom); the butt of public criticism ; attacked on all sides | être la cible de toutes les flèches (de toutes les attaques); |
| 众说纷揉 | 眾說紛揉 | zhòng shuō fēn róu | lit. diverse opinions confused and divided (idiom); opinions differ ; controversial matters | |
| 众说纷纭 | 眾說紛紜 | zhòng shuō fēn yún | opinions differ (idiom) | (phrase) Les avis sont partagés (ou très divers); |
| 优游自得 | 優遊自得 | yōu yóu zì dé | free and at leisure (idiom); unfettered | |
| 会心微笑 | 會心微笑 | huì xīn wēi xiào | a knowing smile (idiom) | |
| 传回 | 傳回 | chuán huí | to send back | |
| 传播四方 | 傳播四方 | chuán bō sì fāng | to disseminate in every direction (idiom) | |
| 传道受业 | 傳道受業 | chuán dào shòu yè | to teach (idiom); lit. to give moral and practical instruction | |
| 伤及无辜 | 傷及無辜 | shāng jí wú gū | to harm the innocent (idiom) | |
| 伤天害理 | 傷天害理 | shāng tiān hài lǐ | to offend Heaven and reason (idiom); bloody atrocities that cry to heaven ; outrageous acts | |
| 伤弓之鸟 | 傷弓之鳥 | shāng gōng zhī niǎo | lit. bird wounded by an arrow (idiom); fig. wounded or damaged person | |
| 伤心惨目 | 傷心慘目 | shāng xīn cǎn mù | (idiom) too appalling to look at | |
| 伤风败俗 | 傷風敗俗 | shāng fēng bài sú | offending public morals (idiom) | |
| 伫 | 佇 | zhù | wait ; look towards ; turn one's back on | |
| 伶牙俐齿 | 伶牙俐齒 | líng yá lì chǐ | clever and eloquent (idiom); fluent ; having the gift of the gab | |
| 似懂非懂 | 似懂非懂 | sì dǒng fēi dǒng | seem to understand, but not understand (idiom) | |
| 似是而非 | 似是而非 | sì shì ér fēi | apparently right but actually wrong; specious (idiom) | spécieux,se; spéciosité |
| 似笑非笑 | 似笑非笑 | sì xiào fēi xiào | like a smile yet not a smile (idiom) | rioter |
| 但愿如此 | 但願如此 | dàn yuàn rú cǐ | if only it were so ; I hope so (idiom) | |
| 但说无妨 | 但說無妨 | dàn shuō wú fáng | there is no harm in saying what one thinks (idiom) | |
| 低等动物 | 低等動物 | dī děng dòng wù | lower animal ; primitive life-form | |
| 低首下心 | 低首下心 | dī shǒu xià xīn | to be fawningly submissive (idiom) | |
| 体大思精 | 體大思精 | tǐ dà sī jīng | extensive and penetrating (idiom); expansive and profound (of writing) | |
| 体恤入微 | 體恤入微 | tǐ xù rù wēi | to emphasize down to last detail (idiom); to show every possible consideration ; meticulous care | |
| 体无完肤 | 體無完膚 | tǐ wú wán fū | lit. cuts and bruises all over (idiom); fig. totally refuted | porter de graves blessures sur tout le corps; avoir le corps criblé de blessures ; être réfuté point par point; être soumis à un feu nourri de critiques; |
| 体贴入微 | 體貼入微 | tǐ tiē rù wēi | to show every possible consideration (idiom); meticulous care | |
| 何乐而不为 | 何樂而不為 | hé lè ér bù wéi | What can you have against it? (idiom) ; We should do this. ; Go for it! | |
| 何济于事 | 何濟於事 | hé jì yú shì | of what use is it ; (idiom) | |
| 佗 | 佗 | tuó | carry on the back | charger, porter sur le dos; |
| 余勇可贾 | 餘勇可賈 | yú yǒng kě gǔ | lit. spare valor for sale (idiom); fig. after former successes, still ready for more work ; not resting on one's laurels | |
| 余响绕梁 | 餘響繞梁 | yú xiǎng rào liáng | reverberates around the rafters (idiom); fig. sonorous and resounding (esp. of singing voice) | |
| 余音绕梁 | 餘音繞梁 | yú yīn rào liáng | reverberates around the rafters (idiom); fig. sonorous and resounding (esp. of singing voice) | |
| 佛口蛇心 | 佛口蛇心 | fó kǒu shé xīn | words of a Buddha, heart of a snake (idiom); two-faced ; malicious and duplicitous | |
| 作主 | 作主 | zuò zhǔ | to decide ; to make decisions ; to back up sb ; support | agir en maître; |
| 作威作福 | 作威作福 | zuò wēi zuò fú | tyrannical abuse (idiom); riding roughshod over people | abuser tyranniquement de son pouvoir ; agir en despote ; faire la pluie et le beau temps |
| 作揖 | 作揖 | zuò yī | to bow with hands held in front | |
| 作茧自缚 | 作繭自縛 | zuò jiǎn zì fù | to spin a cocoon around oneself (idiom); enmeshed in a trap of one's own devising ; hoist by his own petard | |
| 你争我夺 | 你爭我奪 | nǐ zhēng wǒ duó | lit. you fight, I snatch (idiom); to compete fiercely offering no quarter ; fierce rivalry ; tug-of-war | |
| 你死我活 | 你死我活 | nǐ sǐ wǒ huó | lit. you die, I live (idiom); irreconcilable adversaries ; two parties cannot coexist | mortel ; à mort |
| 佪 | 佪 | huái | irresolute ; move back and forth | |
| 佳人才子 | 佳人才子 | jiā rén cái zǐ | beautiful lady, gifted scholar (idiom); pair of ideal lovers ; cf With his brains and her looks... | |
| 依依不舍 | 依依不舍 | yī yī bù shě | reluctant to part (idiom); broken-hearted at having to leave | ne pas vouloir se séparer ; ne pas pouvoir se séparer ; avoir le regret de se séparer ; se séparer à contrecoeur ; être inséparables |
| 依样画葫芦 | 依樣畫葫蘆 | yī yàng huà hú lu | to draw a gourd from the model (idiom); fig. to copy sth mechanically without attempt at originality ; to crib ; to ape ; to plagiarize | |
| 依然如故 | 依然如故 | yī rán rú gù | back to where we were (idiom); absolutely no improvement ; Things haven't changed at all. | |
| 依然故我 | 依然故我 | yī rán gù wǒ | to continue in one's own way (idiom); to ignore advice ; to persist whatever others say | |
| 侯门似海 | 侯門似海 | hóu mén sì hǎi | lit. the gate of a noble house is like the sea ; there is a wide gap between the nobility and the common people (idiom) | |
| 便民利民 | 便民利民 | biàn mín lì mín | for the convenience and benefit of the people (idiom) | |
| 促使 | 促使 | cù shǐ | to induce ; to promote ; to urge ; to impel ; to bring about ; to provoke ; to drive (sb to do sth) ; to catalyze ; to actuate ; to contribute to (some development) | pousser quelqu'un à faire quelque chose |
| 促膝谈心 | 促膝談心 | cù xī tán xīn | to sit side-by-side and have a heart-to-heart talk (idiom) | |
| 俗谚口碑 | 俗諺口碑 | sú yàn kǒu bēi | common sayings (idiom); widely circulated proverbs | |
| 俗随时变 | 俗隨時變 | sú suí shí biàn | customs change with time (idiom); other times, other manners ; O Tempora, O Mores! | |
| 保命 | 保命 | bǎo mìng | to save one's life ; to survive | |
| 保家卫国 | 保家衛國 | bǎo jiā wèi guó | guard home, defend the country (idiom); national defense | |
| 保留 | 保留 | bǎo liú | to retain ; to continue to have ; to preserve ; to maintain ; to reserve ; reservations ; to hold back (approval or acceptance) | garder; conserver ; retenir; réserver; |
| 信口开河 | 信口開河 | xìn kǒu kāi hé | to talk off the cuff (idiom); idle talk | parler en air ; parler à la légère ; parler à tort et à travers |
| 信口雌黄 | 信口雌黃 | xìn kǒu cí huáng | to talk off the cuff (idiom); idle talk | |
| 信孚中外 | 信孚中外 | xìn fú zhōng wài | to be trusted both at home and abroad (idiom) | |
| 俨如白昼 | 儼如白晝 | yǎn rú bái zhòu | as bright as daylight (idiom) | |
| 俭以养廉 | 儉以養廉 | jiǎn yǐ yǎng lián | frugality makes honesty (idiom) | |
| 俭以防匮 | 儉以防匱 | jiǎn yǐ fáng kuì | frugality in order to prevent destitution (idiom) | |
| 俭则不缺 | 儉則不缺 | jiǎn zé bù quē | frugality prevents destitution (idiom) | |
| 俭薄 | 儉薄 | jiǎn bó | to lack the necessities of life | |
| 修心养性 | 修心養性 | xiū xīn yǎng xìng | to cultivate the heart and nurture the character (idiom); to improve oneself by meditation | |
| 俯首倾耳 | 俯首傾耳 | fǔ shǒu qīng ěr | to bend one’s head and listen attentively (idiom) | |
| 俯首帖耳 | 俯首帖耳 | fǔ shǒu tiē ěr | bowed head and ears glued (idiom); docile and obedient ; at sb's beck and call | |
| 俾夜作昼 | 俾夜作昼 | bǐ yè zuò zhòu | lit. to make night as day (idiom); fig. to burn the midnight oil ; work especially hard | |
| 俾昼作夜 | 俾昼作夜 | bǐ zhòu zuò yè | to make day as night (idiom, from Book of Songs); fig. to prolong one's pleasure regardless of the hour | |
| 倒叙 | 倒敘 | dào xù | a flash-back (in novel or film) | |
| 倒悬之危 | 倒懸之危 | dào xuán zhī wēi | lit. the crisis of being hanged upside down (idiom); fig. extremely critical situation ; dire straits | |
| 倒悬之急 | 倒懸之急 | dào xuán zhī jí | lit. the crisis of being hanged upside down (idiom); fig. extremely critical situation ; dire straits | |
| 倒悬之苦 | 倒懸之苦 | dào xuán zhī kǔ | lit. the pain of being hanged upside down (idiom); fig. extremely critical situation ; dire straits | |
| 倒手 | 倒手 | dǎo shǒu | to shift from one hand to the other ; to change hands (of merchandise) | |
| 倒打一耙 | 倒打一耙 | dào dǎ yī pá | lit. to strike with a muck-rake (idiom), cf Pigsy 豬八戒|猪八戒 in Journey to the West 西遊記|西游记; fig. to counter-attack ; to make bogus accusations (against one's victim) | |
| 倒灌 | 倒灌 | dào guàn | to flow backwards (of water, because of flood, tide, wind etc) ; reverse flow ; to back up (sewage) | |
| 倒背手 | 倒背手 | dào bèi shǒu | with one's hands behind one's back | |
| 倒背手儿 | 倒背手兒 | dào bèi shǒu r | erhua variant of 倒背手, with one's hands behind one's back | |
| 倒行逆施 | 倒行逆施 | dào xíng nì shī | to go against the tide (idiom); to do things all wrong ; to try to turn back history ; a perverse way of doing things | |
| 倒过儿 | 倒過兒 | dào guò r | the wrong way round (back-to-front, inside out etc) | |
| 倒退 | 倒退 | dào tuì | to fall back ; to go in reverse | reculer; rétrograder; |
| 倘能如此 | 倘能如此 | tǎng néng rú cǐ | if it is possible (idiom) | |
| 倚栏望月 | 倚欄望月 | yǐ lán wàng yuè | to lean against the railings and look at the moon (idiom) | |
| 倚靠 | 倚靠 | yǐ kào | to lean on ; to rest against ; to rely on ; support ; backing ; back of a chair | accoter |
| 借刀杀人 | 借刀殺人 | jiè dāo shā rén | to lend sb a knife to kill sb ; to get sb else to do one's dirty work ; to attack using the strength of another (idiom) | |
| 借古讽今 | 借古諷今 | jiè gǔ fěng jīn | to use the past to disparage the present (idiom) | |
| 借尸还魂 | 借屍還魂 | jiè shī huán hún | lit. reincarnated in sb else's body (idiom); fig. a discarded or discredited idea returns in another guise | |
| 借手除敌 | 借手除敵 | jiè shǒu chú dí | to use a proxy to eliminate a rival (idiom) | |
| 借花献佛 | 借花獻佛 | jiè huā xiàn fó | lit. presenting the Buddha with borrowed flowers (idiom); fig. to win favor or influence using sb else's property ; plagiarism | |
| 借资挹注 | 借資挹注 | jiè zī yì zhù | to make use of sth in order to make good the deficits in sth else (idiom) | |
| 债台高筑 | 債臺高築 | zhài tái gāo zhú | lit. build a high desk of debt (idiom); heavily in debt | (phrase) être criblé (écrasé) de dettes; être endetté jusqu'au cou; |
| 倾家荡产 | 傾家蕩產 | qīng jiā dàng chǎn | to lose a family fortune (idiom) | |
| 倾巢来犯 | 傾巢來犯 | qīng cháo lái fàn | to turn out in force ready to attack (idiom) | |
| 倾巢而出 | 傾巢而出 | qīng cháo ér chū | the whole nest came out (idiom); to turn out in full strength | |
| 倾心吐胆 | 傾心吐膽 | qīng xīn tǔ dǎn | to pour out one's hear (idiom) | |
| 偃旗息鼓 | 偃旗息鼓 | yǎn qí xī gǔ | lit. lay down the flag and still the drums (idiom); fig. to cease ; to give in | rouler ses drapeaux et cesser de battre du tambour; sonner la retraite; |
| 假公济私 | 假公濟私 | jiǎ gōng jì sī | official authority used for private interests (idiom); to attain private ends by abusing public position | agir à des fins égoïstes sous le couvert des intérêts publics ; publiques pour servir son propre intérêt |
| 假途灭虢 | 假途滅虢 | jiǎ tú miè guó | lit. a short-cut to crush Guo (idiom); fig. to connive with sb to damage a third party, then turn on the partner | |
| 假道伐虢 | 假道伐虢 | jiǎ dào fá guó | to obtain safe passage to conquer the State of Guo ; to borrow the resources of an ally to attack a common enemy (idiom) | |
| 偏邪不正 | 偏邪不正 | piān xié bù zhèng | biased ; prejudiced (idiom) | |
| 做一天和尚，撞一天钟 | 做一天和尚，撞一天鐘 | zuò yī tiān hé shang , zhuàng yī tiān zhōng | as a monk for today, toll today's bell (idiom); to do one's job mechanically ; to hold a position passively | |
| 做主 | 做主 | zuò zhǔ | make the decision ; take charge of ; back up ; support ; be host | |
| 做好做歹 | 做好做歹 | zuò hǎo zuò dǎi | to persuade using all possible arguments (idiom); to act good cop and bad cop in turn | |
| 做工 | 做工 | zuò gōng | to work with one's hands ; manual work ; workmanship | faire du travail manuel; travailler; façon; frais que nécessite un travail; exécution; |
| 做张做势 | 做張做勢 | zuò zhāng zuò shì | to put on an act (idiom); to pose ; to show theatrical affectation ; to indulge in histrionics | |
| 做张做智 | 做張做智 | zuò zhāng zuò zhì | to put on an act (idiom); to pose ; to show theatrical affectation ; to indulge in histrionics | |
| 做手 | 做手 | zuò shǒu | to put one's hand to sth ; to set about ; skillful hands ; worker ; writer | |
| 做活 | 做活 | zuò huó | to work for a living (esp. of woman needleworker) ; life of a group of stones in Go 圍棋|围棋[wei2 qi2] | |
| 做贼心虚 | 做賊心虛 | zuò zéi xīn xū | to feel guilty as a thief (idiom); to have sth on one's conscience | |
| 停滞不前 | 停滯不前 | tíng zhì bù qián | stuck and not moving forward (idiom); stagnant ; in a rut ; at a standstill | (idiome) coincé et ne progresse pas; stagnant; dans une ornière; à l'arrêt |
| 停酒止乐 | 停酒止樂 | tíng jiǔ zhǐ yuè | stop the wine and stop the music (idiom) | |
| 偝 | 偝 | bèi | disobey ; stand back-to-back | se tenir dos-à-dos; désobéir |
| 偶语弃市 | 偶語棄市 | ǒu yǔ qì shì | chance remarks can lead to public execution (idiom) | |
| 偷工减料 | 偷工減料 | tōu gōng jiǎn liào | to skimp on the job and stint on materials (idiom) ; jerry-building ; sloppy work | |
| 偷梁换柱 | 偷梁換柱 | tōu liáng huàn zhù | lit. to steal a rafter and replace it with a column ; to replace the original with a fake ; to perpetrate a fraud (idiom) | voler les poutres et les piliers et les remplacer par des pièces vermoulues ; substituer le faux au vrai |
| 偷香窃玉 | 偷香竊玉 | tōu xiāng qiè yù | lit. stolen scent, pilfered jade (idiom); philandering ; secret illicit sex | |
| 偷鸡不成蚀把米 | 偷雞不成蝕把米 | tōu jī bù chéng shí bǎ mǐ | trying to steal a chicken, but only lost a handful of rice (common expression); having high aims, but a total failure | (idiom) essayer de voler un poulet mais perdre une poignée de riz; avoir de grands projets mais subir un échec total |
| 偷鸡不着蚀把米 | 偷雞不著蝕把米 | tōu jī bù zháo shí bǎ mǐ | trying to steal a chicken, but only lost a handful of rice (common expression); having high aims, but a total failure | (idiom) essayer de voler un poulet mais perdre une poignée de riz; avoir de grands projets mais subir un échec total |
| 偷鸡摸狗 | 偷雞摸狗 | tōu jī mō gǒu | to imitate the dog and steal chicken (idiom); to dally with women ; to have affairs | |
| 偿付 | 償付 | cháng fù | to pay back | |
| 偿命 | 償命 | cháng mìng | to pay with one's life | (un assassin) payer de sa vie |
| 催情 | 催情 | cuī qíng | to promote estrus ; to bring an animal to heat by artificial means | provoquer l'oestrus |
| 元恶大憝 | 元惡大憝 | yuán è dà duì | arch-criminal and archenemy (idiom) | |
| 兄弟阋墙 | 兄弟鬩牆 | xiōng dì xì qiáng | internecine strife (idiom); fighting among oneself | |
| 充耳不闻 | 充耳不聞 | chōng ěr bù wén | to block one's ears and not listen (idiom); to turn a deaf ear | faire la sourde oreille à quelque choseh ; se boucher les oreilles |
| 充饥止渴 | 充飢止渴 | chōng jī zhǐ kě | to allay one’s hunger and slake one’s thirst (idiom) | |
| 先下手为强 | 先下手為強 | xiān xià shǒu wéi qiáng | strike first and gain the upper hand (idiom, martial arts term); Making the first move is an advantage. | |
| 先发制人 | 先發制人 | xiān fā zhì rén | to gain the initiative by striking first (idiom); to pre-empt ; to anticipate ; pre-emptive | |
| 先斩后奏 | 先斬後奏 | xiān zhǎn hòu zòu | first decapitate then present your trophy (idiom); act first, report later | |
| 先睹为快 | 先睹為快 | xiān dǔ wéi kuài | joy of first experience (idiom) ; the pleasure of reading sth for the first time | |
| 先礼后兵 | 先禮後兵 | xiān lǐ hòu bīng | peaceful measures before using force (idiom); diplomacy before violence ; jaw-jaw is better than war-war | |
| 光前裕后 | 光前裕後 | guāng qián yù hòu | to bring honor to one's ancestors and benefit future generations (idiom) | (idiome) faire honneur à ses ancêtres et aux générations futures |
| 光天化日 | 光天化日 | guāng tiān huà rì | the full light of day (idiom) ; fig. peace and prosperity ; in broad daylight | |
| 光宗耀祖 | 光宗耀祖 | guāng zōng yào zǔ | to bring honor to one's ancestors | faire honneur à ses ancêtres; |
| 光明正大 | 光明正大 | guāng míng zhèng dà | just and honorable ; open and aboveboard ; without tricks (idiom) | |
| 光明磊落 | 光明磊落 | guāng míng lěi luò | open and candid (idiom); straightforward and upright | |
| 光耀门楣 | 光耀門楣 | guāng yào mén méi | splendor shines on the family's door (idiom) ; fig. to bring honor to one's family | |
| 光阴似箭 | 光陰似箭 | guāng yīn sì jiàn | time flies like an arrow (idiom); How time flies! | Le temps file comme une flèche |
| 克勤克俭 | 克勤克儉 | kè qín kè jiǎn | to be industrious and frugal (idiom) | |
| 克己复礼 | 克己復禮 | kè jǐ fù lǐ | restrain yourself and return to the rites (idiom, from Analects); to subdue self and observe proprieties ; (any number of possible translations) | |
| 克己奉公 | 剋己奉公 | kè jǐ fèng gōng | self-restraint and devotion to public duties (idiom); selfless dedication ; to serve the public interest wholeheartedly | |
| 克当一面 | 克當一面 | kè dāng yī miàn | to possess one-sided abilities (idiom) | |
| 免提 | 免提 | miǎn tí | hands-free (of telephone etc) | |
| 兔死狐悲 | 兔死狐悲 | tù sǐ hú bēi | lit. if the rabbit dies, the fox grieves (idiom); fig. to have sympathy with a like-minded person in distress | pleurer la mort de ses semblables ; Le renard pleure la mort du lapin (quand le lièvre meurt, le renard pleure). |
| 入乡随俗 | 入鄉隨俗 | rù xiāng suí sú | When you enter a village, follow the local customs (idiom); do as the natives do ; When in Rome, do as the Romans do | |
| 入土为安 | 入土為安 | rù tǔ wéi ān | buried and at rest (idiom); Resquiescat in pacem (RIP) | |
| 入境问俗 | 入境問俗 | rù jìng wèn sú | When you enter a country, enquire about the local customs (idiom); do as the natives do ; When in Rome, do as the Romans do | |
| 入境随俗 | 入境隨俗 | rù jìng suí sú | When you enter a country, follow the local customs (idiom); do as the natives do ; When in Rome, do as the Romans do | |
| 入情入理 | 入情入理 | rù qíng rù lǐ | sensible and reasonable (idiom) | (idiome) sensé et raisonnable |
| 全党全军 | 全黨全軍 | quán dǎng quán jūn | the (communist) party and the army together (idiom) | |
| 全军覆没 | 全軍覆沒 | quán jūn fù mò | total defeat of an army (idiom); fig. a complete wipe-out | (idiom) essuyer une défaite |
| 全民皆兵 | 全民皆兵 | quán mín jiē bīng | to bring the entire nation to arms (idiom) | |
| 全活 | 全活 | quán huó | to save life ; to rescue ; the whole business with all its processes | |
| 全神贯注 | 全神貫注 | quán shén guàn zhù | to concentrate one's attention completely (idiom) ; with rapt attention | |
| 八抬大轿 | 八抬大轎 | bā tái dà jiào | palanquin with eight carriers (idiom); fig. to treat guests with honor | |
| 公之于众 | 公之於眾 | gōng zhī yú zhòng | to make known to the masses (idiom); to publicize widely ; to let the world know | |
| 公私交迫 | 公私交迫 | gōng sī jiāo pò | combined public and private interests are a powerful force (idiom) | |
| 公而忘私 | 公而忘私 | gōng ér wàng sī | for the common good and forgetting personal interests (idiom); to behave altruistically ; selfless | |
| 公诸于世 | 公諸於世 | gōng zhū yú shì | to announce to the world (idiom); to publicize ; known to all ; to let everyone know one's position | |
| 公诸同好 | 公諸同好 | gōng zhū tóng hào | to share pleasure in the company of others (idiom); shared enjoyment with fellow enthusiasts | |
| 六亲不认 | 六親不認 | liù qīn bù rèn | no recognising one's family (idiom); self-centered and not making any allowances for the needs of one's relatives | |
| 六亲无靠 | 六親無靠 | liù qīn wú kào | orphaned of all one's immediate relatives (idiom); no one to rely on ; left to one's own devices | |
| 六神无主 | 六神無主 | liù shén wú zhǔ | all six vital organs fail (idiom); besides oneself with panic ; distracted ; out of one's wits | ne pas savoir où donner de la tête (idiome) |
| 兰艾同焚 | 蘭艾同焚 | lán ài tóng fén | lit. to burn both fragrant orchids and stinking weeds (idiom); fig. to destroy indiscriminately the noble and common ; the rain falls on the just and unjust alike | |
| 关怀备至 | 關懷備至 | guān huái bèi zhì | the utmost care (idiom); to look after sb in every possible way | |
| 关门大吉 | 關門大吉 | guān mén dà jí | to close down a business for good and put the best face on it (idiom) | |
| 关门捉贼 | 關門捉賊 | guān mén zhuō zéi | to catch a thief by closing his escape route (idiom) | |
| 兴利除弊 | 興利除弊 | xīng lì chú bì | to promote what is useful and get rid of what is harmful (idiom) | promouvoir le bien public et metre fin aux abus |
| 兴妖作怪 | 興妖作怪 | xīng yāo zuò guài | lit. summon demons to create havoc (idiom); to stir up trouble with intent of sabotage | fomenter des troubles |
| 兴致勃勃 | 興致勃勃 | xìng zhì bó bó | to become exhilarated (idiom); in high spirits ; full of zest | |
| 兴高彩烈 | 興高彩烈 | xīng gāo cǎi liè | happy and excited (idiom); in high spirits ; in great delight | |
| 兴高采烈 | 興高采烈 | xìng gāo cǎi liè | happy and excited (idiom); in high spirits ; in great delight | pavoiser; jubilation; éclater; ange; exaltation; allégresse |
| 兵不血刃 | 兵不血刃 | bīng bù xuè rèn | lit. no blood on the men's swords (idiom); fig. an effortless victory | |
| 兵临城下 | 兵臨城下 | bīng lín chéng xià | soldiers at the city walls (idiom); fig. at a critical juncture | en état de siège |
| 兵家常事 | 兵家常事 | bīng jiā cháng shì | commonplace in military operations (idiom) | |
| 兵戈扰攘 | 兵戈擾攘 | bīng gē rǎo rǎng | arms and confusion (idiom); turmoil of war | |
| 兵来将挡，水来土掩 | 兵來將擋，水來土掩 | bīng lái jiāng dǎng , shuǐ lái tǔ yǎn | counter soldiers with arms, water with an earth weir (idiom); different situations call for different action ; adopt measures appropriate to the actual situation | |
| 兵来将敌，水来土堰 | 兵來將敵，水來土堰 | bīng lái jiàng dí , shuǐ lái tǔ yàn | counter soldiers with arms, water with an earth weir (idiom); different situations call for different action ; adopt measures appropriate to the actual situation | |
| 兵精粮足 | 兵精糧足 | bīng jīng liáng zú | elite soldiers, ample provisions (idiom); well prepared forces ; preparations for war are in an advanced state | |
| 兵荒马乱 | 兵荒馬亂 | bīng huāng mǎ luàn | soldiers munity and troops rebel (idiom); turmoil and chaos of war | agitation et chaos de guerre |
| 兵败如山倒 | 兵敗如山倒 | bīng bài rú shān dǎo | troops in defeat like a landslide (idiom); a beaten army in total collapse | |
| 兵马未动，粮草先行 | 兵馬未動，糧草先行 | bīng mǎ wèi dòng , liáng cǎo xiān xíng | before the troops move, fodder and provisions go first (idiom); logistics comes before military maneuvers ; an army marches on its stomach | |
| 兹事体大 | 茲事體大 | zī shì tǐ dà | to have a serious matter at hand (idiom) | |
| 养 | 養 | yǎng | to raise (animals) ; to bring up (children) ; to keep (pets) ; to support ; to give birth | nourrir; entretenir ; élever ; se soigner; |
| 养儿防老 | 養兒防老 | yǎng ér fáng lǎo | (of parents) to bring up children for the purpose of being looked after in old age | |
| 养兵千日，用兵一时 | 養兵千日，用兵一時 | yǎng bīng qiān rì , yòng bīng yī shí | lit. Train an army for a thousand days to use it for an hour. (idiom); fig. extensive preparation eventually pays off | |
| 养兵千日，用在一朝 | 養兵千日，用在一朝 | yǎng bīng qiān rì , yòng zài yī cháo | lit. Train an army for a thousand days to use it for one morning. (idiom); fig. extensive preparation eventually pays off | |
| 养家活口 | 養家活口 | yǎng jiā huó kǒu | to support one's family (idiom) | |
| 养家糊口 | 養家糊口 | yǎng jiā hú kǒu | to support one's family (idiom); to have difficulty feeding a family | |
| 养活 | 養活 | yǎng huo | to provide for ; to keep (animals, a family etc) ; to raise animals ; to feed and clothe ; support ; the necessities of life ; to give birth | alimenter; aux dépens de |
| 养生送死 | 養生送死 | yǎng shēng sòng sǐ | to be looked after in life and given a proper burial thereafter (idiom) | |
| 养痈贻患 | 養癰貽患 | yǎng yōng yí huàn | lit. to foster an ulcer and bequeath a calamity (idiom); tolerating budding evil can only lead to disaster ; to cherish a viper in one's bosom | |
| 养痈遗患 | 養癰遺患 | yǎng yōng yí huàn | lit. to foster an ulcer and bequeath a calamity (idiom); tolerating budding evil can only lead to disaster ; to cherish a viper in one's bosom | |
| 养精蓄锐 | 養精蓄銳 | yǎng jīng xù ruì | to preserve and nurture one's spirit (idiom); honing one's strength for the big push | (phrase) se refaire et accumuler ses forces; reprendre ses forces; se préparer à fournir un effort; |
| 养虎伤身 | 養虎傷身 | yǎng hǔ shāng shēn | Rear a tiger and court disaster. (idiom); fig. if you're too lenient with sb, he will damage you later ; to cherish a snake in one's bosom | |
| 养虎遗患 | 養虎遺患 | yǎng hǔ yí huàn | Rear a tiger and court disaster. (idiom); fig. if you're too lenient with sb, he will damage you later ; to cherish a snake in one's bosom | |
| 内忧外困 | 內憂外困 | nèi yōu wài kùn | internal trouble and outside aggression (idiom); in a mess both domestically and abroad | |
| 内忧外患 | 內憂外患 | nèi yōu wài huàn | internal trouble and outside aggression (idiom); in a mess both domestically and abroad | troubles intérieurs et danger d'invasion étrangère; guerre civil et péril venant du dehors; |
| 再接再厉 | 再接再厲 | zài jiē zài lì | to continue the struggle (idiom); to persist ; unremitting efforts | redoubler d'efforts; recommencer, continuer de plus belle; |
| 再接再砺 | 再接再礪 | zài jiē zài lì | to continue the struggle (idiom); to persevere ; unremitting efforts | |
| 再生父母 | 再生父母 | zài shēng fù mǔ | like a second parent (idiom); one's great benefactor | |
| 再衰三竭 | 再衰三竭 | zài shuāi sān jié | weakening and close to exhaustion (idiom); in terminal decline ; on one's last legs | |
| 再造 | 再造 | zài zào | to give a new lease of life ; to reconstruct ; to reform ; to rework ; to recycle ; to reproduce (copies, or offspring) ; restoration ; restructuring | |
| 冒名顶替 | 冒名頂替 | mào míng dǐng tì | to assume sb's name and take his place (idiom); to impersonate ; to pose under a false name | |
| 冒大不韪 | 冒大不韙 | mào dà bù wěi | to disregard universal condemnation (idiom) | |
| 冒生命危险 | 冒生命危險 | mào shēng mìng wēi xiǎn | to risk one's life | |
| 冒着生命危险 | 冒著生命危險 | mào zhe shēng mìng wēi xiǎn | at the risk of one's life | |
| 写意人生 | 寫意人生 | xiě yì rén shēng | life | |
| 冠冕堂皇 | 冠冕堂皇 | guān miǎn táng huáng | high-sounding ; dignified ; pompous (idiom) | grandiose ; majestueux ; noble |
| 冢中枯骨 | 塚中枯骨 | zhǒng zhōng kū gǔ | dried bones in burial mound (idiom); dead and buried | |
| 冤家对头 | 冤家對頭 | yuān jiā duì tóu | enemy (idiom); opponent ; arch-enemy | |
| 冤家路窄 | 冤家路窄 | yuān jiā lù zhǎi | lit. enemies on a narrow road (idiom); fig. an inevitable clash between opposing factions | |
| 冥思苦想 | 冥思苦想 | míng sī kǔ xiǎng | to consider from all angles (idiom); to think hard ; to rack one's brains | |
| 冥思苦索 | 冥思苦索 | míng sī kǔ suǒ | to rack one’s innermost brains (idiom) | |
| 冰冻三尺，非一日之寒 | 冰凍三尺，非一日之寒 | bīng dòng sān chǐ , fēi yī rì zhī hán | three feet of ice does not form in a single day (idiom); Rome wasn't built in a day | |
| 冰壶秋月 | 冰壺秋月 | bīng hú qiū yuè | jade ice jug and autumn moon (idiom, from poem by Song writer Su Dongpo 蘇東坡|苏东坡); fig. spotless white and pure ; flawless person | |
| 冰清玉洁 | 冰清玉潔 | bīng qīng yù jié | clear as ice and clean as jade (idiom); spotless ; irreproachable ; incorruptible | |
| 冰炭不言，冷热自明 | 冰炭不言，冷熱自明 | bīng tàn bù yán , lěng rè zì míng | ice or coals, whether hot or cold goes without saying (idiom); fig. sincerity is not expressed in words | |
| 冰雪聪明 | 冰雪聰明 | bīng xuě cōng ming | exceptionally intelligent (idiom) | |
| 冲口而出 | 衝口而出 | chōng kǒu ér chū | to blurt out without thinking (idiom) | |
| 冲昏头脑 | 衝昏頭腦 | chōng hūn tóu nǎo | lit. victory muddles the brain (idiom); fig. excited and unable to act rationally | |
| 冷嘲热讽 | 冷嘲热讽 | lěng cháo rè fěng | frigid irony and scorching satire (idiom); to mock and ridicule | (idiome) railler et ridiculiser |
| 冷若冰霜 | 冷若冰霜 | lěng ruò bīng shuāng | as cold as ice and frost (idiom, usually of woman); icy manner ; frigid | |
| 冷言冷语 | 冷言冷語 | lěng yán lěng yǔ | cold words and sarcastic comments (idiom); to mock and ridicule | des paroles moqueuses et sarcastiques ; moqueuses et sarcastiques ; insinuation mêlée ; raillerie mordante |
| 冷语冰人 | 冷語冰人 | lěng yǔ bīng rén | cold words and sarcastic comments (idiom); to mock and ridicule | |
| 净心修身 | 凈心修身 | jìng xīn xiū shēn | to have an untroubled heart and behave morally (idiom) | |
| 凌乱不堪 | 凌亂不堪 | líng luàn bù kān | in a terrible mess (idiom) | |
| 凌杂米盐 | 凌雜米鹽 | líng zá mǐ yán | disordered and fragmentary | (idiom) désordonné et fragmentaire |
| 凑合 | 湊合 | còu hé | to bring together ; to make do in a bad situation ; to just get by ; to improvise ; passable ; not too bad | réunir; rassembler; accepter faute de mieux; s'accommoder; se contenter; passable; |
| 几次三番 | 幾次三番 | jǐ cì sān fān | lit. twice then three times (idiom); fig. repeatedly ; over and over again | |
| 凤毛麟角 | 鳳毛麟角 | fèng máo lín jiǎo | lit. phoenix feather and unicorn horn, fig. an extremely rare object (idiom) | |
| 凭空捏造 | 憑空捏造 | píng kōng niē zào | fabrication relying on nothing (idiom); frame-up | |
| 凭轼结辙 | 憑軾結轍 | píng shì jié zhé | to drive non-stop as fast as one can (idiom) | |
| 凶多吉少 | 兇多吉少 | xiōng duō jí shǎo | everything bodes ill, no positive signs (idiom); inauspicious ; everything points to disaster | |
| 凶相毕露 | 兇相畢露 | xiōng xiàng bì lù | show one's ferocious appearance (idiom); the atrocious features revealed ; with fangs bared | |
| 凶神恶煞 | 兇神惡煞 | xiōng shén è shà | fiends (idiom); devils and monsters | diaboliquement ; sataniquement |
| 出乎意外 | 出乎意外 | chū hū yì wài | beyond expectation (idiom); unexpected | |
| 出乎意料 | 出乎意料 | chū hū yìliào | beyond expectation (idiom); unexpected | inattendu; imprévu; inespéré; inopiné; |
| 出乎预料 | 出乎預料 | chū hū yù liào | beyond expectation (idiom); unexpected | |
| 出人头地 | 出人頭地 | chū rén tóu dì | outstanding (idiom); a pinnacle of virtue and ability | |
| 出人意外 | 出人意外 | chū rén yì wài | turned out other than expected (idiom); unexpected | |
| 出人意料 | 出人意料 | chū rén yì liào | exceeds expectations (idiom); much better than anticipated ; unexpected | (idiome) qui dépasse les attentes; beaucoup mieux que prévu; inattendu |
| 出其不意 | 出其不意 | chū qí bù yì | to do sth when least expected (idiom); to catch sb off guard | |
| 出其不意攻其不备 | 出其不意攻其不備 | chū qí bù yì gōng qí bù bèi | catch an enemy off guard with a surprise attack (idiom, from Sunzi's Art of War 孫子兵法|孙子兵法) | |
| 出尔反尔 | 出爾反爾 | chū ěr fǎn ěr | old: to reap the consequences of one's words (idiom, from Mencius); modern: to go back on one's word ; to fail to keep a promise ; to contradict oneself ; inconsistent | dire une chose et en faire une autre ; se rétracter ; se dédire ; faire volte-face |
| 出水芙蓉 | 出水芙蓉 | chū shuǐ fú róng | as a lotus flower breaking the surface (idiom); surpassingly beautiful (of young lady's face or old gentleman's calligraphy) | |
| 出生入死 | 出生入死 | chū shēng rù sǐ | from the cradle to the grave (idiom); to go through fire and water ; brave ; willing to risk life and limb | |
| 出神入化 | 出神入化 | chū shén rù huà | to reach perfection (idiom); a superb artistic achievement | |
| 出类拔萃 | 出類拔萃 | chū lèi bá cuì | to excel the common (idiom); surpassing ; preeminent ; outstanding | prodigieux ; hors pair |
| 出脱 | 出脫 | chū tuō | to manage to sell ; to dispose of sth (by selling) ; to get property off one's hands ; to find excuses (to get off a charge) ; to extricate sb (from trouble) ; to vindicate ; to become prettier (of child) | |
| 出自肺腑 | 出自肺腑 | chū zì fèi fǔ | from the bottom of one’s heart (idiom) | |
| 出谋划策 | 出謀劃策 | chū móu huà cè | to put forward plans and ideas (also derogatory) ; to give advice (idiom) | |
| 击掌 | 擊掌 | jī zhǎng | to clap one's hands ; to clap each other's hands ; high five | |
| 击退 | 擊退 | jī tuì | to beat back ; to repel | repousser; |
| 击鼓鸣金 | 擊鼓鳴金 | jī gǔ míng jīn | to beat the drum and sound the gong (idiom); fig. to order an advance or retreat ; to egg people on or to call them back | |
| 刀背 | 刀背 | dāo bèi | back of the knife | |
| 刀锯斧钺 | 刀鋸斧鉞 | dāo jù fǔ yuè | knife, saw, ax and hatchet (idiom); facing torture and execution | |
| 分崩离析 | 分崩離析 | fēn bēng lí xī | to collapse and fall apart (idiom); to break up ; falling to pieces | être en pleine désagrégation ; se désagréger ; se disloquer |
| 分秒必争 | 分秒必爭 | fēn miǎo bì zhēng | seize every minute and second (idiom); not a minute to lose ; every moment counts | |
| 切中时弊 | 切中時弊 | qiè zhòng shí bì | to hit home on the evils of the day (idiom); fig. to hit a current political target ; to hit the nub of the matter | |
| 切中时病 | 切中時病 | qiè zhòng shí bìng | to hit the target where it hurts (idiom); fig. to hit home ; to hit the nail on the head (in an argument) | |
| 切中要害 | 切中要害 | qiè zhòng yào hài | to hit the target and do real damage (idiom) ; fig.to hit where it hurts ; fig. to hit home ; an argument that hits the nail on the head | |
| 切磋琢磨 | 切磋琢磨 | qiē cuō zhuó mó | gradual improvement by slow polishing (idiom); fig. education as a gradual process | |
| 切齿腐心 | 切齒腐心 | qiè chǐ fǔ xīn | to detest sth or sb to the utmost extreme (idiom) | |
| 刚愎自用 | 剛愎自用 | gāng bì zì yòng | obstinate and self-opinionated (idiom) | |
| 刚毅木讷 | 剛毅木訥 | gāng yì mù nè | stalwart and plain spoken (idiom); unwavering and prudent | |
| 创巨痛深 | 創巨痛深 | chuāng jù tòng shēn | untold pain and suffering (idiom); deeply scarred for life | |
| 创新 | 創新 | chuàng xīn | innovation ; to bring forth new ideas ; to blaze new trails | nouveauté |
| 创造 | 創造 | chuàng zào | to create ; to bring about ; to produce | créer; produire; |
| 初生之犊不怕虎 | 初生之犢不怕虎 | chū shēng zhī dú bù pà hǔ | A new-born calf has no fear of the tiger (idiom). The fearlessness of youth. | |
| 初露头角 | 初露頭角 | chū lù tóu jiǎo | lit. to first show one's horns (idiom); fig. a first show of emerging talent ; first sign of emerging talent ; budding genius | |
| 刨根问底 | 刨根問底 | páo gēn wèn dǐ | to dig up roots and inquire at the base (idiom); to get to the bottom of sth | |
| 利令智昏 | 利令智昏 | lì lìng zhì hūn | to lose one's head through material greed (idiom) | |
| 利欲熏心 | 利慾薰心 | lì yù xūn xīn | lit. greed captivates the heart's tunnel ; fig. obsessed with the desire for gain ; overcome by greed (idiom) | |
| 利禄薰心 | 利祿薰心 | lì lù xūn xīn | to be eager for wealth and emolument (idiom) | |
| 别出心裁 | 別出心裁 | bié chū xīn cái | to hit on sth new (idiom); to display originality ; to adopt an original approach | faire uvre originale; avoir de l'originalité; être marqué d'un caractère original; |
| 别开生面 | 別開生面 | bié kāi shēng miàn | to start sth new or original (idiom); to break a new path ; to break fresh ground | original; inédit |
| 别提了 | 別提了 | bié tí le | say no more ; don't bring it up ; drop the subject | |
| 别无他用 | 別無他用 | bié wú tā yòng | to have no other use or purpose (idiom) | |
| 别有用心 | 別有用心 | bié yǒu yòng xīn | to have an ulterior motive (idiom); a hidden agenda | avoir des desseins inavouables; |
| 别树一帜 | 別樹一幟 | bié shù yī zhì | lit. to fly one's banner on a solitary tree (idiom); fig. to act as a loner ; to stand out ; to develop one's own school ; to have attitude of one's own | |
| 别树一旗 | 別樹一旗 | bié shù yī qí | lit. to fly one's banner on a solitary tree (idiom); fig. to act as a loner ; to stand out ; to develop one's own school ; to have attitude of one's own | |
| 制服 | 制服 | zhì fù | to subdue ; to check ; to bring under control ; (in former times) what one is allowed to wear depending on social status ; uniform (army, party, school etc) ; livery (for company employees) | uniforme; |
| 刻舟求剑 | 刻舟求劍 | kè zhōu qiú jiàn | lit. a notch on the side of a boat to locate a sword dropped overboard (idiom); fig. an action made pointless by changed circumstances | |
| 刻苦耐劳 | 刻苦耐勞 | kè kǔ nài láo | to bear hardships and work hard (idiom); assiduous and long-suffering ; hard-working and capable of overcoming adversity | |
| 刻骨相思 | 刻骨相思 | kè gǔ xiāng sī | lit. one’s feelings carved into one’s bones ; to care for sb very deeply (idiom) | |
| 刻骨铭心 | 刻骨銘心 | kè gǔ míng xīn | deep-felt gratitude (idiom) | |
| 削职为民 | 削職為民 | xuē zhí wéi mín | demotion to commoner (idiom) | |
| 削足适履 | 削足適履 | xuē zú shì lǚ | to cut the feet to fit the shoes (idiom); to force sth to fit (as to a Procrustean bed) ; impractical or inelegant solution | |
| 前世姻缘 | 前世姻緣 | qián shì yīn yuán | a marriage predestined in a former life (idiom) | |
| 前事不忘，后事之师 | 前事不忘，後事之師 | qián shì bù wàng , hòu shì zhī shī | don't forget past events, they can guide you in future (idiom); benefit from past experience | |
| 前人栽树，后人乘凉 | 前人栽樹，後人乘涼 | qián rén zāi shù , hòu rén chéng liáng | to enjoy the benefits of the hard work of one's predecessors. (idiom) | |
| 前仆后继 | 前仆後繼 | qián pū hòu jì | one falls, the next follows (idiom); stepping into the breach to replace fallen comrades ; advancing wave upon wave | |
| 前仰后合 | 前仰後合 | qián yǎng hòu hé | to sway to and fro ; to rock back and forth | se balancer |
| 前因后果 | 前因後果 | qián yīn hòuguǒ | cause and effects (idiom); entire process of development | cause et effet; origine et conséquences; tenants et aboutissants |
| 前怕狼后怕虎 | 前怕狼後怕虎 | qián pà láng hòu pà hǔ | lit. to fear the wolf in front and the tiger behind (idiom); fig. needless fears ; scare mongering ; reds under the beds | (idiome) craindre le loup devant et le tigre derrière ; craintes inutiles |
| 前缘未了 | 前緣未了 | qián yuán wèi liǎo | one’s predestined fate is yet to be fulfilled (idiom) | |
| 前车之覆，后车之鉴 | 前車之覆，後車之鑒 | qián chē zhī fù , hòu chē zhī jiàn | 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 | |
| 前车之鉴 | 前車之鑒 | qián chē zhī jiàn | to learn a lesson from the mistakes of one's predecessor (idiom) | |
| 前门 | 前門 | qián mén | front door ; main entrance ; honest and upright approach (as opposed to 後門|后门, back-door or under the counter) | porte d'entrée |
| 前门打虎，后门打狼 | 前門打虎，後門打狼 | qián mén dǎ hǔ , hòu mén dǎ láng | 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 | |
| 前门拒虎，后门进狼 | 前門拒虎，後門進狼 | qián mén jù hǔ , hòu mén jìn láng | 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 | |
| 剑拔弩张 | 劍拔弩張 | jiàn bá nǔ zhāng | lit. with swords drawn and bows bent (idiom); fig. a state of mutual hostility ; at daggers drawn | épées tirées et arbalètes tendues; sabre au clair; menaces de guerre; une situation très tendue; |
| 剑走偏锋 | 劍走偏鋒 | jiàn zǒu piān fēng | the sword moves with side stroke (modern idiom) ; fig. unexpected winning move ; unconventional gambit | |
| 剑走蜻蛉 | 劍走蜻蛉 | jiàn zǒu qīng líng | the sword moves like a dragon-fly (modern idiom) ; fig. unexpected winning move ; unconventional gambit | |
| 剖肝沥胆 | 剖肝瀝膽 | pōu gān lì dǎn | to be open and respectful (idiom) | |
| 剪草除根 | 剪草除根 | jiǎn cǎo chú gēn | lit. cut grass and pull out roots (idiom); fig. to destroy root and branch ; to eradicate | |
| 割鸡焉用牛刀 | 割雞焉用牛刀 | gē jī yān yòng niú dāo | lit. why use a pole-ax to slaughter a chicken? ; to waste effort on a trifling matter (idiom) | |
| 劈头盖脸 | 劈頭蓋臉 | pī tóu gài liǎn | lit. splitting the head and covering the face (idiom); fig. pelting (with rain etc) ; showering down | en pleine tête ; en plein visage |
| 劈空扳害 | 劈空扳害 | pī kōng bān hài | damaged by groundless slander (idiom) | |
| 力不从心 | 力不從心 | lì bù cóng xīn | less capable than desirable (idiom); not as strong as one would wish ; the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak | (phrase) Ses moyens ne sont pas à la mesure de ses intentions ./ Ses capacités ne répondent pas à la mesure; |
| 力争上游 | 力爭上遊 | lì zhēng shàng yóu | to strive for mastery (idiom); aiming for the best result ; to have high ambitions | |
| 力尽神危 | 力盡神危 | lì jìn shén wēi | totally exhausted as result of over-exertion (idiom) | |
| 力所能及 | 力所能及 | lì suǒ néng jí | as far as one's capabilities extend (idiom); to the best of one's ability ; within one's powers | |
| 力挽狂澜 | 力挽狂瀾 | lì wǎn kuáng lán | to pull strongly against a crazy tide (idiom); fig. to try hard to save a desperate crisis | |
| 力排众议 | 力排眾議 | lì pái zhòng yì | to stand one's ground against the opinion of the masses (idiom) | |
| 劝善惩恶 | 勸善懲惡 | quàn shàn chéng è | to encourage virtue and punish evil (idiom); fig. poetic justice ; you get what's coming to you | |
| 功亏一篑 | 功虧一簣 | gōng kuī yī kuì | lit. to ruin the enterprise for the sake of one basketful ; to fail through lack of a final effort ; to spoil the ship for a ha'penny worth of tar (idiom) | |
| 功到自然成 | 功到自然成 | gōng dào zì rán chéng | effort will undoubtedly lead to success (idiom) | |
| 功名利禄 | 功名利祿 | gōng míng lì lù | position and wealth (idiom); rank, fame and fortune | |
| 功完行满 | 功完行滿 | gōng wán xíng mǎn | to fully achieve one’s ambitions (idiom) | |
| 功德圆满 | 功德圓滿 | gōng dé yuán mǎn | virtuous achievements come to their successful conclusion (idiom) | |
| 功德无量 | 功德無量 | gōng dé wú liàng | no end of virtuous achievements (idiom); boundless beneficence | |
| 功成不居 | 功成不居 | gōng chéng bù jū | not to claim personal credit for achievement (idiom) | |
| 功成名就 | 功成名就 | gōng chéng míng jiù | to win success and recognition (idiom) | |
| 功败垂成 | 功敗垂成 | gōng bài chuí chéng | to fail within sight of success (idiom); last-minute failure ; to fall at the last hurdle ; snatching defeat from the jaws of victory | |
| 功高不赏 | 功高不賞 | gōng gāo bù shǎng | high merit that one can never repay (idiom); invaluable achievements | |
| 功高望重 | 功高望重 | gōng gāo wàng zhòng | high merit and worthy prospects (idiom) | |
| 加官进位 | 加官進位 | jiā guān jìn wèi | promotion in official post and salary raise (idiom) | |
| 加官进爵 | 加官進爵 | jiā guān jìn jué | promotion to the nobility (idiom) | |
| 加官进禄 | 加官進祿 | jiā guān jìn lù | promotion in official post and salary raise (idiom) | |
| 动人心魄 | 動人心魄 | dòng rén xīn pò | to move and thrill (idiom); exciting | |
| 动手 | 動手 | dòng shǒu | to hit with hands or fists ; to start work ; to touch | toucher ; en venir aux mains ; passer à l'action; |
| 动见观瞻 | 動見觀瞻 | dòng jiàn guān zhān | to be watched closely (idiom) | |
| 动辄得咎 | 動輒得咎 | dòng zhé dé jiù | faulted at every turn (idiom); can't get anything right | |
| 动魄惊心 | 動魄驚心 | dòng pò jīng xīn | shaking one to the core (idiom); extremely disturbing ; shattering ; hair-raising | |
| 助人为乐 | 助人為樂 | zhù rén wéi lè | pleasure from helping others (idiom) | (idiome) plaisir d'aider les autres |
| 助纣为虐 | 助紂為虐 | zhù zhòu wéi n//v//è | helping tyrant Zhòu 紂|纣 in his oppression (idiom); to take the side of the evil-doer ; giving succor to the enemy | |
| 努出 | 努出 | nǔ chū | to extend ; to push out (hands as a gesture) ; to pout (i.e. push out lips) | |
| 努力以赴 | 努力以赴 | nǔ lì yǐ fù | to use one’s best efforts to do sth (idiom) | |
| 劫后余生 | 劫後餘生 | jié hòu yú shēng | after the calamity, renewed life (idiom); new lease of life | |
| 劫数难逃 | 劫數難逃 | jié shù nán táo | Destiny is inexorable, there is no fleeing it (idiom). Your doom is at hand. | |
| 劳逸结合 | 勞逸結合 | láo yì jié hé | to strike a balance between work and rest (idiom) | combiner le travail avec le repos ; faire alterner raisonnablement travail et repos |
| 势不两立 | 勢不兩立 | shì bù liǎng lì | the two cannot exist together (idiom); irreconcilable differences ; incompatible standpoints | |
| 势不可当 | 勢不可當 | shì bù kě dāng | impossible to resist (idiom); an irresistible force | |
| 势在必得 | 勢在必得 | shì zài bì dé | to be determined to win (idiom) | |
| 势在必行 | 勢在必行 | shì zài bì xíng | circumstances require action (idiom); absolutely necessary ; imperative | impératif, impérative |
| 势均力敌 | 勢均力敵 | shì jūn lì dí | evenly matched adversaries (idiom) | être de force égale; deux forces équilibrées; A bon chat bon rat .; |
| 势成骑虎 | 勢成騎虎 | shì chéng qí hǔ | if you ride a tiger, it's hard to get off (idiom); fig. impossible to stop halfway | |
| 势殊事异 | 勢殊事異 | shì shū shì yì | lit. conditions unique and matters different ; things are not the same as before (idiom) | |
| 勉力而为 | 勉力而為 | miǎn lì ér wéi | to try one's best to do sth (idiom) | |
| 勋爵 | 勳爵 | xūn jué | Lord (UK hereditary nobility) ; UK life peer | titre de noblesse ; lord; |
| 勤俭为服务之本 | 勤儉為服務之本 | qín jiǎn wéi fú wù zhī běn | hardwork and thriftiness are the foundations of service (idiom) | |
| 勤俭建国 | 勤儉建國 | qín jiǎn jiàn guó | to build up the country through thrift and hard work (idiom) | |
| 勤俭朴实 | 勤儉樸實 | qín jiǎn pǔ shí | hardworking, thrifty, plain, and honest (idiom) | |
| 勤俭朴素 | 勤儉樸素 | qín jiǎn pǔ sù | hardworking, thrifty, plain, and simple (idiom) | |
| 勤俭耐劳 | 勤儉耐勞 | qín jiǎn nài láo | diligent and able to endure hardship (idiom) | |
| 勤俭节约 | 勤儉節約 | qín jiǎn jié yuē | diligent and thrifty (idiom) | |
| 勤俭起家 | 勤儉起家 | qín jiǎn qǐ jiā | to build up a family by thrift and hard work (idiom) | |
| 勤则不匮 | 勤則不匱 | qín zé bù kuì | If one is industrious, one will not be in want. (idiom) | |
| 勤劳不虞匮乏 | 勤勞不虞匱乏 | qín láo bù yú kuì fá | Poverty is a stranger to industry. (idiom) | |
| 勤政廉政 | 勤政廉政 | qín zhèng lián zhèng | honest and industrious government functionaries (idiom) | |
| 勾心斗角 | 勾心鬥角 | gōu xīn dòu jiǎo | (in palace construction) center hook and corner link ; locked in constant strife (idiom) | |
| 勿替敬典 | 勿替敬典 | wù tì jìng diǎn | to continue to respect ancient canons (idiom) | |
| 包办代替 | 包辦代替 | bāo bàn dài tì | to do everything oneself (idiom); not to allow others in on the act | |
| 包打天下 | 包打天下 | bāo dǎ tiān xià | to run everything (idiom); to monopolize the whole business ; not allow anyone else to have a look in | |
| 包揽词讼 | 包攬詞訟 | bāo lǎn cí sòng | to canvas for lawsuits (idiom); to practice chicanery | |
| 包藏祸心 | 包藏禍心 | bāo cáng huò xīn | to harbor evil intentions (idiom); concealing malice | |
| 匊 | 匊 | jú | receive with both hands | tenir à pleine main |
| 化为泡影 | 化為泡影 | huà wéi pào yǐng | lit. to turn into soap bubbles ; to come to nothing (idiom) | |
| 化敌为友 | 化敵為友 | huà dí wéi yǒu | to convert an enemy into a friend (idiom) | |
| 化整为零 | 化整為零 | huà zhěng wéi líng | to break up the whole into pieces (idiom); dealing with things one by one ; divide and conquer | |
| 化险为夷 | 化險為夷 | huà xiǎn wéi yí | to turn peril into safety (idiom); to avert disaster | |
| 匡扶社稷 | 匡扶社稷 | kuāng fú shè jì | to earnestly support one’s country (idiom) | |
| 十全十美 | 十全十美 | shí quán shí měi | complete and beautiful ; to be perfect(idiom) | parfait; qui ne laisse pas à désirer; |
| 十年树木，百年树人 | 十年樹木，百年樹人 | shí nián shù mù , bǎi nián shù rén | It takes ten years to nurture a tree, but a hundred years to train a man (idiom). A good education program takes a long time to develop. | |
| 十成九稳 | 十成九穩 | shí chéng jiǔ wěn | to be 90 per cent sure (idiom) | |
| 十里洋场 | 十里洋場 | shí lǐ yáng chǎng | to evoke the glamour of Shanghai in the 1930’s and 1940’s (idiom) | |
| 千军万马 | 千軍萬馬 | qiān jūn wàn mǎ | magnificent army with thousands of men and horses (idiom); impressive display of manpower ; all the King's horses and all the King's men | une grande armée; une armée puissante; un contingent gigantesque |
| 千军易得，一将难求 | 千軍易得，一將難求 | qiān jūn yì dé , yī jiàng nán qiú | Easy to raise an army of one thousand, but hard to find a good general. (idiom) | |
| 千千万万 | 千千萬萬 | qiān qiān wàn wàn | lit. by the thousands and tens of thousands (idiom); untold numbers ; innumerable ; thousands upon thousands | |
| 千变万轸 | 千變萬軫 | qiān biàn wàn zhěn | constantly changing, ever-varying (idiom) | (idiome) en constante évolution |
| 千古罪人 | 千古罪人 | qiān gǔ zuì rén | sb condemned by history (idiom) | (idiome) condamné par l'histoire |
| 千古遗恨 | 千古遺恨 | qiān gǔ yí hèn | to have eternal regrets (idiom) | (idiome) avoir des regrets éternels |
| 千奇百怪 | 千奇百怪 | qiān qí bǎi guài | fantastic oddities of every description (idiom) | |
| 千姿百态 | 千姿百態 | qiān zī bǎi tài | in different poses and with different expressions ; in thousands of postures (idiom) | dans différentes poses et expressions différentes; dans des milliers de postures |
| 千方百计 | 千方百計 | qiān fāng bǎi jì | lit. thousand ways, a hundred plans (idiom); by every possible means | par tous les moyens |
| 千真万确 | 千真萬確 | qiān zhēn wàn què | absolutely true (idiom) ; manifold ; true from many points of view | |
| 千篇一律 | 千篇一律 | qiān piān yīlù | thousand articles, same rule (idiom); stereotyped and repetitive ; once you've seen one, you've seen them all | stéréotypé; monotone; être du même manière; qui sortent du même moule; sans aucune variété; sans faire aucune distinction |
| 千虑一失 | 千慮一失 | qiān lǜ yī shī | reflect a thousand times and you can still make a mistake (idiom); to err is human | (idiome) l'erreur est humaine |
| 千虑一得 | 千慮一得 | qiān lǜ yī dé | a thousand tries leads to one success (idiom, humble expr.); Even without any notable ability on my part, I may still get it right sometimes by good luck. | (idiome) mille tentatives conduisent au succès |
| 千言万语 | 千言萬語 | qiān yán wàn yǔ | thousands of words (idiom); having a lot of things to say ; talking nonstop | un flot de paroles ; avoir mille choses à dire |
| 千载难逢 | 千載難逢 | qiān zǎi nán féng | lit. hard to meet in a thousand years (idiom); extremely rare opportunity ; once in a blue moon | |
| 千辛万苦 | 千辛萬苦 | qiān xīn wàn kǔ | to suffer untold hardships (idiom); trials and tribulations ; with difficulty ; after some effort | |
| 千里之堤，溃于蚁穴 | 千里之堤，潰於蟻穴 | qiān lǐ zhī dī , kuì yú yǐ xué | An ant hole causing the collapse of a great dike. ; Huge damage from a moment's negligence. (idiom) | |
| 千里寄鹅毛 | 千里寄鵝毛 | qiān lǐ jì é máo | goose feather sent from afar (idiom); a trifling present with a weighty thought behind it ; also written 千里送鵝毛|千里送鹅毛 | |
| 千里送鹅毛 | 千里送鵝毛 | qiān lǐ sòng é máo | goose feather sent from afar (idiom); a trifling present with a weighty thought behind it | |
| 千里送鹅毛，礼轻人意重 | 千里送鵝毛，禮輕人意重 | qiān lǐ sòng é máo , lǐ qīng rén yì zhòng | goose feather sent from afar, a slight present but weighty meaning (idiom); It's not the present the counts, it's the thought behind it. | |
| 千里送鹅毛，礼轻情意重 | 千里送鵝毛，禮輕情意重 | qiān lǐ sòng é máo , lǐ qīng qíng yì zhòng | goose feather sent from afar, a trifling present with a weighty thought behind it (idiom); It's not the gift that counts, but the thought behind it. | |
| 千里鹅毛 | 千里鵝毛 | qiān lǐ é máo | goose feather sent from afar (idiom); a trifling gift with a weighty thought behind it ; also written 千里送鵝毛|千里送鹅毛[qian1 li3 song4 e2 mao2] | |
| 千金一掷 | 千金一擲 | qiān jīn yī zhì | lit. stake a thousand pieces of gold on one throw (idiom); to throw away money recklessly ; extravagant | |
| 千金一诺 | 千金一諾 | qiān jīn yī nuò | a promise worth one thousand in gold (idiom); a promise that must be kept | |
| 千金难买 | 千金難買 | qiān jīn nán mǎi | can't be bought for one thousand in gold (idiom) | |
| 千钧一发 | 千鈞一發 | qiān jūn yī fā | a thousand pounds hangs by a thread (idiom); imminent peril ; a matter of life or death | |
| 千锤百鍊 | 千錘百鍊 | qiān chuí bǎi liàn | (idiom) after hard work and numerous revisions ; the vicissitudes of life | |
| 升官发财 | 升官發財 | shēng guān fā cái | to be promoted and gain wealth (idiom) | |
| 升斗小民 | 升斗小民 | shēng dǒu xiǎo mín | poor people (idiom) ; lit. people surviving on 升斗|升斗[sheng1 dou3], wretchedly poor ration ; in grinding poverty | |
| 半排出期 | 半排出期 | bàn pái chū qī | half-life | demi-existence; demi-vie |
| 半推半就 | 半推半就 | bàn tuī bàn jiù | half willing and half unwilling (idiom); to yield after making a show of resistance | |
| 半明不灭 | 半明不滅 | bàn míng bù miè | a poor light but nevertheless inextinguishable (idiom) | |
| 半条命 | 半條命 | bàn tiáo mìng | Half-Life (video game) | |
| 半死 | 半死 | bàn sǐ | half dead (of torment, hunger, tiredness etc) ; (tired) to death ; (terrified) out of one's wits ; (beaten) to within an inch of one's life ; (knock) the daylights out of sb | |
| 半真半假 | 半真半假 | bàn zhēn bàn jiǎ | (idiom) half true and half false | à moitié vrai, à moitié faux |
| 半衰期 | 半衰期 | bàn shuāi qī | half-life | demi-durée de vie; demi-existence; demi-vie |
| 半途而废 | 半途而廢 | bàn tú ér fèi | to give up halfway (idiom); leave sth unfinished | s'arrêter en bon chemin (ou à mi-chemin); s'arrêter sur sa lancée; |
| 半通不通 | 半通不通 | bàn tōng bù tōng | to not fully understand (idiom) | |
| 华屋丘墟 | 華屋丘墟 | huá wū qiū xū | magnificent building reduced to a mound of rubble (idiom); fig. all one's plans in ruins | |
| 华而不实 | 華而不實 | huá ér bù shí | flower but no fruit (idiom); handsome exterior but hollow inside ; flashy | (phrase) brillant mais sans substance; apparences trompeuses; tout ce qui luit n'est pas or; |
| 卑之，无甚高论 | 卑之，無甚高論 | bēi zhī , wú shèn gāo lùn | my opinion, nothing very involved (idiom, humble expression); my humble point is a familiar opinion ; what I say is really nothing out of the ordinary | |
| 卑之，毋甚高论 | 卑之，毋甚高論 | bēi zhī , wú shèn gāo lùn | my opinion, nothing very involved (idiom, humble expression); my humble point is a familiar opinion ; what I say is really nothing out of the ordinary | |
| 卑卑不足道 | 卑卑不足道 | bēi bēi bù zú dào | to be too petty or insignificant to mention ; to not be worth mentioning (idiom) | |
| 卑躬屈膝 | 卑躬屈膝 | bēi gōng qū xī | to bow and bend the knee (idiom); fawning ; bending and scraping to curry favor | être obséquieux ; être servile |
| 卑鄙龌龊 | 卑鄙齷齪 | bēi bǐ wò chuò | sordid and contemptible (idiom); vile and repulsive (esp. character or action) | |
| 卑陋龌龊 | 卑陋齷齪 | bēi lòu wò chuò | sordid and contemptible (idiom); vile and repulsive (esp. character or action) | |
| 卓乎不群 | 卓乎不群 | zhuó hū bù qún | standing out from the common crowd (idiom); outstanding ; preeminent | |
| 卓尔不群 | 卓爾不群 | zhuó ěr bù qún | standing above the common crowd (idiom); outstanding ; excellent and unrivaled | |
| 单刀直入 | 單刀直入 | dān dāo zhí rù | to get straight to the point (idiom) | frapper droit à coups de sabre ; aller droit au fait ; entrer de but en blanc dans le vif du sujet ; parler ; sans détours |
| 单枪匹马 | 單槍匹馬 | dān qiāng pǐ mǎ | lit. single spear and horse (idiom); fig. single handed ; unaccompanied | |
| 单调乏味 | 單調乏味 | dān diào fá wèi | donkeywork (idiom) | |
| 卖命 | 賣命 | mài mìng | to throw one's life in for ; to haplessly give one's life for ; to sacrifice oneself torturously working for another or for a group ; to pour in one's utmost effort ; to shed one's last ounce of strength for | se donner pour ; travailler à corps perdu |
| 南征北伐 | 南征北伐 | nán zhēng běi fá | war on all sides (idiom); fighting from all four quarters | |
| 南征北战 | 南征北戰 | nán zhēng běi zhàn | war on all sides (idiom); fighting from all four quarters | |
| 南征北讨 | 南征北討 | nán zhēng běi tǎo | war on all sides (idiom); fighting from all four quarters | |
| 南辕北辙 | 南轅北轍 | nán yuán běi zhé | to act in a way that defeats one's purpose (idiom) | (phrase) aller dans un sens diamétralement opposé; agir à l'encontre de l'objectif; |
| 博士买驴 | 博士買驢 | bó shì mǎi lǘ | lit. the scholar buys a donkey (idiom); fig. long-winded verbiage that never gets to the point ; idiom mocking scholastic pomposity | |
| 博学多才 | 博學多才 | bó xué duō cái | erudite and multi-talented (idiom); versatile and able | |
| 博物洽闻 | 博物洽聞 | bó wù qià wén | to have a wide knowledge of many subjects (idiom) | |
| 博而不精 | 博而不精 | bó ér bù jīng | extensive but not refined (idiom); to know something about everything ; Jack of all trades and master of none. | |
| 博识多通 | 博識多通 | bó shí duō tōng | knowledgeable and perspicacious (idiom) | |
| 博识洽闻 | 博識洽聞 | bó shí qià wén | knowledgeable ; erudite (idiom) | |
| 卧薪尝胆 | 臥薪嚐膽 | wò xīn cháng dǎn | lit. to lie on firewood and taste gall (idiom); fig. suffering patiently, but firmly resolved on revenge | |
| 危及 | 危及 | wēi jí | to endanger ; to jeopardize ; a danger (to life, national security etc) | |
| 危在旦夕 | 危在旦夕 | wēi zài dàn xī | lit. danger now morning or evening (idiom); on the verge of death ; expected any moment now ; The crisis is imminent. | |
| 危如朝露 | 危如朝露 | wēi rú zhāo lù | precarious as the morning dew (idiom); fig. ephemeral and precarious nature of human existence | |
| 危如累卵 | 危如累卵 | wēi rú lěi luǎn | precarious as pile of eggs (idiom); ready to fall and break at any moment ; in a dangerous state | |
| 危而不持 | 危而不持 | wēi ér bù chí | national danger, but no support (idiom, from Analects); the future of the nation is at stake but no-one comes to the rescue | |
| 危若朝露 | 危若朝露 | wēi ruò zhāo lù | precarious as morning dew (idiom); unlikely to last out the day | |
| 危言耸听 | 危言聳聽 | wēi yán sǒng tīng | frightening words to scare people (idiom); alarmist talk ; reds under the beds | |
| 却 | 卻 | què | but ; yet ; however ; while ; to go back ; to decline ; to retreat ; nevertheless ; even though | mais; cependant; |
| 却步 | 卻步 | què bù | to step back | reculer; |
| 卷土重来 | 卷土重來 | juàn tǔ chóng lái | to return in a swirl of dust ; to make a stage comeback (idiom) | revenir à la charge; remonter à l'assaut; se remettre en selle; |
| 卸磨杀驴 | 卸磨殺驢 | xiè mò shā lǘ | lit. to kill the donkey when the grinding is done (idiom) ; to get rid of sb once he has ceased to be useful | |
| 卿卿我我 | 卿卿我我 | qīng qīng wǒ wǒ | to bill and coo (idiom) ; to whisper sweet nothings to one another ; to be very much in love | |
| 历久弥坚 | 歷久彌堅 | lì jiǔ mí jiān | to become more resolute with the passing of time (idiom) | |
| 厉目而视 | 厲目而視 | lì mù ér shì | to cut sb a severe look (idiom) | |
| 压而不服 | 壓而不服 | yā ér bù fú | coercion will never convince (idiom) | |
| 厌气 | 厭氣 | yàn qì | anaerobic (unable to tolerate oxygen) ; fed up with ; sick of life | anaérobie; en avoir marre de |
| 厚死薄生 | 厚死薄生 | hòu sǐ bó shēng | lit. to praise the dead and revile the living ; fig. to live in the past (idiom) | |
| 原封不动 | 原封不動 | yuán fēng bù dòng | sticking unmoving to the original (idiom); not an iota changed ; untouched | rester intact |
| 原形毕露 | 原形畢露 | yuán xíng bì lù | original identity fully revealed (idiom); fig. to unmask and expose the whole truth | |
| 原生 | 原生 | yuán shēng | way of life ; ecology ; primary | |
| 去芜存菁 | 去蕪存菁 | qù wú cún jīng | lit. to get rid of the weeds and keep the flowers ; to separate the wheat from the chaff (idiom) | |
| 参差不齐 | 參差不齊 | cēn cī bù qí | unevenly matched (idiom); scraggly ; jagged | inégal; |
| 参差错落 | 參差錯落 | cēn cī cuò luò | uneven and jumbled (idiom); irregular and disorderly ; in a tangled mess | |
| 又红又肿 | 又紅又腫 | yòu hóng yòu zhǒng | to be red and swollen (idiom) | |
| 及时行乐 | 及時行樂 | jí shí xíng lè | to enjoy the present (idiom); to live happily with no though for the future ; make merry while you can ; carpe diem | carpe diem |
| 及锋而试 | 及鋒而試 | jí fēng ér shì | lit. to reach the tip and try (idiom); to have a go when at one's peak | |
| 双手 | 雙手 | shuāng shǒu | pair of hands | les deux mains; |
| 双管齐下 | 雙管齊下 | shuāng guǎn qí xià | lit. to paint holding two brushes (idiom); fig. to work on two tasks at the same time ; to attack one problem from two angles at the same time | peindre un tableau avec deux pinceaux à la fois; mener deux actions de front; employer simultanément deux moyens pour atteindre un même but.; |
| 双簧 | 雙簧 | shuāng huáng | a form or theatrical double act, popular since Qing times, with one player seated stage front and acting out the poem or song of the second player hidden at the back (also written 雙黄|双黄) ; double reed (as used in oboe or bassoo | |
| 双进双出 | 雙進雙出 | shuāng jìn shuāng chū | to be together constantly (idiom) | |
| 反传算法 | 反傳算法 | fǎn chuán suàn fǎ | back propagation algorithm | |
| 反冲 | 反衝 | fǎn chōng | recoil (of a gun) ; to bounce back ; backlash | |
| 反击 | 反擊 | fǎn jī | to strike back ; to beat back ; to counterattack | contre-attaquer; |
| 反剪 | 反剪 | fǎn jiǎn | with hands behind one's back ; trussed | |
| 反唇相讥 | 反唇相譏 | fǎn chún xiāng jī | mutual bickering and ridicule (idiom); sarcastic repartee | |
| 反嘴 | 反嘴 | fǎn zuǐ | to answer back ; to contradict ; to renege ; to go back on one's word | |
| 反客为主 | 反客為主 | fǎn kè wéi zhǔ | lit. the guest acts as host (idiom); fig. to turn from passive to active behavior | |
| 反弹 | 反彈 | fǎn dàn | to bounce ; to bounce back ; to boomerang ; to ricochet ; rebound (of stock market etc) ; bounce ; backlash ; negative repercussions | rebond; rebondir; |
| 反思 | 反思 | fǎn sī | to think back over sth ; to review ; to revisit ; to rethink ; reflection ; reassessment | |
| 反悔 | 反悔 | fǎn huǐ | to renege ; to go back (on a deal) ; to back out (of a promise) | revenir sur; |
| 反手 | 反手 | fǎn shǒu | to turn a hand over ; to put one's hand behind one's back ; fig. easily done | |
| 反扑 | 反撲 | fǎn pū | to counter-attack ; to come back after a defeat ; to retrieve lost ground | |
| 反接 | 反接 | fǎn jiē | trussed ; with hands tied behind the back | |
| 反正 | 反正 | fǎn zhèng | to put things back in order ; to return to the correct path ; in any event ; come what may ; whatever happens (I'm still sure it's right) ; anyway | en tout cas; quand même; |
| 反目成仇 | 反目成仇 | fǎn mù chéng chóu | to become enemies (idiom); to fall out with sb | |
| 反脸无情 | 反臉無情 | fǎn liǎn wú qíng | to turn one's face against sb and show no mercy (idiom); to turn against a friend | (idiome) se retourner contre un ami |
| 反裘负刍 | 反裘負芻 | fǎn qiú fù chú | to wear one's coat inside out and carry firewood on one's back | |
| 反败为胜 | 反敗為勝 | fǎn bài wéi shèng | to turn defeat into victory (idiom); to turn the tide | |
| 反转 | 反轉 | fǎn zhuǎn | reversal ; inversion ; to reverse ; to invert (upside-down, inside-out, back-to-front, white to black etc) | |
| 反顾 | 反顧 | fǎn gù | to glance back ; fig. to regret ; to have second thoughts about sth | |
| 反馈 | 反饋 | fǎn kuì | to send back information ; feedback | rétroaction; réaction; retour; rétroaction; réaction; |
| 发号施令 | 發號施令 | fā hào shī lìng | to boss people around (idiom) | |
| 发回 | 發回 | fā huí | send back ; return | |
| 发奋图强 | 發奮圖強 | fā fèn tú qiáng | to make an effort to become strong (idiom); determined to do better ; to pull one's socks up | |
| 发奋有为 | 發奮有為 | fā fèn yǒu wéi | to prove one’s worth through firm resolve (idiom) | |
| 发扬光大 | 發揚光大 | fā yáng guāng dà | to advocate ; to promote ; to advertise ; to carry out propaganda on behalf of ; to carry forward ; to bring to great height of development ; to develop and promote | |
| 发扬踔厉 | 發揚踔厲 | fā yáng chuō lì | to be full of vigor (idiom) | |
| 发指眦裂 | 髮指眥裂 | fà zhǐ zì liè | hair standing up and eyes wide in anger (idiom); enraged ; in a towering rage | |
| 发挥 | 發揮 | fā huī | to display ; to exhibit ; to bring out implicit or innate qualities ; to express (a thought or moral) ; to develop (an idea) ; to elaborate (on a theme) | mettre quelque chose en valeur; faire valoir; déployer; |
| 发聋振聩 | 發聾振聵 | fā lóng zhèn kuì | lit. so loud that even the deaf can hear (idiom); rousing even the apathetic | |
| 发言中肯 | 發言中肯 | fā yán zhòng kěn | to hit the nail on the head (idiom) | |
| 取长补短 | 取長補短 | qǔ cháng bǔ duǎn | lit. use others' strengths to make up for one's weak points (idiom from Mencius) ; to use this in place of that ; what you lose on the swings, you win on the roundabouts | |
| 变卦 | 變卦 | biàn guà | to change one's mind ; to go turncoat on ; to go back on one's word ; to break an agreement | changer d'avis; |
| 变本加厉 | 變本加厲 | biàn běn jiā lì | lit. change to more severe (idiom); to become more intense (esp. of shortcoming) ; to aggravate ; to intensify | de plus belle; |
| 变活 | 變活 | biàn huó | to come to life (by magic) | |
| 变生肘腋 | 變生肘腋 | biàn shēng zhǒu yè | lit. calamity in one's armpit (idiom); a major coup happening on one's doorstep ; trouble or danger in one's own backyard | |
| 变色易容 | 變色易容 | biàn sè yì róng | to change color and alter one's expression (idiom); to go white with fear ; out of one's wits | |
| 叙功行赏 | 敘功行賞 | xù gōng xíng shǎng | to review records and decide on rewards (idiom) | |
| 口口声声 | 口口聲聲 | kǒu kou shēng shēng | to keep on saying (idiom); to repeat over and over again | |
| 口吐毒焰 | 口吐毒焰 | kǒu tǔ dú yàn | lit. a mouth spitting with poisonous flames ; to speak angrily to sb (idiom) | |
| 口干舌燥 | 口乾舌燥 | kǒu gān shé zào | lit. dry mouth and tongue (idiom); to talk too much | |
| 口无择言 | 口無擇言 | kǒu wú zé yán | to offer many needless alternatives (idiom) | |
| 口是心非 | 口是心非 | kǒu shì xīn fēi | lit. mouth says yes, heart no (idiom); duplicity ; empty words | |
| 口碑 | 口碑 | kǒu bēi | public praise ; public reputation ; commonly held opinions ; current idiom | |
| 口碑流传 | 口碑流傳 | kǒu bēi liú chuán | widely praised (idiom); with an extensive public reputation | |
| 口碑载道 | 口碑載道 | kǒu bēi zài dào | lit. praise fills the roads (idiom); praise everywhere ; universal approbation | |
| 口若悬河 | 口若懸河 | kǒu ruò xuán hé | mouth like a torrent (idiom) ; eloquent ; glib ; voluble ; have the gift of the gab | |
| 口蜜腹剑 | 口蜜腹劍 | kǒu mì fù jiàn | lit. honeyed words, a sword in the belly (idiom); fig. hypocritical and murderous | bouche de miel, cœur de fiel ; bouche mielleuse, cœur fielleux ; intentions perfides cachées sous des dehors bienveillants |
| 口齿伶俐 | 口齒伶俐 | kǒu chǐ líng lì | eloquent and fluent speaker (idiom); grandiloquence ; the gift of the gab | |
| 口齿生香 | 口齒生香 | kǒu chǐ shēng xiāng | eloquence that generates perfume (idiom); profound and significant text | |
| 古今中外 | 古今中外 | gǔ jīn zhōng wài | at all times and in all places (idiom) | |
| 古琴 | 古琴 | gǔ qín | guqin, a long zither with 5 or 7 strings, plucked with a plectrum ; the ancestor of the long zither family, dating back to pre-classical times (playing it was an essential accomplishment of a Confucian gentleman) | |
| 句句实话 | 句句實話 | jù jù shí huà | to speak honestly (idiom) | |
| 另有企图 | 另有企圖 | lìng yǒu qǐ tú | to have an axe to grind (idiom) | |
| 另请高明 | 另請高明 | lìng qǐng gāo míng | to ask an expert for a second opinion (idiom); please ask sb better qualified than me | |
| 另起炉灶 | 另起爐灶 | lìng qǐ lú zào | lit. to set up a separate kitchen (idiom); to start from scratch ; back to square one ; to start of on a new path | élever un nouveau fourneau; recommencer à zéro; refaire un ouvrage |
| 只可意会，不可言传 | 只可意會，不可言傳 | zhǐ kě yì huì , bù kě yán chuán | can be understood, but not described (idiom, from Zhuangzi 莊子|庄子); mysterious and subtle | |
| 只欠东风 | 只欠東風 | zhǐ qiàn dōng fēng | all we need is an east wind (idiom); lacking only one tiny crucial item | |
| 只知其一，不知其二 | 只知其一，不知其二 | zhǐ zhī qí yī , bù zhī qí èr | to know the first, but not know the second (idiom); only partial information | |
| 只要功夫深，铁杵磨成针 | 只要功夫深，鐵杵磨成針 | zhǐ yào gōng fu shēn , tiě chǔ mó chéng zhēn | If you work at it hard enough, you can grind an iron bar into a needle. ; cf idiom 磨杵成針|磨杵成针, to grind an iron bar down to a fine needle (idiom); fig. to persevere in a difficult task ; to study dili | |
| 只见树木，不见森林 | 祇見樹木，不見森林 | zhǐ jiàn shù mù , bù jiàn sēn lín | only see the trees, but not see the forest (idiom, from Mao Zedong, On contradictions 毛澤東|毛泽东, 矛盾論|矛盾论) ; to concentrate on minutiae at the expense of the big picture | |
| 只言片语 | 只言片語 | zhǐ yán piàn yǔ | just a word or two (idiom); a few isolated phrases | |
| 只鸡斗酒 | 只雞斗酒 | zhī jī dǒu jiǔ | lit. a chicken and a bottle of wine (idiom); fig. ready to make an offering to the deceased, or to entertain guests | |
| 叫苦不迭 | 叫苦不迭 | jiào kǔ bu dié | to complain without stopping (idiom); to bitch endless ; incessant grievances | |
| 叫苦连天 | 叫苦連天 | jiào kǔ lián tiān | to whine on for days (idiom) ; to endlessly grumble complaints ; incessant whining | |
| 可以意会，不可言传 | 可以意會，不可言傳 | kě yǐ yì huì , bù kě yán chuán | can be understood, but not described (idiom, from Zhuangzi 莊子|庄子); mysterious and subtle | |
| 可共患难 | 可共患難 | kě gòng huàn nàn | to go through thick and thin together (idiom) | |
| 可歌可泣 | 可歌可泣 | kě gē kě qì | lit. you can sing or you can cry (idiom); fig. deeply moving ; happy and sad ; inspiring and tragic | émouvant; touchant |
| 叱咤风云 | 叱咤風雲 | chì 咤 fēng yún | lit. to rebuke Heaven and Earth (idiom); fig. shaking the whole world ; all-powerful | souffler le chaud et le froid; faire la pluie et le beau temps; |
| 叶落归根 | 葉落歸根 | yè luò guī gēn | a falling leaf returns to the roots (idiom); everything has its ancestral home ; In old age, an expatriate longs to return home. | |
| 吃一堑，长一智 | 吃一塹，長一智 | chī yī qiàn , cháng yī zhì | Fall into the moat and you'll be wiser next time (idiom). One only learns from one's mistakes. | |
| 吃力不讨好 | 吃力不討好 | chī lì bù tǎo hǎo | arduous and thankless task (idiom); strenuous and unrewarding | |
| 吃喝嫖赌 | 吃喝嫖賭 | chī hē piáo dǔ | to go dining, wining, whoring and gambling ; to lead a life of dissipation | |
| 吃喝玩乐 | 吃喝玩樂 | chī hē wán lè | to eat, drink and be merry (idiom) ; to abandon oneself to a life of pleasure | |
| 吃苦耐劳 | 吃苦耐勞 | chī kǔ nài láo | hardworking and enduring hardships (idiom) | |
| 各不相同 | 各不相同 | gè bù xiāng tóng | to have nothing in common with each other (idiom) | |
| 各取所需 | 各取所需 | gè qǔ suǒ xū | each takes what he needs (idiom) | |
| 各奔东西 | 各奔東西 | gè bèn dōng xī | to go separate ways (idiom) ; to part ways with someone | |
| 各奔前程 | 各奔前程 | gè bēn qián chéng | each goes his own way (idiom); each person has his own life to lead | suivre son propre chemin; Chacun suit son propre chemin vers l'avenir; embrasser sa propre carrière |
| 各尽所能 | 各盡所能 | gè jìn suǒ néng | each does his utmost (idiom) ; from each according to his means | |
| 各执一词 | 各執一詞 | gè zhí yī cí | each sticks to his own version (idiom); a dialogue of the deaf | |
| 各执己见 | 各執己見 | gè zhí jǐ jiàn | each sticks to his own view (idiom); a dialogue of the deaf | |
| 各持己见 | 各持己見 | gè chí jǐ jiàn | each sticks to his own opinion (idiom); chacun son gout | |
| 各显所长 | 各顯所長 | gè xiǎn suǒ cháng | strong points are obvious in each of us (idiom) | |
| 各有所好 | 各有所好 | gè yǒu suǒ hào | Each has his likes and dislikes (idiom). There is no accounting for tastes. ; chacun son gout | |
| 各界 | 各界 | gè jiè | all walks of life ; all social circles | tous les milieux; |
| 各界人士 | 各界人士 | gè jiè rén shì | all walks of life | tous les horizons de la vie |
| 各色各样 | 各色各樣 | gě sè gě yàng | lit. each color and each form (idiom) ; diverse ; various ; all kinds of | divers |
| 各行各业 | 各行各業 | gè háng gè yè | every trade ; all professions ; all walks of life | tous les métiers et profession; |
| 合情合理 | 合情合理 | hé qíng hé lǐ | reasonable and fair (idiom) | (idiome) raisonnable et équitable |
| 合掌 | 合掌 | hé zhǎng | to clasp hands ; to put one's palms together (in prayer) | |
| 合眼摸象 | 合眼摸象 | hé yǎn mō xiàng | to touch an elephant with closed eyes (idiom); to proceed blindly | |
| 合而为一 | 合而為一 | hé ér wéi yī | to merge together (idiom); to unify disparate elements into one whole | |
| 吊审 | 吊審 | diào shěn | to bring to trial ; to bring to court | |
| 吊死问疾 | 弔死問疾 | diào sǐ wèn jí | to grieve for the sick and the dying ; to show great concern for people's suffering | |
| 同乡亲故 | 同鄉親故 | tóng xiāng qīn gù | fellow countryman (from the same village) ; the folks back home | |
| 同仇敌忾 | 同仇敵愾 | tóng chóu dí kài | anger against a common enemy (idiom); joined in opposition to the same adversary | |
| 同声一哭 | 同聲一哭 | tóng shēng yī kū | to share one’s feeling of grief with others (idiom) | |
| 同室操戈 | 同室操戈 | tóng shì cāo gē | wielding the halberd within the household (idiom); internecine strife | se battre avec les siens; une guerre civile; querelles intestines; combat fratricide; |
| 同床异梦 | 同床異夢 | tóng chuáng yì mèng | lit. to share the same bed with different dreams (idiom); ostensible partners with different agendas ; strange bedfellows ; marital dissension | |
| 同心协力 | 同心協力 | tóng xīn xié lì | to work with a common purpose (idiom); to make concerted efforts ; to pull together ; to work as one | |
| 同心同德 | 同心同德 | tóng xīn tóng dé | of one mind (idiom) | |
| 同日而语 | 同日而語 | tóng rì ér yǔ | lit. to speak of two things on the same day (idiom); to mention things on equal terms (often with negatives: you can't mention X at the same time as Y) | |
| 同流合污 | 同流合污 | tóng liú hé wū | to wallow in the mire with sb (idiom); to follow the bad example of others | |
| 同甘共苦 | 同甘共苦 | tóng gān gòng kǔ | shared delights and common hardships (idiom); to share life's joys and sorrows ; for better or for worse | partager heur et malheur (la joie et la peine) de; prendre part à la joie et à la douleur de qn; être solidaire pour le meilleur et pour le pire; |
| 同病相怜 | 同病相憐 | tóng bìng xiāng lián | fellow sufferers empathize with each other (idiom); misery loves company | sympathiser avec ses compagnons de misère ; être logé à la même enseigne ; Ceux qui ont le même sort sympathisent. |
| 同符合契 | 同符合契 | tóng fú hé qì | same sign, joint aim (idiom); fig. completely compatible ; identical | |
| 同舟共济 | 同舟共濟 | tóng zhōu gòng jì | cross a river in the same boat (idiom); fig. having common interests ; obliged to collaborate towards common goals | braver vents et tempêtes avec qn; partager le même sort; rester unis dans les difficultés; Quand on est dans le même bateau, on s'entraide.; |
| 名不副实 | 名不副實 | míng bù fù shí | the name does not reflect the reality (idiom); more in name than in fact ; Reality does not live up to the name. ; Excellent theory, but the practice does not bear it out. | n'être que nominal; son nom ne correspond pas à la réalité. Son appellation ne dit pas ce qu'il est effectivement.; |
| 名不符实 | 名不符實 | míng bù fú shí | the name does not correspond to reality (idiom); it doesn't live up to its reputation | |
| 名不虚传 | 名不虛傳 | míng bù xū chuán | lit. name is not in vain (idiom); a fully justified reputation ; enjoys a well-deserved reputation | Il mérite bien son renom ; réputation bien son renom ; réputation bien méritée ; être vraiment à la hauteur de sa renommée |
| 名利双收 | 名利雙收 | míng lì shuāng shōu | both fame and fortune (idiom) ; both virtue and reward | |
| 名副其实 | 名副其實 | míng fù qí shí | not just in name only, but also in reality (idiom) | |
| 名噪一时 | 名噪一時 | míng zào yī shí | to achieve fame among one's contemporaries (idiom); temporary or local celebrity | |
| 名垂青史 | 名垂青史 | míng chuí qīng shǐ | lit. reputation will go down in history (idiom); fig. achievements will earn eternal glory | |
| 名存实亡 | 名存實亡 | míng cún shí wáng | the name remains, but the reality is gone (idiom) | |
| 名师出高徒 | 名師出高徒 | míng shī chū gāo tú | A famous teacher trains a fine student (idiom). A cultured man will have a deep influence on his successors. | |
| 名目繁多 | 名目繁多 | míng mù fán duō | names of many kinds (idiom); items of every description | |
| 名缰利锁 | 名韁利鎖 | míng jiāng lì suǒ | lit. fettered by fame and locked up by riches (idiom); tied down by reputation and wealth ; the victim of one's own success | |
| 名落孙山 | 名落孫山 | míng luò sūn shān | (idiom) to fail in imperial exam | se classer après Sun Shan (qui était le dernier au palmarès) ; échouer à un examen |
| 名重识暗 | 名重識暗 | míng zhòng shí àn | of great reputation but shallow in knowledge (idiom) | |
| 名门望族 | 名門望族 | míng mén wàng zú | offspring a famous family (idiom); good breeding ; blue blood | |
| 名驰遐迩 | 名馳遐邇 | míng chí xiá ěr | To have one's fame spread far and wide. (idiom) | |
| 后 | 後 | hòu | back ; behind ; rear ; afterwards ; after ; later | arrière ; descendant ; reine; derrière ; après; ensuite; |
| 后会有期 | 後會有期 | hòu huì yǒu qī | we'll meet again (idiom) ; see you! | on se reverra !; à plus tard ! |
| 后坐 | 後坐 | hòu zuò | recoil (of a gun) ; backlash ; back seat ; pillion | |
| 后头 | 後頭 | hòu tou | behind ; in the back ; the rear side ; later ; in future | |
| 后影 | 後影 | hòu yǐng | rear view ; figure seen from behind ; view of the back (of a person or object) | |
| 后心 | 後心 | hòu xīn | middle of the back | |
| 后悔莫及 | 後悔莫及 | hòu huǐ mò jí | too late for regrets (idiom); It is useless to repent after the event. | |
| 后患无穷 | 後患無窮 | hòu huàn wú qióng | it will cause no end of trouble (idiom); nip the problem in the bud | |
| 后排 | 後排 | hòu pái | the back row | |
| 后援 | 後援 | hòu yuán | reinforcement ; back-up ; supporting force | |
| 后撤 | 後撤 | hòu chè | to pull back (an army) ; to retreat | retrait |
| 后来居上 | 後來居上 | hòulái jū shàng | lit. late-comer lives above (idiom); the up-and-coming youngster outstrips the older generation ; the pupil surpasses the master | surpasser ses prédécesseurs; Les derniers venus occupent les premières places; Les jeunes surpassent leurs prédécesseurs; |
| 后段 | 後段 | hòu duàn | final part ; rear ; back end ; final segment ; the following section ; last paragraph | |
| 后生可畏 | 後生可畏 | hòu shēng kě wèi | will be redoubtable in later life (idiom); a young person's abilities must be respected, though inexperienced ; the younger generations will surpass us in time | jeunes à traiter avec considération ; Les jeunes inspirent aux vétérans un repect mêlé de crainte |
| 后盖 | 後蓋 | hòu gài | back cover ; shell (of crab etc) | |
| 后翅 | 後翅 | hòu chì | back wing (of insect) | |
| 后脑 | 後腦 | hòu nǎo | hindbrain ; back of the head | |
| 后脑勺 | 後腦勺 | hòu nǎo sháo | back of the head | |
| 后腰 | 後腰 | hòu yāo | lower back | |
| 后车之鉴 | 後車之鑒 | hòu chē zhī jiàn | lit. warning to the following cart (idiom); don't follow the track of an overturned cart ; fig. draw lesson from the failure of one's predecessor ; learn from past mistake ; once bitten twice shy | |
| 后车轴 | 後車軸 | hòu chē zhóu | back axle (of car) | |
| 后边 | 後邊 | hòu biān | back ; rear ; behind | le derrière; en arrière |
| 后退 | 後退 | hòu tuì | recoil ; draw back ; fall back ; retreat | reculer; se retirer; battre en retraite; |
| 后部 | 後部 | hòu bù | back section | |
| 后门 | 後門 | hòu mén | the back door ; fig. under the counter (indirect way for influence or pressure) ; anus | porte de derrière ; piston; |
| 后院 | 後院 | hòu yuàn | rear court ; back garden ; backyard (also fig.) | |
| 后面 | 後面 | hòu mian | rear ; back ; behind ; later ; afterwards | derrière; en arrière ; après |
| 后顾之忧 | 後顧之憂 | hòu gù zhī yōu | fears of trouble in the rear (idiom); family worries (obstructing freedom of action) ; worries about the future consequences ; often in negative expressions, meaning "no worries about anything" | |
| 后鼻音 | 後鼻音 | hòu bí yīn | velar nasal ; consonant ng or ŋ produced in the nose with the back of the tongue against the soft palate | |
| 吐丝自缚 | 吐絲自縛 | tǔ sī zì fù | to spin a cocoon around oneself (idiom); enmeshed in a trap of one's own devising ; hoist with his own petard | |
| 吐故纳新 | 吐故納新 | tǔ gù nà xīn | lit. to breathe out stale air and breathe in fresh (idiom, from Zhuangzi 庄子); fig. to get rid of the old and bring in the new | |
| 向壁虚构 | 向壁虛構 | xiàng bì xū gòu | facing a wall, an imaginary construction (idiom); baseless fabrication | |
| 向壁虚造 | 向壁虛造 | xiàng bì xū zào | facing a wall, an imaginary construction (idiom); baseless fabrication | |
| 君子之交 | 君子之交 | jūn zi zhī jiāo | Friendship between gentlemen, insipid as water (idiom, from Zhuangzi 莊子|庄子[Zhuang1 zi3]). | |
| 君子之交淡如水 | 君子之交淡如水 | jūn zi zhī jiāo dàn rú shuǐ | A gentleman's friendship, insipid as water (idiom, from Zhuangzi 莊子|庄子[Zhuang1 zi3]). | |
| 吞吞吐吐 | 吞吞吐吐 | tūn tūn tǔ tǔ | to hum and haw (idiom); to mumble as if hiding sth ; to speak and break off, then start again ; to hold sth back | balbutier ; hésiter à parler ; bafouiller |
| 否极泰来 | 否極泰來 | pǐ jí tài lái | extreme sorrow turns to joy (idiom) | Le malheur extrême précède des joies meilleures. |
| 含商咀征 | 含商咀徵 | hán shāng jǔ zhēng | permeated with beautiful music (idiom) | |
| 含垢忍辱 | 含垢忍辱 | hán gòu rěn rǔ | to bear shame and humiliation (idiom) | |
| 含宫咀征 | 含宮咀徵 | hán gōng jǔ zhēng | permeated with beautiful music (idiom) | |
| 含情脉脉 | 含情脈脈 | hán qíng mò mò | full of tender feelings (idiom); tender-hearted | (idiome) plein de tendresse |
| 含沙射影 | 含沙射影 | hán shā shè yǐng | to attack someone by innuendo (idiom) ; to make oblique charges ; to make insinuations ; to insinuate | |
| 含糊其词 | 含糊其辭 | hán hú qí cí | to equivocate ; to talk evasively (idiom) | |
| 含英咀华 | 含英咀華 | hán yīng jǔ huá | to savor fine writing (idiom) | |
| 含辛茹苦 | 含辛茹苦 | hán xīn rú kǔ | to suffer every possible torment (idiom); bitter hardship ; to bear one's cross | de la fatigue et des privations; en voir de dures; |
| 听信谣言 | 聽信謠言 | tīng xìn yáo yán | to take heed of idle chatter (idiom) | |
| 听其言而观其行 | 聽其言而觀其行 | tīng qí yán ér guān qí xíng | hear what he says and observe what he does (idiom, from Analects); judge a person not by his words, but by his actions | |
| 听其言观其行 | 聽其言觀其行 | tīng qí yán guān qí xíng | hear what he says and observe what he does (idiom, from Analects); judge a person not by his words, but by his actions | |
| 听天安命 | 聽天安命 | tīng tiān ān mìng | to accept one’s situation as dictated by heaven (idiom) | |
| 听而不闻 | 聽而不闻 | tīng ér bù wén | to hear but not react (idiom); to turn a deaf ear ; to ignore deliberately | |
| 听话听声，锣鼓听音 | 聽話聽聲，鑼鼓聽音 | tīng huà tīng shēng , luó gǔ tīng yīn | to understand the unspoken implications (idiom) | |
| 吴下阿蒙 | 吳下阿蒙 | wú xià ā méng | General Lü Meng 呂矇|吕蒙 of the southern state of Wu (idiom); model of self-improvement by diligent study (from unlettered soldier to top strategist of Wu) | |
| 吴头楚尾 | 吳頭楚尾 | wú tóu chǔ wěi | lit. head in Wu and tail in Chu (idiom); fig. close together ; head-to-tail ; one thing starts where the other leaves off | |
| 吴越同舟 | 吳越同舟 | wú yuè tóng zhōu | Wu and Yue in the same boat (idiom); fig. cooperation between natural rivals ; to collaborate towards a common end ; in the same boat together | |
| 吵吵嚷嚷 | 吵吵嚷嚷 | chǎo chǎo rǎng rǎng | to make an (unnecessary) racket (idiom) | |
| 吹毛求疵 | 吹毛求疵 | chuī máo qiú cī | lit. to blow apart the hairs upon a fur to discover any defect (idiom); fig. to be fastidious ; nitpick | souffler sur les poils pour y découvrir des tares cutanées; chercher la petite bête; |
| 吹糠见米 | 吹糠見米 | chuī kāng jiàn mǐ | instant results ; lit. blow the husk and see the rice | (idiom) résultats immédiats |
| 吾生也有涯，而知也无涯 | 吾生也有涯，而知也無涯 | wú shēng yě yǒu yá , ér zhī yě wú yá | Life is short, learning is limitless ; Ars longa, vita brevis | |
| 呆若木鸡 | 呆若木雞 | dāi ruò mù jī | lit. dumb as a wooden chicken (idiom); fig. dumbstruck | |
| 告一段落 | 告一段落 | gào yī duàn luò | to come to the end of a phase (idiom) | |
| 告状 | 告狀 | gào zhuàng | to complain ; to sue ; to bring a lawsuit ; to lodge a complaint against sb with a manager | intenter un procès ; se plaindre de qn; |
| 呕心沥血 | 嘔心瀝血 | ǒu xīn lì xuè | lit. to spit out one's heart and spill blood (idiom) ; to work one's heart out ; blood, sweat and tears | suer sang et eau ; se donner une peine de tous les diables ; ne pas compter sa fatigue pour aboutir à |
| 呢喃细语 | 呢喃細語 | ní nán xì yǔ | whispering in a low voice (idiom); murmuring | |
| 周全 | 周全 | zhōu quán | thorough ; to bring one's help ; to assist | |
| 周游列国 | 周遊列國 | zhōu yóu liè guó | to travel around many countries (idiom); peregrinations ; refers to the travels of Confucius | |
| 周瑜打黄盖 | 周瑜打黃蓋 | zhōu yú dǎ huáng gài | fig. with the connivance of both sides ; fig. by mutual consent ; cf Wu patriot Huang Gai submits to mock beating at the hands of General Zhou Yu to deceive Cao Cao 曹操 before the 208 battle of Redcliff 赤壁之戰|ร | |
| 周而复始 | 週而復始 | zhōu ér fù shǐ | lit. the cycle comes back to the start (idiom); to move in circles ; the wheel comes full circle | |
| 呼之即来 | 呼之即來 | hū zhī jí lái | to come when called (idiom); ready and compliant ; always at sb's beck and call | |
| 呼来喝去 | 呼來喝去 | hū lái hè qù | to call to come and shout to go (idiom); to yell orders ; always bossing people around | (idiome) hurler des ordres |
| 呼牛作马 | 呼牛作馬 | hū niú zuò mǎ | to call sth a cow or a horse (idiom); it doesn't matter what you call it ; Insult me if you want, I don't care what you call me. | |
| 呼牛呼马 | 呼牛呼馬 | hū niú hū mǎ | to call sth a cow or a horse (idiom); it doesn't matter what you call it ; Insult me if you want, I don't care what you call me. | |
| 呼风唤雨 | 呼風喚雨 | hū fēng huàn yǔ | to call the wind and summon the rain (idiom); to exercise magical powers ; fig. to stir up troubles | |
| 命 | 命 | mìng | life ; fate ; order or command ; to assign a name, title etc | ordonner; vie ; sort; fortune; destin ; ordre; commandement; |
| 命中注定 | 命中註定 | mìng zhōng zhù dìng | decreed by fate (idiom) ; destined ; fated | |
| 命危 | 命危 | mìng wēi | critical ; life threatening (medicine) | |
| 命在旦夕 | 命在旦夕 | mìng zài dàn xī | to be at death’s door (idiom) | |
| 咆哮如雷 | 咆哮如雷 | páo xiào rú léi | to be in a thundering rage (idiom) | |
| 和气生财 | 和氣生財 | hé qì shēng cái | (idiom) amiability makes you rich | (idiome) l'amabilité vous rend riche |
| 和气致祥 | 和氣緻祥 | hé qì zhì xiáng | (idiom) amiability leads to harmony | (idiome) l'amabilité conduit à l'harmonie |
| 咧 | 咧 | liě | draw back corners of mouth | (inter.) ; |
| 咬文嚼字 | 咬文嚼字 | yǎo wén jiáo zì | to bite words and chew characters (idiom); punctilious about minutiae of wording | ne faire que mâcher mots et phrases ; prendre le texte au pied de la lettre |
| 咬牙切齿 | 咬牙切齒 | yǎo yá qiè chǐ | gnashing one's teeth (idiom); displaying extreme anger ; fuming with rage between gritted teeth | |
| 咬紧牙关 | 咬緊牙關 | yǎo jǐn yá guān | lit. to bite the teeth tightly (idiom); fig. to grit one's teeth and bear the pain ; to bite the bullet | |
| 哀兵必胜 | 哀兵必勝 | āi bīng bì shèng | an army burning with righteous indignation is bound to win (idiom) | Lors de l'affrontement de deux armées de forces égales, celle qui est excédée par la souffrance et la colère finira par vaincre. |
| 哀告宾服 | 哀告賓服 | āi gào bīn fú | to bring tribute as sign of submission (idiom); to submit | |
| 哀哭切齿 | 哀哭切齒 | āi kū qiè chǐ | weeping and gnashing one's teeth (idiom) | |
| 哀而不伤 | 哀而不傷 | āi ér bù shāng | deeply felt but not mawkish (idiom) | |
| 哀鸿遍野 | 哀鴻遍野 | āi hóng biàn yě | lit. plaintive whine of geese (idiom); fig. land swarming with disaster victims ; starving people fill the land | (phrase) Une terre où grouillent les misérieux et les faméliques.; |
| 品味生活 | 品味生活 | pǐn wèi shēng huó | to appreciate life | |
| 品头论足 | 品頭論足 | pǐn tóu lùn zú | lit. to assess the head and discuss the feet (idiom); minute criticism of a woman's appearance ; fig. to find fault in minor details ; nit-picking ; over-critical | trouver toujours à redire à ; faire des remarques excessives (idiome) |
| 品学兼优 | 品學兼優 | pǐn xué jiān yōu | excelling both in morals and studies (idiom); top marks for studies and for behaviour (at school) ; a paragon of virtue and learning | |
| 哑口无言 | 啞口無言 | yǎ kǒu wú yán | dumbstruck and unable to reply (idiom); left speechless ; at a loss for words | |
| 哑巴吃黄莲 | 啞巴吃黃蓮 | yǎ ba chī huáng lián | no choice but to suffer in silence (idiom) ; also written 啞巴吃黃連|哑巴吃黄连 ; (often precedes 有苦說不出|有苦说不出you3 ku3 shuo1 b | |
| 哑巴吃黄连 | 啞巴吃黃連 | yǎ ba chī huáng lián | no choice but to suffer in silence (idiom) ; also written 啞巴吃黃蓮|哑巴吃黄莲 ; (often precedes 有苦說不出|有苦说不出you3 ku3 shuo1 b | |
| 哑然无生 | 啞然無生 | yǎ rán wú shēng | silence reigns (idiom) | |
| 哟 | 喲 | yo | (interj) Oh, sound made when expressing surprise ; (idiom) used at end of sentence as an exclamation | (inter.) oh! ah!; |
| 哭声震天 | 哭聲震天 | kū shēng zhèn tiān | lit. cries of grief shake the heavens ; great sorrow (idiom) | |
| 哭笑不得 | 哭笑不得 | kū xiào bù dé | lit. not to know whether to laugh or cry (idiom); both funny and extremely embarrassing ; in a desperate state ; between laughter and tears | |
| 哲人其萎 | 哲人其萎 | zhé rén qí wěi | a wise man has passed away (idiom) | |
| 唇亡齿寒 | 唇亡齒寒 | chún wáng chǐ hán | lit. without the lips, the teeth feel the cold (idiom); fig. intimately interdependent | |
| 唇齿 | 唇齒 | chún chǐ | lit. lips and teeth (idiom); fig. close partners ; interdependent | |
| 唇齿相依 | 唇齒相依 | chún chǐ xiāng yī | lit. as close as lips and teeth (idiom); closely related ; interdependent | |
| 唉声叹气 | 唉聲嘆氣 | āi shēng tàn qì | sighing voice, wailing breath (idiom) ; to heave deep sighs ; to sigh in despair | hélas |
| 唠这扯那 | 嘮這扯那 | láo zhè chě nà | to talk about nothing in particular (idiom) | (idiome) parler de rien en particulier |
| 唤雨呼风 | 喚雨呼風 | huàn yǔ hū fēng | to call the wind and summon the rain (idiom) ; to exercise magical powers ; fig. to stir up troubles ; also 呼風喚雨|呼风唤雨[hu1 feng1 huan4 yu3] | |
| 唯利是图 | 唯利是圖 | wéi lì shì tú | to seek nothing but profit (idiom); personal profit before everything ; self-seeking | |
| 唱对台戏 | 唱對臺戲 | chàng duì tái xì | to put on a rival show (idiom); to set oneself up against sb ; to get into confrontation | |
| 唱高调 | 唱高調 | chàng gāo diào | to sing the high part ; to speak fine sounding but empty words (idiom) | utiliser des mots pompeux ; emboucher la trompette |
| 唾手可得 | 唾手可得 | tuò shǒu kě dé | within spitting distance (idiom); within easy reach | |
| 唾面自干 | 唾面自乾 | tuò miàn zì gān | to be spat on in the face and let it dry by itself, not wiping it off (idiom); to turn the other cheek ; to drain the cup of humiliation | |
| 商榷 | 商榷 | shāng què | to discuss ; to bring up various ideas for discussion | discuter; délibérer |
| 商飙徐起 | 商飆徐起 | shāng biāo xú qǐ | the autumn breeze comes gently (idiom) | |
| 啼笑皆非 | 啼笑皆非 | tí xiào jiē fēi | lit. not to know whether to laugh or cry (idiom); both funny and extremely embarrassing ; in a desperate state ; between laughter and tears | |
| 啼饥号寒 | 啼饑號寒 | tí jī háo hán | hunger cries and cold roars (idiom); wretched poverty | |
| 善始善终 | 善始善終 | shàn shǐ shàn zhōng | where there's a start, there's a finish (idiom); to finish once one starts sth ; to carry things through ; I started, so I'll finish. | |
| 善有善报 | 善有善報 | shàn yǒu shàn bào | virtue has its rewards (idiom); one good turn deserves another | |
| 善者不辩，辩者不善 | 善者不辯，辯者不善 | shàn zhě bù biàn , biàn zhě bù shàn | Good words are not persuasive, persuasive words are not good (idiom, from Laozi 老子 81). Do not be taken in by appearances. | |
| 善自珍摄 | 善自珍攝 | shàn zì zhēn shè | take good care of yourself! (idiom) | |
| 善解人意 | 善解人意 | shàn jiě rén yì | understanding people's views (idiom); fair and considerate | |
| 善财难舍 | 善財難捨 | shàn cái nán shě | to cherish wealth and find it hard to give up (idiom); refusing to contribute to charity ; skinflint ; miserly | |
| 喜不自禁 | 喜不自禁 | xǐ bù zì jīn | unable to contain one's joy (idiom) | |
| 喜不自胜 | 喜不自勝 | xǐ bù zì shèng | unable to contain one's joy (idiom) | |
| 喜从天降 | 喜從天降 | xǐ cóng tiān jiàng | joy from heaven (idiom); overjoyed at unexpected good news ; unlooked-for happy event | |
| 喜出望外 | 喜出望外 | xǐ chū wàng wài | overjoyed at unexpected good news (idiom) | |
| 喜形于色 | 喜形於色 | xǐ xíng yú sè | face light up with delight (idiom); to beam with joy | laisser voir san allégresse ; visage rayonnant de joie ; La joie se peint sur son visage. |
| 喜新厌旧 | 喜新厭舊 | xǐ xīn yàn jiù | lit. to like the new, and hate the old (idiom); fig. enamored with new people (e.g. new girlfriend), bored with the old | aimer le nouveau, et haïr l'ancien |
| 喜极而泣 | 喜極而泣 | xǐ jí ér qì | crying tears of joy (idiom) | |
| 喜气洋洋 | 喜氣洋洋 | xǐ qì yáng yáng | full of joy (idiom); jubilation | (idiome) plein de joie; jubilation |
| 喜笑颜开 | 喜笑顏開 | xǐ xiào yán kāi | face covered in smiles (idiom); beaming with happiness | (phrase) Son visage s'épanouit.; La joie éclaire son visage.; |
| 喜闻乐见 | 喜聞樂見 | xǐ wén lè jiàn | a delight to see (idiom); an attractive spectacle | |
| 喝西北风 | 喝西北風 | hē xī běi fēng | lit. drink the northwest wind (idiom); cold and hungry | |
| 喷薄欲出 | 噴薄欲出 | pēn bó yù chū | to emerge in blazing glory (idiom) | |
| 嗜痂成癖 | 嗜痂成癖 | shì jiā chéng pǐ | to have strange and dangerous addictions (idiom) | |
| 嗜酒如命 | 嗜酒如命 | shì jiǔ rú mìng | to love wine as one's life (idiom); fond of the bottle | |
| 嗤之以鼻 | 嗤之以鼻 | chī zhī yǐ bí | to look down upon; to treat with contempt (idiom) | se moquer de qn en soufflant du nez pour marquer son mépris; rire au nez de qn; faire un pied de nez à qn; |
| 嘟哝不平 | 嘟噥不平 | dū nong bù píng | to constantly complain (idiom) | |
| 嘴快心直 | 嘴快心直 | zuǐ kuài xīn zhí | lit. quick jaws and a straight heart ; to be outspoken and sincere (idiom) | |
| 嘴甜心苦 | 嘴甜心苦 | zuǐ tián xīn kǔ | sweet mouth, bitter heart (idiom); insincere flattery | |
| 噤若寒蝉 | 噤若寒蟬 | jìn ruò hán chán | to keep quiet out of fear (idiom) | |
| 嚎啕大哭 | 嚎啕大哭 | háo táo dà kū | to wail ; to bawl (idiom) | |
| 囊括 | 囊括 | náng kuò | to include ; to embrace ; to bring together | englober; |
| 四体不勤，五谷不分 | 四體不勤，五穀不分 | sì tǐ bù qín , wǔ gǔ bù fēn | never move your four limbs, can't distinguish the five crops (idiom); living as a parasite | |
| 四分五裂 | 四分五裂 | sì fēn wǔ liè | all split up and in pieces (idiom); disunity (in an organization) ; complete lack of unity ; to disintegrate ; falling apart ; to be at sixes and sevens | se démembrer ; être démembré (ou: divisé, déchiré) ; se trouver en pleine division ; se disloquer |
| 四平八稳 | 四平八穩 | sì píng bā wěn | everything steady and stable (idiom); overcautious and unimaginary | être réservé au point de ne courir aucun risque ; être conservateur et accommodant ; très circonspect ; très prudent; équitable |
| 四方响应 | 四方響應 | sì fāng xiǎng yìng | a response from every direction (idiom) | |
| 四海为家 | 四海為家 | sì hǎi wéi jiā | to regard the four corners of the world all as home (idiom) ; to feel at home anywhere ; to roam about unconstrained ; to consider the entire country, or world, to be one's own | |
| 四海升平 | 四海升平 | sì hǎi shēng píng | lit. all four oceans are peaceful ; worldwide peace (idiom) | |
| 四海皆准 | 四海皆准 | sì hǎi jiē zhǔn | appropriate to any place and any time (idiom); universally applicable ; a panacea | |
| 四海飘零 | 四海飄零 | sì hǎi piāo líng | drifting aimlessly all over the place (idiom) | |
| 四脚朝天 | 四腳朝天 | sì jiǎo cháo tiān | four legs facing the sky (idiom); flat on one's back) | |
| 四谛 | 四諦 | sì dì | the Four Noble Truths (Budd.), covered by the acronym 苦集滅道: all life is suffering 苦, the cause of suffering is desire 集, emancipation comes only by eliminating passions 滅|灭, the way 道 to emanc | |
| 四通八达 | 四通八達 | sì tōng bā dá | roads open in all directions (idiom); accessible from all sides | |
| 四面楚歌 | 四面楚歌 | sì miàn chǔ gē | lit. on all sides, the songs of Chu (idiom) ; fig. surrounded by enemies, isolated and without help | |
| 回 | 回 | huí | to circle ; to go back ; to turn around ; to answer ; to return ; to revolve ; Hui ethnic group (Chinese Muslims) ; time ; classifier for acts of a play ; section or chapter (of a classic book) | fois; revenir; retourner ; tourner ; répondre; |
| 回信 | 回信 | huí xìn | reply ; write back | répondre; réponse; |
| 回光反照 | 回光反照 | huí guāng fǎn zhào | final radiance of setting sun ; fig. dying flash (of lucidity or activity, prior to demise) | |
| 回光返照 | 回光返照 | huí guāng fǎn zhào | final radiance of setting sun ; fig. dying flash (of lucidity or activity, prior to demise) | |
| 回击 | 回擊 | huí jī | to fight back ; to return fire ; to counterattack | riposte |
| 回去 | 回去 | huí qu | return ; go back | retourner |
| 回口 | 回口 | huí kǒu | to answer back | |
| 回嗔作喜 | 回嗔作喜 | huí chēn zuò xǐ | to go from anger to happiness (idiom) | |
| 回心转意 | 回心轉意 | huí xīn zhuǎn yì | to change one’s mind (idiom) | |
| 回想 | 回想 | huí xiǎng | recall ; recollect ; think back | se souvenir de; |
| 回报 | 回報 | huí bào | (in) return ; reciprocation ; payback ; retaliation ; to report back ; to reciprocate | récompense; profit; récompenser; |
| 回来 | 回來 | huí lai | return ; come back | revenir; |
| 回流 | 回流 | huí liú | to flow back ; reflux ; circumfluence ; refluence ; backward flow ; returning flow (e.g. of talent) | |
| 回溯 | 回溯 | huí sù | recall ; look back upon | rappeler; évoquer le passé; |
| 回火 | 回火 | huí huǒ | to temper (iron) ; flare-back (in gas burner) | |
| 回电 | 回電 | huí diàn | to reply to a telegram ; to wire back | |
| 回眸 | 回眸 | huí móu | to glance back ; to look back ; retrospective | |
| 回禀 | 回稟 | huí bǐng | to report back to one's superior | |
| 回空 | 回空 | huí kōng | to return empty (i.e. to drive back with no passengers or freight) | |
| 回老家 | 回老家 | huí lǎo jiā | to go back to one's roots ; to return to one's native place ; by ext. to join one's ancestors (i.e. to die) | |
| 回耗 | 回耗 | huí hào | to write back ; to send a reply | |
| 回落 | 回落 | huí luò | to fall back ; to return to low level after a rise (in water level, price etc) | |
| 回跌 | 回跌 | huí diē | to fall back (of water level or share prices) | |
| 回返 | 回返 | huí fǎn | to return ; to go back ; to come back | |
| 回采 | 回採 | huí cǎi | stoping (excavating ore using stepped terraces) ; to extract ore ; extraction ; to pull back | |
| 回顾 | 回顧 | huí gù | to look back ; to review | regarder en arrière; se rappeler; se souvenir; récapituler; |
| 回顾历史 | 回顧歷史 | huí gù lì shǐ | to look back at history | |
| 回首 | 回首 | huí shǒu | turn around ; look back ; recollect | |
| 因人成事 | 因人成事 | yīn rén chéng shì | to get things done relying on others (idiom); with a little help from his friends | |
| 因人而异 | 因人而異 | yīn rén ér yì | varying from person to person (idiom); different for each individual | |
| 因公殉职 | 因公殉職 | yīn gōng xùn zhí | to die as in the line of duty (idiom) | |
| 因利乘便 | 因利乘便 | yīn lì chéng biàn | (idiom) to rely on the most favorable method | |
| 因势利导 | 因勢利導 | yīn shì lì dǎo | to take advantage of the new situation (idiom) ; to make the best of new opportunities | |
| 因噎废食 | 因噎廢食 | yīn yē fèi shí | lit. not eating for fear of choking (idiom); fig. to cut off one's nose to spite one's face ; to avoid sth essential because of a slight risk | |
| 因地制宜 | 因地制宜 | yīn dì zhì yí | (idiom) to use methods in line with local circumstances | prendre des mesures en fonction des conditions locales ; prendre des mesures appropriées aux conditions locales |
| 因孕而婚 | 因孕而婚 | yīn yùn ér hūn | shotgun wedding (idiom) | |
| 因小失大 | 因小失大 | yīn xiǎo shī dà | to save a little only to lose a lot (idiom) | |
| 因循守旧 | 因循守舊 | yīn xún shǒu jiù | (idiom) to continue in the same old rut ; diehard conservative attitudes | |
| 因时制宜 | 因時制宜 | yīn shí zhì yí | (idiom) to use methods appropriate to the current situation | |
| 因材施教 | 因材施教 | yīn cái shī jiào | (idiom) to teach in line with the student's ability | |
| 因爱成恨 | 因愛成恨 | yīn ài chéng hèn | hatred caused by love (idiom) ; to grow to hate someone because of unrequited love for that person | |
| 因祸得福 | 因禍得福 | yīn huò dé fú | to profit from a disaster (idiom); some good comes out of a setback ; It's an ill wind that blows nobody any good. | |
| 因陋就简 | 因陋就簡 | yīn lòu jiù jiǎn | crude but simple methods (idiom); use whatever methods you can ; to do things simply and thriftily ; It's not pretty but it works. | |
| 囫囵吞下 | 囫圇吞下 | hú lún tūn xià | to swallow it whole ; to act without thinking (idiom) | |
| 囫囵吞枣 | 囫圇吞棗 | hú lún tūn zǎo | to read or lap up information without understanding (idiom) | |
| 围城打援 | 圍城打援 | wéi chéng dǎ yuán | to besiege and strike the relief force (idiom); strategy of surrounding a unit to entice the enemy to reinforce, then striking the new troops | |
| 围魏救赵 | 圍魏救趙 | wéi wèi jiù zhào | to besiege 魏|魏[Wei4] and rescue 趙|赵[Zhao4] ; to relieve a besieged ally by attacking the home base of the besiegers (idiom) | |
| 国家兴亡，匹夫有责 | 國家興亡，匹夫有責 | guó jiā xīng wáng , pǐ fū yǒu zé | The rise and fall of the nation concerns everyone (idiom). Everyone bears responsibility for the prosperity of society. | |
| 国弱民穷 | 國弱民窮 | guó ruò mín qióng | the country weakened and the people empoverished (idiom) | |
| 国泰民安 | 國泰民安 | guó tài mín ān | the country prospers, the people at peace (idiom); peace and prosperity | |
| 国破家亡 | 國破家亡 | guó pò jiā wáng | the country ruined and the people starving (idiom) | |
| 国色天香 | 國色天香 | guó sè tiān xiāng | national grace, divine fragrance (idiom); an outstanding beauty | |
| 土木形骸 | 土木形骸 | tǔ mù xíng hái | earth and wood framework (idiom); plain and undecorated body | |
| 土洋结合 | 土洋結合 | tǔ yáng jié hé | combining native and foreign methods (idiom); sophisticated and many-sided | |
| 土牛木马 | 土牛木馬 | tǔ niú mù mǎ | clay ox, wooden horse (idiom); shape without substance ; worthless object | |
| 土豪劣绅 | 土豪劣紳 | tǔ háo liè shēn | local bosses, shady gentry (idiom); dominant local mafia | |
| 土阶茅屋 | 土階茅屋 | tǔ jiē máo wū | lit. earthen steps and a small cottage ; frugal living conditions (idiom) | |
| 土阶茅茨 | 土階茅茨 | tǔ jiē máo cí | lit. earthen steps and a thatched hut ; frugal living conditions (idiom) | |
| 圣经贤传 | 聖經賢傳 | shèng jīng xián zhuàn | lit. holy scripture and biography of sage (idiom); refers to Confucian canonical texts | |
| 在所不辞 | 在所不辭 | zài suǒ bù cí | under no circumstances decline to (idiom) ; without hesitation ; to have no reservations to | ne pas se soustraire (ou se dérober) à quelque choseh |
| 地久天长 | 地久天長 | dì jiǔ tiān cháng | enduring while the world lasts (idiom, from Laozi); eternal ; for ever and ever (of friendship, hate etc) ; also written 天長地久|天长地久 | |
| 地利人和 | 地利人和 | dì lì rén hé | favorable geographical and social conditions (idiom); good location and the people satisfied | |
| 地动山摇 | 地動山搖 | dì dòng shān yáo | the earth quaked, the mountains shook (idiom); a tremendous battle | |
| 地大物博 | 地大物博 | dì dà wù bó | a place of abundant resources (idiom) | pays vaste et riche en ressources naturelles ; pays au vaste territoire et aux abondantes richesses |
| 地球上的生物 | 地球上的生物 | dì qiú shàng de shēng wù | Life on Earth, 1979 TV series by David Attenborough 大衛·艾登堡|大卫·艾登堡[Da4 wei4 · Ai4 deng1 bao3] | |
| 坋 | 坋 | fèn | dust, earth ; a bank of earth ; to dig ; to bring together | |
| 坌 | 坌 | bèn | to bring together ; dust | creuser; retourner |
| 坎坷 | 轗軻 | kǎn kě | variant of 坎坷|坎坷[kan3 ke3] ; bumpy (of a road) ; rough (of life) | |
| 坎坷不平 | 坎坷不平 | kǎn kě bù píng | pot-holed and bumpy road (idiom); fig. full of disappointment and dashed hopes | |
| 坎坷多舛 | 坎坷多舛 | kǎn kě duō chuǎn | full of trouble and misfortune (usu. referring to someone's life) | |
| 坏透坏绝 | 壞透壞絕 | huài tòu huài jué | to be completely and utterly bad (idiom) | |
| 坐不垂堂 | 坐不垂堂 | zuò bù chuí táng | lit. don't sit under overhanging eaves (idiom); fig. don't stay in danger area | |
| 坐井观天 | 坐井觀天 | zuò jǐng guān tiān | lit. to view the sky from the bottom of a well (idiom); ignorant and narrow-minded | |
| 坐以待毙 | 坐以待斃 | zuò yǐ dài bì | to sit and wait for death (idiom); resigned to one's fate | attendre la mort sans régir |
| 坐坡 | 坐坡 | zuò pō | kick-back ; bribe ; to sit leaning backwards (topolect) (slang) | |
| 坐失机宜 | 坐失機宜 | zuò shī jī yí | to sit and waste a good opportunity (idiom); to lose the chance | |
| 坐失良机 | 坐失良機 | zuò shī liáng jī | to sit and waste a good opportunity (idiom); to lose the chance | manquer (perdre) une belle occasion |
| 坐山观虎斗 | 坐山觀虎鬥 | zuò shān guān hǔ dòu | sit on the mountain and watch the tigers fight ; watch in safety whilst others fight then reap the rewards when both sides are exhausted (idiom) | |
| 坐收渔利 | 坐收漁利 | zuò shōu yú lì | benefit from others' dispute (idiom) | |
| 坐立不安 | 坐立不安 | zuò lì bùān | lit. agitated sitting or standing (idiom) ; restless ; fidgety | (phrase) ne trouver de repos ni debout ni assis; êtresur des charbons ardents; |
| 坐立难安 | 坐立難安 | zuò lì nán ān | unable to sit or stand still (out of nervousness etc) (idiom) | |
| 坐而论道 | 坐而論道 | zuò ér lùn dào | to sit and pontificate; to find answers through theory and not through practice (idiom) | |
| 坐观成败 | 坐觀成敗 | zuò guān chéng bài | to sit and await success or failure (idiom); to wait to see the outcome of a fight before taking sides ; to sit on the fence | |
| 坐视不理 | 坐視不理 | zuò shì bù lǐ | to sit and watch, but remain indifferent (idiom) | |
| 坚壁清野 | 堅壁清野 | jiān bì qīng yě | to fortify defenses and raze the fields (idiom); to leave nothing for the invader ; scorched earth policy | |
| 坚如磐石 | 堅如磐石 | jiān rú pán shí | solid as a boulder (idiom); absolutely secure ; rock-firm and unyielding | |
| 坚强不屈 | 堅強不屈 | jiān qiáng bù qū | staunch and unyielding (idiom); steadfast | |
| 坚持不懈 | 堅持不懈 | jiān chí bù xiè | to persevere unremittingly (idiom); to keep going until the end | |
| 坚持不渝 | 堅持不渝 | jiān chí bù yú | to stick to sth without change (idiom); to persevere | |
| 坚苦卓绝 | 堅苦卓絕 | jiān kǔ zhuó jué | persisting despite trials and tribulations (idiom); conspicuous determination | |
| 坚贞不屈 | 堅貞不屈 | jiān zhēn bù qū | faithful and unchanging (idiom); steadfast | rester loyal et inflexible; être ferme dans sa fo; |
| 坚贞不渝 | 堅貞不渝 | jiān zhēn bù yú | unyielding integrity (idiom); unwavering | |
| 坚韧不拔 | 堅韌不拔 | jiān rèn bù bá | firm and indomitable (idiom); tenacious and unyielding | |
| 坷 | 坷 | kě | uneven (path) ; unfortunate (in life) | ; |
| 垂危 | 垂危 | chuí wēi | close to death ; life-threatening (illness) | être sur le point de mourir; être à l'agonie; |
| 垂头丧气 | 垂頭喪氣 | chuí tóu sàng qì | hanging one's head dispiritedly (idiom); dejected ; crestfallen | |
| 垂死 | 垂死 | chuí sǐ | dying | agoniser |
| 垂死挣扎 | 垂死掙扎 | chuí sǐ zhēng zhá | deathbed struggle ; final struggle (idiom) | se débattre dans les affres de la mort |
| 垂涎叁尺 | 垂涎三尺 | chuí xián sān chǐ | to drool (over) (idiom); to yearn for ; to covet ; to crave | |
| 垂涎欲滴 | 垂涎欲滴 | chuí xián yù dī | to drool with desire (idiom); to envy ; to hunger for | |
| 埋头苦干 | 埋頭苦幹 | mái tóu kǔ gàn | to bury oneself in work (idiom); to be engrossed in work ; to make an all-out effort ; up to the neck in work | |
| 城门失火，殃及池鱼 | 城門失火，殃及池魚 | chéng mén shī huǒ , yāng jí chí yú | a fire in the city gates is also a calamity for the fish in the moat (idiom); the bystander will also suffer ; fig. you can't escape responsibility for your actions ; ask not for whom the bell tolls - it tolls for thee | |
| 培养 | 培養 | péi yǎng | to train ; culture ; to bring up ; to groom (for a position) | former ; cultiver; |
| 堆案盈几 | 堆案盈几 | duī àn yíng jī | lit. piles of work and papers (idiom); fig. accumulated backlog of work | |
| 堕云雾中 | 墮雲霧中 | duò yún wù zhōng | lit. to become lost in a fog (idiom); fig. at a complete loss | |
| 堵剿匪徒 | 堵剿匪徒 | dǔ jiǎo fěi tú | to hinder and exterminate bandits (idiom) | |
| 塞翁失马 | 塞翁失馬 | sài wēng shī mǎ | 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 no-one any good. | |
| 塞翁失马安知非福 | 塞翁失馬安知非福 | sài wēng shī mǎ ān zhī fēi fú | 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 no-one any good. | |
| 墨守成规 | 墨守成規 | mò shǒu chéng guī | hidebound by convention (idiom) | suivre l'ornière de la routine; être à cheval sur les règlements; suivre les chemins battus; |
| 壁垒一新 | 壁壘一新 | bì lěi yī xīn | to have one’s defenses in good order (idiom) | |
| 壅穆不争 | 壅穆不爭 | yōng mù bù zhēng | to be reverent and non-contentious (idiom) | |
| 壮年 | 壯年 | zhuàng nián | lit. robust years ; prime of life ; summer ; able-bodied (fit for military service) ; mature (talent, garden etc) | maturité; force de l'âge; |
| 声东击西 | 聲東擊西 | shēng dōng jī xī | to make a sound in the east and strike in the west ; to use the element of surprise to one's advantage (idiom) | |
| 壹败涂地 | 壹敗塗地 | yī bài tú dì | beaten and wiped over the floor (idiom); to fail utterly ; a crushing defeat ; failed and in a hopeless position | |
| 处世之道 | 處世之道 | chǔ shì zhī dào | way of life ; attitude ; modus operandi | |
| 处之泰然 | 處之泰然 | chǔ zhī tài rán | to take things calmly (idiom); not losing one's cool | |
| 处堂燕雀 | 處堂燕雀 | chù táng yàn què | lit. a caged bird in a pavilion (idiom); fig. to lose vigilance by comfortable living ; unaware of the disasters ahead ; a fool's paradise | |
| 处心积虑 | 處心積慮 | chǔ xīn jī lǜ | to think through sth deliberately and methodically (idiom); to rack one's brains | chercher par mille et un moyens à faire quelque choseh ; se soucier vivement de quelque choseh |
| 处高鹜远 | 處高鶩遠 | chǔ gāo wù yuǎn | to be overly ambitious (idiom) | |
| 复出 | 復出 | fù chū | to come back out of retirement ; to get involved again after having withdrawn | |
| 复古 | 復古 | fù gǔ | to return to old ways (a Confucian aspiration) ; to turn back the clock ; neoclassical school during Tang and Song associated with classical writing 古文 ; retro (fashion style based on nostalgia, esp. for 1960s) | remettre en honneur de ce qui est ancien; revenir au passé; |
| 复归 | 復歸 | fù guī | to return ; to come back | |
| 复生 | 復生 | fù shēng | to be reborn ; to recover ; to come back to life ; to regenerate | |
| 夏虫不可以语冰 | 夏蟲不可以語冰 | xià chóng bù kě yǐ yǔ bīng | A summer insect (which does not live to see winter) cannot talk about ice ; to have limited experience and knowledge (idiom) | |
| 夕阳西下 | 夕陽西下 | xī yáng xī xià | the sun sets in the west (idiom) | |
| 外圆内方 | 外圓內方 | wài yuán nèi fāng | lit. outside-flexible, inside-firm (idiom) ; fig. velvet glove | |
| 外宽内忌 | 外寬內忌 | wài kuān nèi jì | outwardly admiring, inwardly jealous (idiom) | |
| 外御其侮 | 外禦其侮 | wài yù qí wǔ | internal disunity dissolves at the threat of an invasion from outside (idiom) | |
| 外星生命 | 外星生命 | wài xīng shēng mìng | extraterrestrial life | |
| 外来成语 | 外來成語 | wài lái chéng yǔ | loan idiom | |
| 夙兴夜寐 | 夙興夜寐 | sù xīng yè mèi | to rise early and sleep late (idiom); to work hard ; to study diligently ; to burn the candle at both ends | |
| 夙夜匪懈 | 夙夜匪懈 | sù yè fěi xiè | to work from morning to night (idiom) | |
| 多吃多占 | 多吃多佔 | duō chī duō zhàn | taking or eating more than one's due (idiom); greedy and selfish | |
| 多子多福 | 多子多福 | duō zǐ duō fú | the more sons, the more happiness (idiom) | |
| 多愁善感 | 多愁善感 | duō chóu shàn gǎn | melancholy and moody (idiom); depressed personality | sentimental ; susceptible |
| 多愁多病 | 多愁多病 | duō chóu duō bìng | much sorrows and illness (idiom); melancholy and weakly | |
| 多此一举 | 多此一舉 | duō cǐ yī jǔ | to do more than is required (idiom); superfluous ; guilding the lily | |
| 多细胞生物 | 多細胞生物 | duō xì bāo shēng wù | multicellular life form | |
| 多舛 | 多舛 | duō chuǎn | full of trouble and misfortune (usu. referring to sb's life) | |
| 多行不义必自毙 | 多行不義必自斃 | duō xíng bù yì bì zì bì | persisting in evil brings about self-destruction (idiom) | |
| 多钱善贾 | 多錢善賈 | duō qián shàn gǔ | much capital, good business (idiom); fig. good trading conditions | |
| 多难兴邦 | 多難興邦 | duō nàn xīng bāng | much hardships may awaken a nation (idiom); calamity that prompts renewal | |
| 夜不归宿 | 夜不歸宿 | yè bù guī sù | to stay out all night (idiom) | |
| 夜不闭户 | 夜不閉戶 | yè bù bì hù | lit. doors not locked at night (idiom); fig. stable society | |
| 夜以继日 | 夜以繼日 | yè yǐ jì rì | night and day (idiom); continuous strenuous effort | |
| 夜深人静 | 夜深人靜 | yè shēn rén jìng | in the dead of night (idiom) | (idiome) dans le milieu de la nuit |
| 夜生活 | 夜生活 | yè shēng huó | night life | vie nocturne |
| 夜行昼伏 | 夜行晝伏 | yè xíng zhòu fú | to travel at night and lie low by day (idiom) | |
| 夤缘攀附 | 夤緣攀附 | yín yuán pān fù | to cling to the rich and powerful (idiom); to advance one's career by currying favor ; social climbing | |
| 大义凛然 | 大義凜然 | dà yì lǐn rán | devotion to righteousness that inspires reverence (idiom) | |
| 大义灭亲 | 大義滅親 | dà yì miè qīn | to place righteousness before family (idiom); ready to punish one's own family if justice demands it | (idiome) châtier sans merci les siens quand il le faut ; le devoir passe avant les liens du sang |
| 大公无私 | 大公無私 | dà gōng wú sī | the common good above everything without no regard for personal interests (idiom); to behave altruistically ; impartial and selfless ; just and fair | être dévoué corps et âme à l'intérêt public; être désintéressé; être détaché de tout égoïsme; |
| 大出其汗 | 大出其汗 | dà chū qí hàn | to sweat buckets (idiom) | |
| 大勇若怯 | 大勇若怯 | dà yǒng ruò qiè | a great hero may appear timid (idiom); the really brave person remains level-headed | |
| 大勇若怯，大智若愚 | 大勇若怯，大智若愚 | dà yǒng ruò qiè , dà zhì ruò yú | a great hero may appear timid, the wise may appear stupid (idiom); the general public may not recognize great talent | |
| 大包大揽 | 大包大攬 | dà bāo dà lǎn | to take complete charge (idiom) | |
| 大卫・艾登堡 | 大衛・艾登堡 | dà wèi · ài dēng bǎo | David Attenborough (1926-), British naturalist and broadcaster, author of Life on Earth 地球上的生物[di4 qiu2 shang4 de5 sheng1 wu4] | |
| 大厦将倾 | 大廈將傾 | dà shà jiāng qīng | great mansion on the verge of collapse (idiom); hopeless situation | |
| 大吃一惊 | 大吃一驚 | dàchī yī jīng | to have a surprise (idiom); shocked or startled ; gobsmacked | être stupéfait, abasourdi; |
| 大吉大利 | 大吉大利 | dà jí dà lì | great luck, great profit (idiom); everything is thriving | |
| 大吵大闹 | 大吵大鬧 | dà chǎo dà nào | to shout and scream (idiom); to kick up a fuss ; to make a scene | |
| 大喊大叫 | 大喊大叫 | dà hǎn dà jiào | shouting and screaming (idiom); to scream loudly ; to rant ; to kick up a racket ; to conduct vigorous propaganda | |
| 大喜过望 | 大喜過望 | dà xǐ guò wàng | overjoyed at unexpected good news (idiom) | |
| 大器晚成 | 大器晚成 | dà qì wǎn chéng | lit. it takes a long time to make a big pot (idiom); fig. a great talent matures slowly ; in the fullness of time a major figure will develop into a pillar of the state ; Rome wasn't built in a day | |
| 大块朵颐 | 大塊朵頤 | dà kuài duǒ yí | to chew on a large slab (idiom); a large mouthful is hard to chew ; to tuck into a great meal | |
| 大声疾呼 | 大聲疾呼 | dà shēng jí hū | to call loudly (idiom); to get people's attention ; to make one's views known | pousser de grands cris ; crier de toutes ses forces ; lancer de sérieux avertissements |
| 大处着眼 | 大處著眼 | dà chù zhuó yǎn | View the big picture while handling the details (idiom). | |
| 大处着眼，小处着手 | 大處著眼，小處著手 | dà chù zhuó yǎn , xiǎo chù zhuó shǒu | View the big picture while handling the details (idiom). | |
| 大张声势 | 大張聲勢 | dà zhāng shēng shì | to spread one's voice wide (idiom); wide publicity | |
| 大快朵颐 | 大快朵頤 | dà kuài duǒ yí | to gorge oneself ; to eat heartily (idiom) | |
| 大惊失色 | 大驚失色 | dà jīng shī sè | to turn pale with fright (idiom) | être consterné et perdre sa couleur; être pâle de quelque chose; être frappé de panique; être saisi de frayeur; |
| 大手大脚 | 大手大腳 | dà shǒu dà jiǎo | extravagant (idiom); to throw away money by the handful ; wasteful | |
| 大放光明 | 大放光明 | dà fàng guāng míng | great release of light (idiom) | |
| 大放厥辞 | 大放厥辭 | dà fàng jué cí | great release of talk (idiom); to spout nonsense | |
| 大敌当前 | 大敵當前 | dà dí dāng qián | facing a powerful enemy (idiom); fig. confronting grave difficulties ; Enemy at the Gates, 1991 movie by Jean-Jacques Annaud | face à un ennemi puissant; sous la menace d'un grand ennemi |
| 大显身手 | 大顯身手 | dà xiǎn shēn shǒu | (idiom) fully displaying one's capabilities | déployer tout son talent; donner toute sa mesure; jouer un rôle éclatant; réussir un coup de maître; faire preuve de sa dextérité à faire quelque chose; |
| 大智如愚 | 大智如愚 | dà zhì rú yú | the wise may appear stupid (idiom); a genius not appreciated in his own time | |
| 大智若愚 | 大智若愚 | dà zhì ruò yú | great intelligence may appear to be stupidity (idiom) | Un homme de grande sagesse paraît quelquefois un lourdaud (idiome) |
| 大有可为 | 大有可為 | dà yǒu kě wéi | with great prospects for the future (idiom); well worth doing | augurer de bonnes perspectives; |
| 大有裨益 | 大有裨益 | dà yǒu bì yì | bringing great benefits (idiom); very useful ; of great service ; to help greatly ; to serve one well | |
| 大海捞针 | 大海撈針 | dà hǎi lāo zhēn | lit. to fish a needle from the sea ; to find a needle in a haystack (idiom) | repêcher une aiguille dans la mer ; chercher une aiguille dans une botte de foin |
| 大获全胜 | 大獲全勝 | dà huò quán shèng | to seize total victory (idiom); an overwhelming victory ; to win by a landslide (in election) | |
| 大街小巷 | 大街小巷 | dà jiē xiǎo xiàng | great streets and small alleys (idiom); everywhere in the city | |
| 大起大落 | 大起大落 | dà qǐ dà luò | significant ups and downs (idiom) | |
| 大跃进 | 大躍進 | dà yuè jìn | the Great Leap Forward (1958-1960), in retrospect widely viewed as an unprecedented economic and social disaster, with estimated 20 million people dying of starvation | le Grand Bond en Avant; |
| 大错特错 | 大錯特錯 | dà cuò tè cuò | to be gravely mistaken (idiom) | |
| 大限临头 | 大限臨頭 | dà xiàn lín tóu | facing the end (idiom); at the end of one's life ; with one foot in the grave | |
| 天下兴亡，匹夫有责 | 天下興亡，匹夫有責 | tiān xià xīng wáng , pǐ fū yǒu zé | The rise and fall of the nation concerns everyone (idiom). Everyone bears responsibility for the prosperity of society. | |
| 天下太平 | 天下太平 | tiān xià tài píng | the whole world at peace (idiom); peace and prosperity | |
| 天伦之乐 | 天倫之樂 | tiān lún zhī lè | pleasure of heavenly agreement (idiom); family love and joy ; domestic bliss | bonheur de famille ; félicité domestique (idiome) |
| 天低吴楚，眼空无物 | 天低吳楚，眼空無物 | tiān dī wú chǔ , yǎn kōng wú wù | the sky hangs low over the Yangtze, empty as far as the eye can see (idiom); nothing to see to the broad horizon | |
| 天公地道地道 | 天公地道地道 | tiān gōng dì dào dì dào | absolutely fair and reasonable (idiom); equitable | |
| 天兵天将 | 天兵天將 | tiān bīng tiān jiàng | celestial troops and generals (idiom) ; fig. superior forces | |
| 天命 | 天命 | tiān mìng | "Mandate of Heaven" ; destiny ; fate ; one's life span | |
| 天地悬隔 | 天地懸隔 | tiān dì xuán gé | lit. a gulf between heaven and earth ; wide difference of opinion (idiom) | |
| 天壤之别 | 天壤之別 | tiān rǎng zhī bié | lit. night and day difference (idiom) ; as different as sky and earth ; opposite extremes ; a world of difference (between them) ; a far cry from | être absolument sans commune mesure avec quelque choseh ; être à cent lieues au-dessus (audessous) de quelque choseh ; Il y a là une grande différence comme entre le ciel et la terre. (idiome) |
| 天妒英才 | 天妒英才 | tiān dù yīng cái | heaven is jealous of heroic genius (idiom); the great have great hardship to contend with ; those whom the Gods love die young | |
| 天寒地冻 | 天寒地凍 | tiān hán dì dòng | cold weather, frozen ground (idiom); bitterly cold | |
| 天崩地裂 | 天崩地裂 | tiān bēng dì liè | heaven falls and earth rends (idiom); rocked by a major disaster ; fig. violent revolution ; major social upheaval | |
| 天年 | 天年 | tiān nián | natural life span | |
| 天摇地转 | 天搖地轉 | tiān yáo dì zhuǎn | lit. the sky shakes and the ground revolves ; momentous changes are underway (idiom) | |
| 天旋地转 | 天旋地轉 | tiān xuán dì zhuàn | the sky spins, the earth goes round (idiom); giddy with one's head spinning ; fig. huge changes in the world | |
| 天无绝人之路 | 天無絕人之路 | tiān wú jué rén zhī lù | Heaven never bars one's way (idiom); don't despair and you will find a way through. ; Never give up hope. ; Never say die. | |
| 天时地利人和 | 天時地利人和 | tiān shí dì lì rén hé | the time is right, geographical and social conditions are favorable (idiom); a good time to go to war | |
| 天有不测风云 | 天有不測風雲 | tiān yǒu bù cè fēng yún | fortune as unpredictable as the weather (idiom); sth unexpected may happen at any moment | |
| 天有不测风云，人有旦夕祸福 | 天有不測風雲，人有旦夕禍福 | tiān yǒu bù cè fēng yún , rén yǒu dàn xī huò fú | fortune as unpredictable as the weather, every day may bring fortune or calamity (idiom); sth unexpected may happen at any moment | |
| 天机不可泄漏 | 天機不可泄漏 | tiān jī bù kě xiè lòu | lit. mysteries of heaven must not be revealed (idiom); must not be revealed ; I am not at liberty to inform you. | |
| 天机不可泄露 | 天機不可泄露 | tiān jī bù kě xiè lù | lit. mysteries of heaven must not be revealed (idiom); must not be revealed ; I am not at liberty to inform you. | |
| 天涯比邻 | 天涯比鄰 | tiān yá bǐ lín | far-flung realms as next door (idiom); close in spirit although far away ; absence makes the heart grow fonder | |
| 天涯若比邻 | 天涯若比鄰 | tiān yá ruò bǐ lín | far-flung realms as next door (idiom); close in spirit although far away ; absence makes the heart grow fonder | |
| 天清日晏 | 天清日晏 | tiān qīng rì yàn | a day of sunshine and peace (idiom) | |
| 天灾人祸 | 天災人禍 | tiān zāi rén huò | natural and man-made disasters (idiom); natural calamities (flood, drought, earthquake) added to human calamity (fire, famine, war, Microsoft software) | |
| 天经地义 | 天經地義 | tiān jīng dì yì | lit. heaven's law and earth's principle (idiom); fig. right and proper ; right and unalterable ; a matter of course | vérité infaillible et immuable; principe universellement valable; |
| 天网恢恢 | 天網恢恢 | tiān wǎng huī huī | Heaven's net is wide meshed, but nothing escapes it (idiom, from Laozi 73). | |
| 天网恢恢，疏而不失 | 天網恢恢，疏而不失 | tiān wǎng huī huī , shū ér bù shī | Heaven's net is wide meshed, but nothing escapes it (idiom, from Laozi 73). | |
| 天翻地覆 | 天翻地覆 | tiān fān dì fù | sky and the earth turning upside down (idiom); fig. complete confusion ; everything turned on its head | |
| 天职 | 天職 | tiān zhí | vocation ; duty ; mission in life | devoir impérieux; obligation impérieuse; |
| 天要落雨，娘要嫁人 | 天要落雨，娘要嫁人 | tiān yào luò yǔ , niáng yào jià rén | the rain will fall, the womenfolk will marry (idiom) ; fig. the natural order of things ; something you can't go against | |
| 天道酬勤 | 天道酬勤 | tiān dào chóu qín | Heaven rewards the diligent. (idiom) | |
| 天长地久 | 天長地久 | tiān cháng dì jiǔ | enduring while the world lasts (idiom) ; eternal | |
| 天长日久 | 天長日久 | tiān cháng rì jiǔ | after a long time (idiom) | |
| 天雨路滑 | 天雨路滑 | tiān yǔ lù huá | roads are slippery when wet (idiom) | |
| 天雨顺延 | 天雨順延 | tiān yǔ shùn yán | weather permitting (idiom) | |
| 天香国色 | 天香國色 | tiān xiāng guó sè | divine fragrance, national grace (idiom); an outstanding beauty | |
| 太公钓鱼，愿者上钩 | 太公釣魚，願者上鉤 | tài gōng diào yú , yuàn zhě shàng gōu | Jiang Ziya is fishing, if you want take the hook (idiom, refers to early sage 薑子牙|姜子牙 fishing with no bait and the hook above the water); to put one's head in the noose | |
| 太平盛世 | 太平盛世 | tài píng shèng shì | peace and prosperity (idiom) | |
| 夫妻反目 | 夫妻反目 | fū qī fǎn mù | man and wife fall out (idiom, from Book of Changes); marital strife | |
| 失之东隅，收之桑榆 | 失之東隅，收之桑榆 | shī zhī dōng yú , shōu zhī sāng yú | to lose at sunrise but gain at sunset (idiom); to compensate later for one's earlier loss ; what you lose on the swings you gain on the roundabouts | |
| 失之毫厘，差之千里 | 失之毫釐，差之千里 | shī zhī háo lí , chà zhī qiān lǐ | a tiny lapse can lead to a huge mistake (idiom); a minor discrepancy leading to enormous losses | |
| 失之毫厘，差以千里 | 失之毫釐，差以千里 | shī zhī háo lí , chà yǐ qiān lǐ | a tiny lapse can lead to a huge mistake (idiom); a minor discrepancy leading to enormous losses | |
| 失之毫厘，谬以千里 | 失之毫厘，謬以千里 | shī zhī háo lí , miù yǐ qiān lǐ | a tiny lapse can lead to a huge mistake (idiom); a minor discrepancy leading to enormous losses | |
| 失而复得 | 失而復得 | shī ér fù dé | to regain ; to lose and win back ; to find again ; regained | |
| 失足 | 失足 | shī zú | to take a wrong step in life | faire un faux pas; avoir un écart de conduite; |
| 失道寡助 | 失道寡助 | shī dào guǎ zhù | an unjust cause find little support (idiom, from Mencius) ; cf 得道多助, a just cause attracts much support | |
| 失魂落魄 | 失魂落魄 | shī hún luò pò | lit. lost soul, dropped spirit (idiom); driven to distraction ; scared out of one's wits | |
| 头悬梁，锥刺股 | 頭懸梁，錐刺股 | tóu xuán liáng , zhuī cì gǔ | lit. with his head attached to a beam and stabbing his thigh with an awl (idiom) ; fig. to study assiduously and tirelessly | |
| 头昏目晕 | 頭昏目暈 | tóu hūn mù yūn | (idiom) dizzy and faint ; to faint and see stars | |
| 头昏目眩 | 頭昏目眩 | tóu hūn mù xuàn | (idiom) to faint and see stars | |
| 头昏眼暗 | 頭昏眼暗 | tóu hūn yǎn àn | head spinning and eyes dark (idiom); dizzy ; fainting ; vertigo | |
| 头昏眼花 | 頭昏眼花 | tóu hūn yǎn huā | to faint with blurred vision (idiom); dizzy and eyes dimmed | |
| 头晕眼花 | 頭暈眼花 | tóu yūn yǎn huā | to faint with blurred vision (idiom); dizzy and eyes dimmed | |
| 头角峥嵘 | 頭角崢嶸 | tóu jiǎo zhēng róng | promise of brilliant young person (idiom); showing extraordinary gifts | |
| 夸多斗靡 | 誇多鬥靡 | kuā duō dòu mǐ | to compete to produce extravagant literary works (idiom) | |
| 夹起尾巴 | 夾起尾巴 | jiā qǐ wěi ba | to tuck one's tail between one's legs ; fig. to back down ; in a humiliating situation | |
| 夺门而出 | 奪門而出 | duó mén ér chū | to rush out through a door (idiom) | |
| 奄奄一息 | 奄奄一息 | yān yān yī xī | dying ; at one's last gasp | être à son dernier souffle ; être agonisant |
| 奇形怪状 | 奇形怪狀 | qí xíng guài zhuàng | fantastic oddities of every description (idiom); grotesquely shaped | forme bizarre ; extérieur étrange ; aspect étrange ; accoutrement bizarre ; manières excentriques |
| 奇文共赏 | 奇文共賞 | qí wén gòng shǎng | lit. remarkable work appreciated by all (idiom); universally praised (original meaning) ; incomprehensible nonsense ; preposterous bullshit | |
| 奇珍异宝 | 奇珍異寶 | qí zhēn yì bǎo | rare treasure (idiom) | |
| 奇耻大辱 | 奇恥大辱 | qí chǐ dà rǔ | extraordinary shame and humiliation (idiom) | |
| 奇花异卉 | 奇花異卉 | qí huā yì huì | exotic flowers and rare herbs (idiom) | |
| 奇葩异卉 | 奇葩異卉 | qí pā yì huì | rare and exotic flora (idiom) | |
| 奉公克己 | 奉公剋己 | fèng gōng kè jǐ | self-restraint and devotion to public duties (idiom); selfless dedication ; to serve the public interest wholeheartedly | |
| 奉若神明 | 奉若神明 | fèng ruò shén míng | to honor sb as a God (idiom); to revere ; to worship ; to deify ; to make a holy cow of sth ; to put sb on a pedestal | |
| 奉还 | 奉還 | fèng huán | to return with thanks ; to give back (honorific) | rendre quelque choseh avec respect ; restituer respectueusement |
| 奋不顾身 | 奮不顧身 | fèn bù gù shēn | to dash on bravely with no thought of personal safety (idiom); undaunted by dangers ; regardless of perils | |
| 奢入俭难 | 奢入儉難 | shē rù jiǎn nán | it is hard to become frugal after becoming accustomed to luxury (idiom) | |
| 奢易俭难 | 奢易儉難 | shē yì jiǎn nán | easy to become accustomed to luxury, hard to become accustomed to frugality (idiom) | |
| 奴颜婢膝 | 奴顏婢膝 | nú yán bì xī | servile and bending the knee (idiom); fawning ; bending and scraping to curry favor | |
| 奸官污吏 | 奸官污吏 | jiān guān wū lì | traitor minister and corrupt official (idiom); abuse and corruption | |
| 好事不出门，恶事传千里 | 好事不出門，惡事傳千里 | hǎo shì bù chū mén , è shì chuán qiān lǐ | lit. good deeds do not go beyond the door, evil deeds spread a thousand miles ; a good deed goes unnoticed, but scandal spreads fast (idiom) | |
| 好事多磨 | 好事多磨 | hǎo shì duō mó | the road to happiness is paved with hardships (idiom) | |
| 好吃懒做 | 好吃懶做 | hào chī lǎn zuò | lit. eats a lot but never works (idiom); fig. a parasite | |
| 好奇尚异 | 好奇尚異 | hào qí shàng yì | liking what odd, interested in what is different (idiom); curious about the exotic ; inquisitive | |
| 好好学习，天天向上 | 好好學習，天天向上 | hǎo hǎo xué xí , tiān tiān xiàng shàng | study hard and every day you will improve (idiom) | |
| 好样的 | 好樣的 | hǎo yàng de | (idiom) a good person, used to praise sb's moral integrity or courage | |
| 好梦难成 | 好夢難成 | hǎo mèng nán chéng | a beautiful dream is hard to realize (idiom) | |
| 好死不如赖活着 | 好死不如賴活着 | hǎo sǐ bù rú lài huó zhe | Better a bad life than a good death (idiom) | |
| 好气万千 | 好氣萬千 | hǎo qì wàn qiān | deliriously happy (idiom) | fou de joie |
| 好酒贪杯 | 好酒貪杯 | hǎo jiǔ tān bēi | good wine taken in excess (idiom); fond of the bottle | |
| 好饭不怕晚 | 好飯不怕晚 | hǎo fàn bù pà wǎn | The good things in life are worth waiting for. | |
| 如其所好 | 如其所好 | rú qí suǒ hào | as one pleases (idiom) | |
| 如堕烟雾 | 如墮煙霧 | rú duò yān wù | as if degenerating into smoke (idiom); ignorant and unable to see where things are heading | |
| 如是我闻 | 如是我聞 | rú shì wǒ wén | so I have heard (idiom) ; the beginning clause of Buddha's quotations as recorded by his disciple, Ananda (Buddhism) | |
| 如有所失 | 如有所失 | rú yǒu suǒ shī | to seem as if something is amiss (idiom) | |
| 如火如茶 | 如火如茶 | rú huǒ rú chá | common erroneous version of 如火如荼 (tu2) (idiom), daunting and vigorous (momentum) ; magnificent | |
| 如火如荼 | 如火如荼 | rúhuǒ rú tú | lit. white cogon flower like fire (idiom); fig. a mighty army like wildfire ; daunting and vigorous (momentum) ; flourishing ; magnificent | comme des flammes qui font rage; battre son plein; |
| 如虎添翼 | 如虎添翼 | rú hǔ tiān yì | lit. like a tiger that has grown wings ; with redoubled power (idiom) | |
| 如蚁附膻 | 如蟻附膻 | rú yǐ fù shān | like ants pursuing a stink (idiom); the mob chases the rich and powerful ; the crowd runs after trash | |
| 如蝇逐臭 | 如蠅逐臭 | rú yíng zhú chòu | like flies pursuing a stink (idiom); the mob chases the rich and powerful ; the crowd runs after trash | |
| 如醉如痴 | 如醉如癡 | rú zuì rú chī | lit. as if drunk and stupefied (idiom); intoxicated by sth ; obsessed with ; mad about sth | défoncer |
| 如金似玉 | 如金似玉 | rú jīn sì yù | gold having the appearance of jade (idiom) | |
| 如雷贯耳 | 如雷貫耳 | rú léi guàn ěr | lit. like thunder piercing the ear ; a well-known reputation (idiom) | |
| 如饥似渴 | 如飢似渴 | rú jī sì kě | to hunger for sth (idiom); eagerly ; to long for sth | être assoiffé de; avoir soif de faire quelque chose; brûler de faire quelque chose; désirer avidement quelque chose |
| 如鱼得水 | 如魚得水 | rú yú dé shuǐ | like a fish back in water (idiom); glad to be back in one's proper surroundings | |
| 妄下雌黄 | 妄下雌黃 | wàng xià cí huáng | to alter a text indiscriminately (idiom) ; to make irresponsible criticism | |
| 妄生穿凿 | 妄生穿鑿 | wàng shēng chuān záo | a forced analogy (idiom); to jump to an unwarranted conclusion | |
| 妄自尊大 | 妄自尊大 | wàng zì zūn dà | ridiculous self-importance (idiom); arrogance | |
| 妄自菲薄 | 妄自菲薄 | wàng zì fēi bó | to be unduly humble (idiom); to undervalue oneself ; false modesty | |
| 妄言妄听 | 妄言妄聽 | wàng yán wàng tīng | unwarranted talk the listener can take or leave (idiom); sth not to be taken too seriously | |
| 妇姑勃溪 | 婦姑勃谿 | fù gū bó xī | dispute among womenfolk (idiom); family squabbles | |
| 妇孺皆知 | 婦孺皆知 | fù rú jiē zhī | understood by everyone (idiom); well known ; a household name | |
| 妒能害贤 | 妒能害賢 | dù néng hài xián | jealous of the able, envious of the clever (idiom) | |
| 妒贤忌能 | 妒賢忌能 | dù xián jì néng | to envy the virtuous and talented (idiom) | |
| 妙在不言中 | 妙在不言中 | miào zài bù yán zhōng | the charm lies in what is left unsaid (idiom) | |
| 妙手 | 妙手 | miào shǒu | miraculous hands of a healer ; highly skilled person ; brilliant move in chess or weiqi (go) 圍棋|围棋 | |
| 妙手回春 | 妙手回春 | miào shǒu huí chūn | magical hands bring the dying back to life (idiom); miracle cure ; brilliant doctor | main adroite qui ramène la santé ; médecin habile qui rend la santé |
| 妻离子散 | 妻離子散 | qī lí zǐ sàn | a family wrenched apart (idiom) | être séparé de sa femme et de ses enfants ; avoir sa famille dispersée |
| 始作俑者 | 始作俑者 | shǐ zuò yǒng zhě | lit. the first person to bury funerary dolls (idiom); fig. the originator of an evil practice (refers to Mencius 孟子) | |
| 始终如一 | 始終如一 | shǐ zhōng rú yī | unswerving from start to finish (idiom) | (idiome) inébranlable du début à la fin |
| 姑息养奸 | 姑息養奸 | gū xī yǎng jiān | to tolerate is to nurture an evildoer (idiom); spare the rod and spoil the child | |
| 姑置勿论 | 姑置勿論 | gū zhì wù lùn | to put something aside for the time being (idiom) | |
| 姜太公钓鱼，愿者上钩 | 薑太公釣魚，願者上鉤 | jiāng tài gōng diào yú , yuàn zhě shàng gōu | Jiang Ziya is fishing, if you want it, take the hook (idiom, refers to early sage 薑子牙|姜子牙 fishing with no bait and the hook above the water); to put one's head in the noose | |
| 姜还是老的辣 | 薑還是老的辣 | jiāng hái shì lǎo de là | lit. old ginger is hotter than young ginger ; experience counts (idiom) | |
| 姹紫嫣红 | 奼紫嫣紅 | chà zǐ yān hóng | fig. beautiful purples and brilliant reds (idiom); lit. beautiful flowers | pourpre foncé et rouge vif; une orgie de pourpre admirable et de cramoisi tendre; |
| 姿态婀娜 | 姿態婀娜 | zī tài ē nuó | to have an elegant countenance (idiom) | |
| 威尊命贱 | 威尊命賤 | wēi zūn mìng jiàn | orders weightier than life | |
| 嫁祸于人 | 嫁禍於人 | jià huò yú rén | to pass the misfortune on to sb else (idiom); to blame others ; to pass the buck | |
| 嫁鸡随鸡 | 嫁雞隨雞 | jià jī suí jī | If you marry a chicken, follow the chicken (idiom); A woman should follow whatever her husband orders. ; We must learn to accept the people around us. | |
| 嫌弃 | 嫌棄 | xián qì | to avoid sb (out of dislike) ; to turn one's back on sb ; to ignore | dédaigner ; mépriser |
| 嬉皮笑脸 | 嬉皮笑臉 | xī pí xiào liǎn | happy and giggling (idiom); frivolous | |
| 嬉笑怒骂 | 嬉笑怒罵 | xī xiào nù mà | lit. merry laughter and angry scolding ; ironic and invective writing (idiom) | |
| 子孝父慈 | 子孝父慈 | zǐ xiào fù cí | filial son, benevolent father (idiom); natural love between parents and children | |
| 字字珠玉 | 字字珠玉 | zì zì zhū yù | every word a gem (idiom); magnificent writing | |
| 字里行间 | 字裡行間 | zì lǐ háng jiān | between the words and the lines (idiom); implied meaning ; connotations | |
| 存亡攸关 | 存亡攸關 | cún wáng yōu guān | a make-or-break matter ; a matter of life and death | |
| 孜孜不倦 | 孜孜不倦 | zī zī bù juàn | lit. diligent and never slacking (idiom); continuous concentrated effort ; assiduous (in study) ; to concentrate | inlassablement ; assidûment |
| 孜孜以求 | 孜孜以求 | zī zī yǐ qiú | diligent and tireless (idiom) | |
| 孝思不匮 | 孝思不匱 | xiào sī bù kuì | to be forever filial (idiom) | |
| 孤独无援 | 孤獨無援 | gū dú wú yuán | lonely and isolated (idiom) | |
| 孤芳自赏 | 孤芳自賞 | gū fāng zì shǎng | lone flower admiring itself (idiom); narcissism ; self-love | |
| 孤苦零丁 | 孤苦零丁 | gū kǔ líng dīng | solitary and impoverished (idiom) | |
| 孤身只影 | 孤身隻影 | gū shēn zhī yǐng | lit. a lonely body with only a shadow for company ; to be all alone (idiom) | |
| 学名 | 學名 | xué míng | scientific name ; Latin name (of plant or animal) ; (according to an old system of nomenclature) on entering school life, a formal personal name given to new students | |
| 学如逆水行舟，不进则退 | 學如逆水行舟，不進則退 | xué rú nì shuǐ xíng zhōu , bù jìn zé tuì | Study is like rowing upstream: no advance is to drop back | |
| 学富五车 | 學富五車 | xué fù wǔ chē | of great erudition and scholarship (idiom) | |
| 学无止境 | 學無止境 | xué wú zhǐ jìng | no end to learning (idiom); There's always something new to study. ; You live and learn. | |
| 学海无涯 | 學海無涯 | xué hǎi wú yá | sea of learning, no horizon (idiom); no limits to what one still has to learn ; ars longa, vita brevis | |
| 学海泛舟 | 學海泛舟 | xué hǎi fàn zhōu | sailing on the sea of learning (idiom) | |
| 孭 | 孭 | miē | to carry on the back or shoulders (Cantonese) | |
| 宁为玉碎，不为瓦全 | 寧為玉碎，不為瓦全 | nìng wéi yù suì , bù wéi wǎ quán | Better broken jade than intact tile. ; Death is preferable to dishonor. (idiom) | |
| 宁定淡泊 | 寧定淡泊 | níng dìng dàn bó | to live in contentment (idiom) | |
| 宁左勿右 | 寧左勿右 | nìng zuǒ wù yòu | to find peace on the left but not on the right (idiom) | |
| 宁死不屈 | 寧死不屈 | nìng sǐ bù qū | rather die than submit (idiom) | Plutôt mourir que de se soumettre (ou se rendre) (idiome) |
| 宁缺毋滥 | 寧缺毋濫 | nìng quē wú làn | better to have nothing (than substandard choice) (idiom); would prefer to go without than accept shoddy option | |
| 宁静致远 | 寧靜致遠 | níng jìng zhì yuǎn | tranquility yields transcendence (idiom); quiet life of profound study ; cf Still waters run deep. | |
| 守口如瓶 | 守口如瓶 | shǒu kǒu rú píng | lit. to guard one's mouth like a closed bottle (idiom); tight-lipped ; reticent ; not breathing a word | |
| 守土有责 | 守土有責 | shǒu tǔ yǒu zé | duty to defend the country (idiom) | |
| 守望相助 | 守望相助 | shǒu wàng xiāng zhù | to keep watch and defend one another (idiom, from Mencius); to join forces to defend against external aggressors ; mutual help and protection | |
| 守株待兔 | 守株待兔 | shǒu zhū dài tù | lit. to guard a tree-stump waiting for rabbits (idiom); to wait idly for opportunities ; to trust to chance rather than show initiative | |
| 守株待兔，缘木求鱼 | 守株待兔，緣木求魚 | shǒu zhū dài tù , yuán mù qiú yú | to guard a tree-stump waiting for rabbits and climb a tree to catch fish (idiom); without any practical course of action | |
| 守株缘木 | 守株緣木 | shǒu zhū yuán mù | to guard a tree-stump waiting for rabbits and climb a tree to catch fish (idiom); without any practical course of action ; abbr. of 守株待兔,緣木求魚|守株待兔,缘木求 | |
| 安 | 安 | ān | content ; calm ; still ; quiet ; safe ; secure ; in good health ; to find a place for ; to install ; to fix ; to fit ; to bring (a charge against sb) ; to pacify ; security ; safety ; peace ; ampere ; surname An | paix; calme ; sécurité; calmer; rassurer ; installer; pacifier; poser ; être satisfait de; calme; paisible |
| 安于现状 | 安於現狀 | ān yú xiàn zhuàng | to take things as they are (idiom) ; to leave a situation as it is ; to be happy with the status quo | |
| 安分守己 | 安分守己 | ān fèn shǒu jǐ | to abide by the law and behave oneself (idiom) ; to know one's place ; to not meddle in others' affairs | vivre honnêtement dans sa condition; se comporter avec retenue; se tenir dans ses limite; |
| 安如磐石 | 安如磐石 | ān rú pán shí | as solid as rock (idiom); as sure as houses | solide comme un roc |
| 安家立业 | 安家立業 | ān jiā lì yè | stable household, established profession (idiom); settled and comfortably off | |
| 安富恤穷 | 安富恤窮 | ān fù xù qióng | to give sympathy to the rich and relief to the poor (idiom) | |
| 安富恤贫 | 安富恤貧 | ān fù xù pín | to give sympathy to the rich and relief to the poor (idiom) | |
| 安居乐业 | 安居樂業 | ān jū lè yè | live in peace and work happily (idiom) | vivre en paix et se complaire dans son occupation; mener une vie tranquille et heureuse; être satisfait de sa vie et de son occupation; |
| 安然无恙 | 安然無恙 | ān rán wú yàng | safe and sound (idiom); to come out unscathed (e.g. from an accident or illness) ; to llive to fight another day | |
| 安邦 | 安邦 | ān bāng | to bring peace and stability to a country, region etc | |
| 安闲自在 | 安閑自在 | ān xián zì zai | leisurely and free (idiom); carefree and at ease | |
| 安闲自得 | 安閑自得 | ān xián zì dé | feeling comfortably at ease (idiom) | |
| 安闲舒适 | 安閑舒適 | ān xián shū shì | leisurely and free (idiom); carefree and at ease | |
| 安闲随意 | 安閑隨意 | ān xián suí yì | leisurely and free (idiom); carefree and at ease | |
| 完事大吉 | 完事大吉 | wán shì dà jí | everything is finished (idiom); And there you are! | |
| 完璧归赵 | 完璧歸趙 | wán bì guī zhào | lit. to return the jade annulus to Zhao (idiom); fig. to return something intact to its rightful owner | |
| 官复原职 | 官復原職 | guān fù yuán zhí | restored to one's official post ; to send sb back to his former post | |
| 官官相护 | 官官相護 | guān guān xiāng hù | officials shield one another (idiom); a cover-up | |
| 官报私仇 | 官報私仇 | guān bào sī chóu | to take advantage of official post for personal revenge (idiom) | |
| 官私合营 | 官私合營 | guān sī hé yíng | public and private interests working together (idiom) | |
| 官运亨通 | 官運亨通 | guān yùn hēng tōng | (of a political career) everything is going smoothly (idiom) | |
| 官逼民反 | 官逼民反 | guān bī mín fǎn | a government official drives the people to revolt (idiom); a minister provokes a rebellion by exploiting the people | |
| 宝刀未老 | 寶刀未老 | bǎo dāo wèi lǎo | treasure knife does not age (idiom); old but still vigorous | |
| 宝马香车 | 寶馬香車 | bǎo mǎ xiāng chē | precious horses and magnificent carriage (idiom); rich family with extravagant lifestyle ; ostentatious display of luxury | |
| 实事求是 | 實事求是 | shí shì qiú shì | to seek truth from facts (idiom) ; to be practical and realistic | rechercher la vérité dans les faits; avoir le sens pratique; être réaliste |
| 实属不易 | 實屬不易 | shí shǔ bù yì | really not easy (idiom) | |
| 实现 | 實現 | shí xiàn | to achieve ; to implement ; to realize ; to bring about | réaliser; accomplir; |
| 宠擅专房 | 寵擅專房 | chǒng shàn zhuān fáng | an especially favored concubine (idiom) | |
| 宰予昼寝 | 宰予晝寢 | zǎi yǔ zhòu qǐn | Zai Yu sleeps by day (idiom); refers to story in Analects of Confucius remonstrating bitterly with his student for sleeping during lectures | |
| 害群之马 | 害群之馬 | hài qún zhī mǎ | lit. the black horse of the herd (idiom) ; fig. trouble-maker ; the black sheep of the family | mauvais cheval dangereux pour tout le troupeau ; brebis galeuse |
| 家丑不可外传 | 家醜不可外傳 | jiā chǒu bù kě wài chuán | lit. family shames must not be spread abroad (idiom); fig. don't wash your dirty linen in public | |
| 家世寒微 | 家世寒微 | jiā shì hán wēi | to be of humble origin (idiom) | |
| 家和万事兴 | 家和萬事興 | jiā hé wàn shì xīng | if the family lives in harmony all affairs will prosper (idiom) | |
| 家喻户晓 | 家喻戶曉 | jiā yù hù xiǎo | understood by everyone (idiom); well known ; a household name | être su (ou connu) de tout le monde; au vu et au su de tous; |
| 家常 | 家常 | jiā cháng | the daily life of a family | train-train de la vie; affaires de ménage; |
| 家庭生活 | 家庭生活 | jiā tíng shēng huó | home life | vie de famille |
| 家教 | 家教 | jiā jiào | family education ; upbringing ; to bring sb up ; private tutor | |
| 家破人亡 | 家破人亡 | jiā pò rén wáng | family bankrupt and the people dead (idiom); ruined and orphaned ; destitute and homeless | |
| 家累千金，坐不垂堂 | 家累千金，坐不垂堂 | jiā lěi qiān jīn , zuò bù chuí táng | rich person does not sit under the eaves (idiom); prudent not to place oneself in danger | |
| 家给人足 | 家給人足 | jiā jǐ rén zú | lit. each household provided for, enough for the individual (idiom); comfortably off | |
| 家贫如洗 | 家貧如洗 | jiā pín rú xǐ | extreme poverty (idiom); destitute ; penniless ; poor as church mice | |
| 容光焕发 | 容光煥發 | róng guāng huàn fā | face glowing (idiom); looking radiant ; all smiles | |
| 容华绝代 | 容華絕代 | róng huá jué dài | to be blessed with rare and radiant beauty (idiom) | |
| 容颜失色 | 容顏失色 | róng yán shī sè | of pale or colorless complexion (idiom) | |
| 宽以待人 | 寬以待人 | kuān yǐ dài rén | to be lenient with others (idiom) | |
| 宽大为怀 | 寬大為懷 | kuān dà wéi huái | magnanimous (idiom) ; generous | |
| 宽大仁爱 | 寬大仁愛 | kuān dà rén ài | tolerant and lenient (idiom) | |
| 宽宏大量 | 寬宏大量 | kuān hóng dà liàng | magnanimous (idiom); generous | |
| 宽打窄用 | 寬打窄用 | kuān dǎ zhǎi yòng | to give oneself leeway (idiom) ; to allow room for error | |
| 宾客盈门 | 賓客盈門 | bīn kè yíng mén | guests filled the hall (idiom); a house full of distinguished visitors | |
| 宾朋满座 | 賓朋滿座 | bīn péng mǎn zuò | guests filled all the seats (idiom); a house full of distinguished visitors | |
| 宾朋盈门 | 賓朋盈門 | bīn péng yíng mén | guests filled the hall (idiom); a house full of distinguished visitors | |
| 宿命 | 宿命 | xiù mìng | one's life (in the stars) | |
| 寄人篱下 | 寄人籬下 | jì rén lí xià | to lodge under another person's roof (idiom); to live relying on sb else's charity | |
| 寄生生活 | 寄生生活 | jì shēng shēng huó | parasitism ; parasitic life-style | parasitisme |
| 富丽堂皇 | 富麗堂皇 | fù lì táng huáng | sumptuous mansions (idiom); splendorous and majestic | |
| 富国强兵 | 富國強兵 | fù guó qiáng bīng | lit. rich country, strong army (idiom); slogan of legalist philosophers in pre-Han times ; Make the country wealthy and the military powerful, slogan of modernizers in Qing China and Meiji Japan (Japanese pronunciation: Fukoku kyōhei) | |
| 寒光闪闪 | 寒光閃閃 | hán guāng shǎn shǎn | to glitter like frost and snow (idiom) | |
| 寒风刺骨 | 寒風刺骨 | hán fēng cì gǔ | bone chilling wind (idiom) | |
| 寓意深远 | 寓意深遠 | yù yì shēn yuǎn | the implied message is deep (idiom); having deep implications | |
| 寓意深长 | 寓意深長 | yù yì shēn cháng | to have profound import (idiom); to be deeply significant | |
| 寝苫枕块 | 寢苫枕塊 | qǐn shān zhěn kuài | bed of straw and pillow of clay (idiom); the correct etiquette for filial son during Confucian mourning period | |
| 寝食难安 | 寢食難安 | qǐn shí nán ān | lit. cannot rest or eat in peace (idiom) ; fig. extremely worried and troubled | |
| 察微知著 | 察微知著 | chá wēi zhī zhù | examine tiny clues to know general trend (idiom); deduce the whole story from small traces | |
| 察言观色 | 察言觀色 | chá yán guān sè | to observe sb's words and gestures (idiom, from Analects); to examine words and moods for a clue as to sb's thoughts ; mind reading | |
| 寡不敌众 | 寡不敵眾 | guǎ bù dí zhòng | the few are no match for the many ; heavily outnumbered ; facing impossible odds (idiom) | |
| 寥寥可数 | 寥寥可數 | liáo liáo kě shǔ | just a very few (idiom); tiny number ; just a handful ; not many at all ; You count them on your fingers. | |
| 寥寥无几 | 寥寥無幾 | liáo liáo wú jǐ | just a very few (idiom); tiny number ; not many at all ; You count them on your fingers. | |
| 寸步不离 | 寸步不離 | cùn bù bù lí | to follow somebody closely; to keep close to (idiom) | |
| 对上 | 對上 | duì shàng | to fit one into the other ; to bring two things into contact | |
| 对牛弹琴 | 對牛彈琴 | duì niú tán qín | to play the lute to a cow (idiom); fig. offering a treat to a unappreciative audience ; to cast pearls before swine ; caviar to the general ; to preach to deaf ears ; to talk over sb's head | jouer du luth devant les buffles ; parler à un mur ; perdre sa salive |
| 对症下药 | 對症下藥 | duì zhèng xià yào | lit. to prescribe the right medicine for an illness (idiom); fig. to study a problem to find the right way to solve it ; to take appropriate steps | administrer le médicament selon la maladie ; prendre une mesure appropriée |
| 对症发药 | 對症發藥 | duì zhèng fā yào | lit. to prescribe the right medicine for an illness (idiom); fig. to study a problem to find the right way to solve it ; to take appropriate steps | |
| 对答如流 | 對答如流 | duì dá rú liú | able to reply quickly and fluently (idiom); having a ready answer | |
| 对簿公堂 | 對簿公堂 | duì bù gōng táng | public courtroom accusation (idiom) ; legal confrontation ; to take sb to court ; to sue | |
| 对酒当歌 | 對酒當歌 | duì jiǔ dāng gē | lit. sing to accompany wine (idiom); fig. life is short, make merry while you can | |
| 寻根问底 | 尋根問底 | xún gēn wèn dǐ | lit. to examine roots and inquire at the base (idiom); to get to the bottom of sth | |
| 寻欢作乐 | 尋歡作樂 | xún huān zuò lè | pleasure seeking (idiom); life of dissipation | |
| 寻花问柳 | 尋花問柳 | xún huā wèn liǔ | lit. to visit the flowers and willow enjoy (idiom) ; to frequent brothels ; to enjoy the spring scenery ; to sow one's wild oats | |
| 导致 | 導致 | dǎo zhì | to lead to ; to create ; to cause ; to bring about | mener à; conduire à; |
| 寿 | 壽 | shòu | long life ; old age ; age ; life ; birthday ; funerary | longévité ; anniversaire; |
| 寿保险公司 | 壽保險公司 | shòu bǎo xiǎn gōng sī | life insurance company | |
| 寿命 | 壽命 | shòu mìng | life span ; life expectancy | espérance de vie; |
| 寿数 | 壽數 | shòu shù | predestined length of life | |
| 寿数已尽 | 壽數已盡 | shòu shù yǐ jǐn | to die (when one's predestined life span is up) | |
| 寿比南山 | 壽比南山 | shòu bǐ nán shān | Live as long as Mt Nan! (idiom, conventional greeting) ; We wish you a Happy Birthday and many more of them. | |
| 寿限 | 壽限 | shòu xiàn | lifetime ; length of life | |
| 寿险 | 壽險 | shòu xiǎn | life insurance ; abbr. for 人壽保險|人寿保险 | |
| 封底 | 封底 | fēng dǐ | the back cover of a book | couverture page |
| 封沙育林 | 封沙育林 | fēng shā yù lín | to plant trees in order to stabilize sand (idiom) | |
| 将勤补绌 | 將勤補絀 | jiāng qín bǔ chù | to compensate for lack of ability through hard work (idiom) | |
| 将计就计 | 將計就計 | jiāng jì jiù jì | to beat somebody at their own game (idiom) | |
| 将错就错 | 將錯就錯 | jiāng cuò jiù cuò | lit. if it's wrong, it's wrong (idiom); to make the best after a mistake ; to accept an error and adapt to it ; to muddle through | |
| 小媳妇儿 | 小媳婦兒 | xiǎo xí fu r | young married woman ; scapegoat ; young girl engaged to sb by her parents (idiom) | |
| 小山包包 | 小山包包 | xiǎo shān bāo bao | a landscape dotted with low hills and hillocks (idiom) | |
| 小心翼翼 | 小心翼翼 | xiǎo xīn yì yì | cautious and solemn (idiom); very carefully ; prudent ; gently and cautiously | avec précaution; |
| 小心谨慎 | 小心謹慎 | xiǎo xīn jǐn shèn | cautious and timid (idiom); prudent ; careful | |
| 小惩大诫 | 小懲大誡 | xiǎo chéng dà jiè | lit. to punish a little to prevent a lot (idiom); to criticize former mistakes firmly to prevent large scale repetition | |
| 小肚鸡肠 | 小肚雞腸 | xiǎo dù jī cháng | lit. small belly, chicken's gut (idiom); narrow-minded ; petty | |
| 小菜一碟 | 小菜一碟 | xiǎo cài yī dié | a small appetizer ; a piece of cake; very easy (idiom) | |
| 小题大做 | 小題大做 | xiǎo tí dà zuò | to make a big fuss over a minor issue (idiom) | faire d'un petit sujet un grand discours; faire beaucoup de bruit pour rien |
| 小鬼 | 小鬼 | xiǎo guǐ | (idiom) an endearing term of address to a child; little demon | diablotin |
| 少女露笑脸，婚事半成全 | 少女露笑臉，婚事半成全 | shào nǚ lù xiào liǎn , hūn shì bàn chéng quán | When the girl smiles, the matchmaker's job is half done. (idiom) | |
| 少成多 | 少成多 | shǎo chéng duō | Many little things add up to sth great (idiom); many a mickle makes a muckle | |
| 少见多怪 | 少見多怪 | shǎo jiàn duō guài | lit. rarely seen, very strange (idiom); to express amazement due to lack of experience ; naive expression of excitement due to ignorance | |
| 尔虞我诈 | 爾虞我詐 | ěr yú wǒ zhà | lit. you hoodwink me and I cheat you (idiom); fig. mutual deception ; each tries to outwit the other ; dog eats dog and devil take the hindmost | |
| 尘世 | 塵世 | chén shì | this mortal life ; the mundane world | ce bas monde; |
| 尘埃落定 | 塵埃落定 | chén āi luò dìng | the dust settles (idiom) ; to settle down ; to have decided on a certain conclusion ; complicated things become clear in the end | |
| 尝尽心酸 | 嘗盡心酸 | cháng jìn xīn suān | to be dispirited and down hearted (idiom) | |
| 就地正法 | 就地正法 | jiù dì zhèng fǎ | to execute on the spot (idiom); summary execution ; to carry out the law on the spot | |
| 尽人皆知 | 盡人皆知 | jìn rén jiē zhī | known by everyone (idiom); well known ; a household name | |
| 尽善尽美 | 盡善盡美 | jìn shàn jìn měi | perfect (idiom); perfection ; the best of all possible worlds ; as good as it gets | |
| 尽心尽力 | 盡心盡力 | jìn xīn jìn lì | making an all-out effort (idiom); to try one's heart out ; to do one's utmost | |
| 尽心竭力 | 盡心竭力 | jìn xīn jié lì | to spare no effort (idiom); to do one's utmost | |
| 尽欢而散 | 盡歡而散 | jìn huān ér sàn | to disperse after a happy time (idiom) ; everyone enjoys themselves to the full then party breaks up | |
| 尽职尽责 | 盡職盡責 | jìn zhí jìn zé | responsible and diligent (idiom) | |
| 尽释前嫌 | 盡釋前嫌 | jìn shì qián xián | to forget former enmity (idiom) | |
| 尾大不掉 | 尾大不掉 | wěi dà bù diào | large tail obstructs action (idiom); bottom heavy ; fig. rendered ineffective by subordinates | |
| 尾部 | 尾部 | wěi bù | back part ; rear or tail section | |
| 局促一隅 | 局促一隅 | jú cù yī yú | to be cramped in a corner (idiom) | |
| 屁滚尿流 | 屁滾尿流 | pì gǔn niào liú | to piss in one's pants in terror (idiom); scared witless | |
| 层出不穷 | 層出不窮 | céng chū bù qióng | more and more emerge ; innumerable succession ; breeding like flies (idiom) | se succéder; se reproduire sans fin; |
| 层峦叠嶂 | 層巒疊嶂 | céng luán dié zhàng | range upon range of mountains (idiom) | montagnes étagées et pics superposés ; enchevêtrement de cimes |
| 居功自傲 | 居功自傲 | jū gōng zì ào | satisfied with one's accomplishment and arrogant as a result (idiom); resting on one's laurels and despising others | |
| 居安思危 | 居安思危 | jū ān sī wēi | to think of danger in times of safety ; to be vigilant in peacetime (idiom) | (phrase) en temps de paix penser aux dangers futurs; songer au danger qui couve quand on se trouve dans la sécurité; Il faut prévoir le danger lorsqu'on est en toute sécurité; |
| 居心不良 | 居心不良 | jū xīn bù liáng | with treacherous intent (idiom); two-faced ; malicious and duplicitous | |
| 居心叵测 | 居心叵測 | jū xīn pǒ cè | with treacherous intent (idiom); two-faced ; malicious and duplicitous | |
| 居心险恶 | 居心險惡 | jū xīn xiǎn è | with treacherous intent (idiom); intentional malice | |
| 居高临下 | 居高臨下 | jū gāo lín xià | to live high and look down (idiom); occupying the high ground ; fig. arrogance based on one's social position | |
| 屈指可数 | 屈指可數 | qū zhǐ kě shǔ | You count them on your fingers (idiom). tiny number ; just a very few ; just a handful ; not many at all | |
| 展翅高飞 | 展翅高飛 | zhǎn chì gāo fēi | spread your wings and soar (idiom); to develop one's abilities freely | |
| 展转 | 展轉 | zhǎn zhuǎn | to toss about in bed ; to pass through many hands or places ; also written 輾轉|辗转[zhan3 zhuan3] | |
| 展转腾挪 | 展轉騰挪 | zhǎn zhuǎn téng nuó | to triumph after much effort (idiom) | |
| 屡禁不止 | 屢禁不止 | lǔ jìn bù zhǐ | to continue despite repeated prohibition (idiom) | |
| 屡禁不绝 | 屢禁不絕 | lǚ jìn bù jué | to continue despite repeated prohibition (idiom) | |
| 屡见不鲜 | 屢見不鮮 | lǚ jiàn bù xiān | a common occurrence (idiom) | |
| 屡遭不测 | 屢遭不測 | lǚ zāo bù cè | beset by a series of mishaps (idiom) | |
| 履舄交错 | 履舄交錯 | lǚ xì jiāo cuò | lit. shoes and slippers muddled together (idiom); fig. many guests come and go ; a lively party | |
| 山峦重叠 | 山巒重疊 | shān luán chóng dié | overlapping ranges of high mountains (idiom) | |
| 山珍海错 | 山珍海錯 | shān zhēn hǎi cuò | rarities from the mountain and the sea (idiom); fig. a sumptuous spread of food delicacies | |
| 山盟海誓 | 山盟海誓 | shān méng hǎi shì | to pledge undying love (idiom); oath of eternal love ; to swear by all the Gods | contrat aussi stable que les montagnes et la mer ; engagement irrévocable (de deux amants) |
| 山穷水尽 | 山窮水盡 | shān qióng shuǐ jìn | mountain and river exhausted (idiom); at the end of the line ; nowhere to go | en être réduit à la dernière extrémité ; être dans une impasse ; avoir épuisé tous les moyens ; être à bout de ressources |
| 山颓木坏 | 山頹木壞 | shān tuí mù huài | lit. the mountains crumble and the trees lie ruined ; a great sage has died (idiom) | |
| 山高水长 | 山高水長 | shān gāo shuǐ cháng | high as the mountain and long as the river (idiom); fig. noble and far-reaching | |
| 山高水险 | 山高水險 | shān gāo shuǐ xiǎn | lit. the mountains are high and the torrents swift ; to undertake an arduous task or journey (idiom) | |
| 山高海深 | 山高海深 | shān gāo hǎi shēn | high as the mountain and deep as the sea (idiom); fig. infinite bounty | |
| 岁不我与 | 歲不我與 | suì bù wǒ yǔ | Time and tide wait for no man (idiom) | |
| 岁月流逝 | 歲月流逝 | suì yuè liú shì | as time goes by (idiom) | |
| 岂有此理 | 豈有此理 | qǐ yǒu cǐ lǐ | how can this be so? (idiom); preposterous ; ridiculous ; absurd | Est-ce raisonnable/C'est injustifiable.; |
| 岌岌可危 | 岌岌可危 | jí jí kě wēi | imminent danger (idiom); approaching a crisis | |
| 岔子 | 岔子 | chà zi | set-back ; accident ; a hiccup | incident ; accroc ; imprévu ; gaffe |
| 峨冠博带 | 峨冠博帶 | é guān bó dài | official class ; intellectual class (idiom) | |
| 峰回路转 | 峰回路轉 | fēng huí lù zhuǎn | A mountain road twists and turns (idiom); In a complicated situation, you need a twisty approach. | |
| 崇洋媚外 | 崇洋媚外 | chóng yáng mèi wài | to revere everything foreign and pander to overseas powers (idiom); blind worship of foreign goods and ideas | |
| 崛地而起 | 崛地而起 | jué dì ér qǐ | lit. arising suddenly above the level ground (idiom); sudden emergence of prominent new feature | |
| 崭露头角 | 嶄露頭角 | zhǎn lù tóu jiǎo | to reveal outstanding talent (idiom); to stand out as conspicuously brilliant | |
| 川流不息 | 川流不息 | chuān liú bù xī | the stream flows without stopping (idiom); unending flow | comme la rivière qui coule sans interruption; aller en un flot ininterrompu; |
| 工欲善其事，必先利其器 | 工慾善其事，必先利其器 | gōng yù shàn qí shì , bì xiān lì qí qì | To do a good job, an artisan needs the best tools (idiom). Good tools are prerequisite to the successful execution of a job | |
| 左券在握 | 左券在握 | zuǒ quàn zài wò | to be assured of success (idiom) | |
| 左右两难 | 左右兩難 | zuǒ yòu liǎng nán | dilemma ; quandary ; Scylla and Charybdis ; between the devil and the deep blue sea (idiom) | |
| 左右手 | 左右手 | zuǒyòu shǒu | left and right hands ; fig. collaboration | le bras droit de qn; |
| 左右逢源 | 左右逢源 | zuǒ yòu féng yuán | lit. to get water source from every side (idiom); slick operator who can derive benefit from any situation | |
| 左思右想 | 左思右想 | zuǒ sī yòu xiǎng | to turn over in one's mind (idiom); to think through from different angles ; to ponder | |
| 左道惑众 | 左道惑眾 | zuǒ dào huò zhòng | to delude the masses with heretical doctrines (idiom) | |
| 左顾右盼 | 左顧右盼 | zuǒ gù yòu pàn | glancing to left and right (idiom); to look all around | |
| 巧妇难为无米之炊 | 巧婦難為無米之炊 | qiǎo fù nán wéi wú mǐ zhī chuī | The cleverest housewife cannot cook without rice (idiom). You won't get anywhere without equipment. | (idiom) les plus habiles ménagère ne savent pas cuisiner sans riz; sans outils, il est impossible de bien travailler |
| 巧手 | 巧手 | qiǎo shǒu | skillful hands ; dexterous ; a dab hand | |
| 巧立名目 | 巧立名目 | qiǎo lì míng mù | to fabricate excuses (idiom) ; to concoct various items (e.g. to pad an expense account) | s'ingénier à faire valoir des titres et des désignations; (percevoir des impôts) sous toutes sortes de noms ; sous toutes sortes de noms; sous divers prétextes; |
| 差之毫厘，失之千里 | 差之毫釐，失之千里 | chā zhī háo lí , shī zhī qiān lǐ | the slightest difference leads to a huge loss (idiom) ; a miss is as good as a mile | |
| 差之毫厘，谬以千里 | 差之毫釐，謬以千里 | chā zhī háo lí , miù yǐ qiān lǐ | the slightest difference leads to a huge error (idiom) ; a miss is as good as a mile | |
| 差强人意 | 差強人意 | chā qiáng rén yì | (idiom) just passable ; barely satisfactory | à peu près satisfaisant ; passable |
| 己所不欲，勿施于人 | 己所不慾，勿施於人 | jǐ suǒ bù yù , wù shī yú rén | What you don't want done to you, don't do to others. (idiom, from the Confucian analects) ; Do as you would be done by. ; Do not do to others what you would not have them do to you. | |
| 已作出保 | 已作出保 | yǐ zuò chū bǎo | to do sth under oath (idiom) | |
| 已作故人 | 已作故人 | yǐ zuò gù rén | lit. to have already written a testament for an old friend ; an old friend has passed on (idiom) | |
| 巴三览四 | 巴三覽四 | bā sān lǎn sì | to talk about this and that (idiom); to ramble incoherently | |
| 巴前算后 | 巴前算後 | bā qián suàn hòu | thinking and pondering (idiom); to turn sth over in one's mind ; to consider repeatedly | |
| 巴头探脑 | 巴頭探腦 | bā tóu tàn nǎo | to poke one's head in and pry (idiom); to spy ; nosy | |
| 巴山夜雨 | 巴山夜雨 | bā shān yè yǔ | rain on Mt Ba (idiom); lonely in a strange land ; Evening Rain, 1980 movie about the Cultural revolution | |
| 巴山蜀水 | 巴山蜀水 | bā shān shǔ shuǐ | mountains and rivers of Sichuan (idiom) | |
| 巴山越岭 | 巴山越嶺 | bā shān yuè lǐng | to climb hills and pass over mountains (idiom); to cross mountain after mountain ; good at climbing mountains | |
| 巴高望上 | 巴高望上 | bā gāo wàng shàng | to wish for higher status (idiom); to curry favor in the hope of promotion | |
| 帆张风满 | 帆張風滿 | fān zhāng fēng mǎn | sails unfurling in the wind (idiom) | |
| 带 | 帶 | dài | band ; belt ; girdle ; ribbon ; tire ; area ; zone ; region ; to wear ; to carry ; to lead ; to bring ; to look after ; to raise | ceinture; bande; ruban ; pneu ; zone; prendre; mener ; porter ; conduire; guider; |
| 带到 | 帶到 | dài dào | to bring to | |
| 带去 | 帶去 | dài qu | bring away | emmener; amener loin; emporter |
| 带回 | 帶回 | dài huí | to bring back | |
| 带来 | 帶來 | dài lái | to bring ; to bring about ; to produce | amener; apporter; flanquer; |
| 带牛佩犊 | 帶牛佩犢 | dài niú pèi dú | to abandon armed struggle and return to raising cattle (idiom) | |
| 幡然改图 | 幡然改圖 | fān rán gǎi tú | to change a plan as quickly as a flag (changes in the wind)(idiom) | |
| 平均寿命 | 平均壽命 | píng jūn shòu mìng | life expectancy | |
| 平时不烧香，临时抱佛脚 | 平時不燒香，臨時抱佛腳 | píng shí bù shāo xiāng , lín shí bào fó jiǎo | lit. to clasp the Buddha's feet when danger arises (idiom); fig. to profess devotion only when in trouble ; doing things at the last minute ; to make a hasty last-minute effort (often refers to cramming for exams) | |
| 平易近人 | 平易近人 | píng yì jìn rén | amiable and approachable (idiom); easy-going ; modest and unassuming ; (of writing) plain and simple ; easy to understand | (idiome) aimable et abordable; facile à vivre; modeste et sans prétention; pure et simple (écriture); facile à comprendre |
| 平淡无奇 | 平淡無奇 | píng dàn wú qí | ordinary and mediocre (idiom); nothing to write home about | |
| 平生 | 平生 | píng shēng | all one's life | |
| 平话 | 平話 | píng huà | storytelling dramatic art dating back to Song and Yuan periods, single narrator without music, often historical topics with commentary | |
| 平走漫步 | 平走漫步 | píng zǒu màn bù | to be flatfooted (idiom) | |
| 平靖 | 平靖 | píng jìng | to suppress rebellion and quell unrest ; to bring calm and order to ; calm and peaceful ; tranquil | |
| 年功加俸 | 年功加俸 | nián gōng jiā fèng | increase in salary according to one's service record for the year (idiom) | |
| 年富力强 | 年富力強 | nián fù lì qiáng | young and vigorous (idiom) | |
| 年寿 | 年壽 | nián shòu | length of life ; life span | |
| 年月 | 年月 | nián yuè | months and year ; time ; days of one's life | jours ; années; époque ; temps |
| 年老体弱 | 年老體弱 | nián lǎo tǐ ruò | old and weak (idiom) | |
| 年老力衰 | 年老力衰 | nián lǎo lì shuāi | old and weak (idiom) | |
| 年轻力壮 | 年輕力壯 | nián qīng lì zhuàng | young and vigorous (idiom) | |
| 年轻气盛 | 年輕氣盛 | nián qīng qì shèng | full of youthful vigor (idiom) ; in the prime of youth | |
| 年高德劭 | 年高德劭 | nián gāo dé shào | to be advanced in both years and virtue (idiom) | |
| 幵 | 幵 | qiān | even level. to raise in both hands | |
| 幸灾乐祸 | 幸災樂禍 | xìng zāi lè huò | lit. to take joy in calamity and delight in disaster (idiom); fig. to rejoice in other people's misfortune ; Schadenfreude | se réjouir du malheur d'autrui; |
| 广结良缘 | 廣結良緣 | guǎng jié liáng yuán | to earn people’s praise through one’s good deeds (idiom) | |
| 应付自如 | 應付自如 | yìng fu zì rú | to handle matters with ease (idiom); equal to the situation | |
| 应付裕如 | 應付裕如 | yìng fu yù rú | handling any occasion smoothly (idiom); equal to any situation | |
| 应天承运 | 應天承運 | yìng tiān chéng yùn | lit. to respond to heaven and suit the times (idiom); to rule according to the will of heaven ; the Divine Right of kings | |
| 应天顺时 | 應天順時 | yìng tiān shùn shí | lit. to respond to heaven and suit the times (idiom); to rule according to the will of heaven ; the Divine Right of kings | |
| 应接不暇 | 應接不暇 | yìng jiē bù xiá | no time to deal with so many things (idiom); to have one's hands full | |
| 应有尽有 | 應有盡有 | yīng yǒu jìn yǒu | everything that should be here is here (idiom); all one can think of is on hand ; to have all one needs | (phrase) où rien ne manque; où il y a tout ce qu'il faut.; |
| 应机立断 | 應機立斷 | yìng jī lì duàn | to act on an opportunity (idiom); to take prompt advantage of a situation | |
| 应运而生 | 應運而生 | yìng yùn ér shēng | to emerge to meet a historic destiny (idiom); to arise at an opportune time ; able to take advantage of an opportunity ; to rise to the occasion | naître au moment voulu par le ciel ; naître (venir) au moment historique opportun |
| 废寝忘食 | 廢寢忘食 | fèi qǐn wàng shí | to neglect sleep and forget about food (idiom) ; to skip one's sleep and meals ; to be completely wrapped up in one's work | |
| 废寝忘餐 | 廢寢忘餐 | fèi qǐn wàng cān | to neglect sleep and food (idiom); to skip one's sleep and meals ; to be completely wrapped up in one's work | |
| 度日如年 | 度日如年 | dù rì rú nián | a day drags past like a year (idiom); time hangs heavy ; time crawls when one is wretched | passer un jour lui semble passer un an ; long comme un jour sans pain |
| 康庄大道 | 康莊大道 | kāng zhuāng dàdào | broad and open road (idiom); fig. brilliant future prospects | route royale; voie large et prospère; chemin radieux; |
| 庸人庸福 | 庸人庸福 | yōng rén yōng fú | fools have good fortune (idiom) | |
| 延寿 | 延壽 | yán shòu | Yanshou county in Harbin 哈爾濱|哈尔滨[Ha1 er3 bin1], Heilongjiang ; to extend life | |
| 延年益寿 | 延年益寿 | yán nián yì shòu | to make life longer ; to promise longevity ; (this product will) extend your life | |
| 延期付款 | 延期付款 | yán qī fù kuǎn | to defer payment ; to pay back over long term | différer le paiement; rembourser à long terme |
| 延颈企踵 | 延頸企踵 | yán jǐng qǐ zhǒng | to stand on tiptoe and crane one's neck (idiom); fig. to yearn for sth | |
| 廻 | 廻 | huí | variant of 迴, to turn around ; to revolve ; to return ; to go back | |
| 廾 | 廾 | gǒng | hands joined | tenir quelque chose des deux mains |
| 开倒车 | 開倒車 | kāi dào chē | to drive in reverse ; fig. to take a backward step ; retrogressive ; trying to turn the clock back | |
| 开卷有益 | 開卷有益 | kāi juàn yǒu yì | lit. opening a book is profitable (idiom); the benefits of education | |
| 开后门 | 開後門 | kāi hòu mén | to open the back door ; fig. under the counter ; to do a secret or dishonest deal ; to let sth in by the back door | |
| 开天辟地 | 開天闢地 | kāi tiān pì dì | to split heaven and earth apart (idiom); refers to the Pangu 盤古|盘古[Pan2 gu3] creation myth | la création du monde; depuis la création du monde; depuis que le monde est monde; depuis la nuit des temps |
| 开源节流 | 開源節流 | kāi yuán jié liú | lit. to open a water source and reduce outflow (idiom); to increase income and save on spending ; to broaden the sources of income and economize on expenditure | mettre en valeur de nouvelles ressources et réduire les dépenses; avoir plus de recettes et moins de dépenses; |
| 开诚布公 | 開誠布公 | kāi chéng bù gōng | lit. deal sincerely and fairly (idiom); frank and open-minded ; plain speaking ; Let's talk frankly and openly between ourselves. ; to put one's cards on the table | |
| 开诚相见 | 開誠相見 | kāi chéng xiāng jiàn | candid and open (idiom) | |
| 开足马力 | 開足馬力 | kāi zú mǎ lì | to accelerate at full power (idiom); at full speed ; fig. to work as hard as possible | |
| 开锣喝道 | 開鑼喝道 | kāi luó hè dào | to clear a street by banging gongs and shouting loudly (idiom) | |
| 开门揖盗 | 開門揖盜 | kāi mén yī dào | leaving the door open invites the thief (idiom); to invite disaster by giving evildoers a free hand | |
| 开门见山 | 開門見山 | kāi mén jiàn shān | lit. to open the door and see the mountain; fig. to get right to the point (idiom) | droit au but |
| 异口同声 | 異口同聲 | yì kǒu tóng shēng | different mouths, same voice ; to speak in unison (idiom) | |
| 异国他乡 | 異國他鄉 | yì guó tā xiāng | foreign lands and places (idiom); living as expatriate | |
| 异物 | 異物 | yì wù | rarity ; rare delicacy ; foreign matter ; alien body ; the dead ; ghost ; monstrosity ; alien life-form | |
| 异香扑鼻 | 異香撲鼻 | yì xiāng pū bí | exotic odors assail the nostrils (idiom) | |
| 弃农经商 | 棄農經商 | qì nóng jīng shāng | to abandon farming and become a businessman (idiom) | |
| 弃约背盟 | 棄約背盟 | qì yuē bèi méng | to abrogate an agreement ; to break one’s oath (idiom) | |
| 弄假成真 | 弄假成真 | nòng jiǎ chéng zhēn | pretense that turns into reality (idiom); to play at make-believe, but accidentally make it true | |
| 弄僵 | 弄僵 | nòng jiāng | to bring to deadlock ; to result in a stalemate | |
| 弄到手 | 弄到手 | nòng dào shǒu | to get in hand ; to get (one's) hands on ; to get hold of (in the sense of to acquire) | |
| 弄嘴弄舌 | 弄嘴弄舌 | nòng zuǐ nòng shé | to cause a dispute through boastful gossip (idiom) | |
| 弄懂弄通 | 弄懂弄通 | nòng dǒng nòng tōng | to have a thorough understanding of sth (idiom) | |
| 弄虚作假 | 弄虛作假 | nòng xū zuò jiǎ | to practice fraud (idiom); by trickery | recourir à des procédés frauduleux; avoir recours à la tromperie (ou à la duperie, à la fourberie); utiliser des procédés malhonnêtes; |
| 引以为傲 | 引以為傲 | yǐn yǐ wéi ào | to be intensely proud of sth (idiom) | |
| 引以为憾 | 引以為憾 | yǐn yǐ wéi hàn | to consider sth regrettable (idiom) | |
| 引吭高歌 | 引吭高歌 | yǐn háng gāo gē | to draw one's throat and sing loudly (idiom) | |
| 引狗入寨 | 引狗入寨 | yǐn gǒu rù zhài | to lead the wolf into the woodpile (idiom); to leave oneself open to attack ; to act imprudently, asking for trouble | |
| 引狼入室 | 引狼入室 | yǐn láng rù shì | to lead the wolf into the house (idiom); to leave oneself open to attack ; to act imprudently, asking for trouble | faire entrer le loup dans la bergerie ; introduire le loup chez soi |
| 引经据典 | 引經據典 | yǐn jīng jù diǎn | to quote chapter and verse (idiom) | regorger de citations classiques ; faire des citations pour étayer un argument |
| 引而不发 | 引而不發 | yǐn ér bù fā | to pull the bow without shooting (idiom from Mencius); ready and waiting for action ; to go through the motions ; to practice ; a trial run | |
| 引颈就戮 | 引頸就戮 | yǐn jǐng jiù lù | to extend one’s neck in preparation for execution (idiom) | |
| 引鬼上门 | 引鬼上門 | yǐn guǐ shàng mén | to lead the devil to the door (idiom); to invite the attention of criminals ; to leave oneself open to attack | |
| 张三李四 | 張三李四 | zhāng sān lǐ sì | Zhang and Li (idiom); Zhang with tight trousers and Li with wide hat ; Tom, Dick and Harry | |
| 张口结舌 | 張口結舌 | zhāng kǒu jié shé | agape and tongue-tied (idiom); at a loss for words ; gaping and speechless | ne savoir que répondre ; rester interdit |
| 张家长，李家短 | 張家長，李家短 | zhāng jiā cháng , lǐ jiā duǎn | lit. the Zhangs are better off than the Lis (idiom); to gossip about the neighbors | |
| 张牙舞爪 | 張牙舞爪 | zhāng yá wǔ zhǎo | to bare fangs and brandish claws (idiom); to make threatening gestures | montrer dents et griffes; se montrer menaçant; |
| 张飞打岳飞 | 張飛打岳飛 | zhāng fēi dǎ yuè fēi | lit. Zhang Fei fights Yue Fei ; fig. an impossible combination ; an impossible turn of events (idiom) | |
| 弥天大谎 | 彌天大謊 | mí tiān dà huǎng | a pack of lies (idiom) | mensonge fantasique ; mensonge de taille ; mensonge flagrant ; mensonge manifeste |
| 弦外之响 | 弦外之響 | xián wài zhī xiǎng | variant of 弦外之音, overtone (idiom); meaning beyond the words ; implied meaning ; reading between the lines | |
| 弦外之意 | 弦外之意 | xián wài zhī yì | variant of 弦外之音, overtone (idiom); meaning beyond the words ; implied meaning ; reading between the lines | |
| 弦外之音 | 弦外之音 | xián wài zhī yīn | overtone (idiom); meaning beyond the words ; implied meaning ; reading between the lines | ce qui laisse à entendre; sous-entendu; |
| 弦诵不辍 | 弦誦不輟 | xián sòng bù chuò | incessant playing of instruments and reciting of poems (idiom) | |
| 弱不禁风 | 弱不禁風 | ruò bù jīn fēng | too weak to stand up to the wind (idiom); extremely delicate ; fragile state of health | |
| 弱肉强食 | 弱肉強食 | ruò ròu qiáng shí | lit. the weak are prey to the strong (idiom); fig. predatory behavior ; the law of the jungle | la loi de la jungle ; Les faibles servent de pâture aux forts. |
| 弹冠相庆 | 彈冠相慶 | tán guān xiāng qìng | lit. to flick dust off sb's cap (idiom); to celebrate an official appointment ; to congratulate and celebrate (promotion, graduation etc) | |
| 弹尽援绝 | 彈盡援絕 | dàn jìn yuán jué | out of ammunition and no hope of reinforcements (idiom); in desperate straits | |
| 弹尽粮绝 | 彈盡糧絕 | dàn jìn liáng jué | out of ammunition and no food left (idiom); in desperate straits | |
| 弹指之间 | 彈指之間 | tán zhǐ zhī jiān | a snap of the fingers (idiom); in an instant ; in a short moment ; in a flash ; in the twinkling of an eye | en un claquement de doigts; en un instant; en un éclair; en un clin d'oeil |
| 强嘴 | 強嘴 | jiàng zuǐ | to talk back ; to reply defiantly | |
| 强忍悲痛 | 強忍悲痛 | qiáng rěn bēi tòng | to try hard to suppress one’s grief (idiom) | |
| 强词夺理 | 強詞奪理 | qiǎng cí duó lǐ | powerful words devoid of sense (idiom); sophistry ; loud rhetoric making up for fallacious argument ; shoving false arguments down people's throats ; to argue illogically | arguer avec des propos fallacieux pour se donner raison ; obtenir gain de cause par des sophismes |
| 强龙不压地头蛇 | 強龍不壓地頭蛇 | qiáng lóng bù yā dì tóu shé | lit. strong dragon cannot repress a snake (idiom); fig. a local gangster who is above the law | |
| 归 | 歸 | guī | to go back ; to return ; to return or give back sth ; to resign ; to surrender ; (of a woman) to get married (old) | retourner; rentrer ; rendre ; appartenir; vers; à; |
| 归心似箭 | 歸心似箭 | guī xīn sì jiàn | with one's heart set on speeding home (idiom) | |
| 归根 | 歸根 | guī gēn | to return home (after a lifetime's absence) ; to go back to one's roots | |
| 归案 | 歸案 | guī àn | to bring to justice ; arrested and brought to trial | |
| 归途 | 歸途 | guī tú | the way back ; one's journey home | |
| 归队 | 歸隊 | guī duì | to return to one's unit ; to go back to one's station in life | |
| 当之无愧 | 當之無愧 | dāng zhī wú kuì | fully deserving, without any reservations (idiom); entirely worthy (of a title, honor etc) | être digne de ; mériter |
| 当天事当天毕 | 當天事當天畢 | dàng tiān shì dàng tiān bì | never put off until tomorrow what you can do today (idiom) | |
| 当局者迷，旁观者清 | 當局者迷，旁觀者清 | dāng jú zhě mí , páng guān zhě qīng | The person on the spot is baffled, the onlooker sees clear (idiom). The onlooker sees more of the game. | |
| 当机立断 | 當機立斷 | dāng jī lì duàn | to make prompt decisions (idiom) | prendre une décision sur le champ ; prendre une décision prompte en temps opportun ; trancher le noeud gordien ; trancher une difficulté de facon décisive |
| 形丑心善 | 形醜心善 | xíng chǒu xīn shàn | an ugly face may hide a virtuous heart (idiom) | |
| 形同虚设 | 形同虛設 | xíng tóng xū shè | to exist in name only ; empty shell ; useless (idiom) | |
| 形影相随 | 形影相隨 | xíng yǐng xiāng suí | lit. body and shadow follow each other (idiom) ; fig. inseparable | |
| 彩铃 | 彩鈴 | cǎi líng | caller ring-back tone (CRBT) ; ring-back tone (RBT) | |
| 彪炳千古 | 彪炳千古 | biāo bǐng qiān gǔ | to shine through the ages (idiom) | |
| 彰善癉惡 | 彰善瘅恶 | zhāng shàn dàn è | to distinguish good and evil (idiom); to uphold virtue and condemn evil ; to praise good and expose vice | |
| 彷徨 | 彷徨 | páng huáng | to pace back and forth ; to hesitate ; to be indecisive ; Pang Huang or Wandering About, a collection of short stories by Lu Xun 魯迅|鲁迅 | aller et venir; flâner; errer; balancer; hésiter entre deux partis; être indécis |
| 彻头彻尾 | 徹頭徹尾 | chè tóu chè wěi | lit. from head to tail (idiom); thoroughgoing ; through and through ; out and out ; from top to bottom | |
| 彼倡此和 | 彼倡此和 | bǐ chàng cǐ hé | to chorus sb else's lead (idiom); to chime in in agreement | |
| 彼唱此和 | 彼唱此和 | bǐ chàng cǐ hé | to chorus sb else's lead (idiom); to chime in in agreement | |
| 往复 | 往復 | wǎng fù | to go and come back ; to make a return trip ; backwards and forwards (e.g. of piston or pump action) ; to reciprocate (of machine part) | |
| 往往有之 | 往往有之 | wǎng wǎng yǒu zhī | to have always had (idiom) | |
| 往来 | 往來 | wǎng lái | dealings ; contacts ; to go back and forth | échange ; aller et retour; |
| 往生 | 往生 | wǎng shēng | future life (Buddhism) | |
| 往返 | 往返 | wǎng fǎn | to go back and forth ; to go to and fro | faire un aller et retour; va-et-vient; aller et retour; aller-retour; |
| 征名责实 | 徵名責實 | zhēng míng zé shí | to seek out the real nature based on the name (idiom); to judge sth at face value | |
| 径情直遂 | 徑情直遂 | jìng qíng zhí suì | to achieve one’s ambitions (idiom) | (idiome) réaliser ses ambitions |
| 徇私枉法 | 徇私枉法 | xùn sī wǎng fǎ | to bend the law for one's own profit (idiom) | violer la loi en vaveur des siens; commettre une infraction pour son intérêt personnel; |
| 徇私舞弊 | 徇私舞弊 | xùn sī wǔ bì | bribery and fraud (idiom) | |
| 徉 | 徉 | yáng | to walk back and forth | |
| 徊 | 徊 | huái | see 徘徊[pai2 huai2], to dither ; to hesitate ; to pace back and forth ; irresolute | |
| 徒劳无功 | 徒勞無功 | tú láo wú gōng | to work to no avail (idiom) | |
| 徒劳无益 | 徒勞無益 | tú láo wú yì | futile endeavor (idiom) | |
| 徒呼负负 | 徒呼負負 | tú hū fù fù | to feel powerless and full of shame (idiom) | |
| 徒手 | 徒手 | tú shǒu | with bare hands ; unarmed ; fighting hand-to-hand ; freehand (drawing) | à main nue ; les mains vides ; sans armes (fer) |
| 徒拥虚名 | 徒擁虛名 | tú yōng xū míng | to possess an undeserved reputation (idiom) | |
| 徒有其名 | 徒有其名 | tú yǒu qí míng | with an undeserved reputation (idiom); unwarranted fame ; nowhere near as good as he's made out to be | |
| 徒有虚名 | 徒有虛名 | tú yǒu xū míng | with an undeserved reputation (idiom); unwarranted fame ; nowhere near as good as he's made out to be | |
| 徒自惊扰 | 徒自驚擾 | tú zì jīng rǎo | to alarm oneself unnecessarily (idiom) | |
| 得天独厚 | 得天獨厚 | dé tiān dú hòu | (of an area) rich in resources ; (of a person) gifted or able (idiom) | doté de conditions naturelles exceptionnellement favorables |
| 得寸进尺 | 得寸進尺 | dé cùn jìn chǐ | lit. win an inch, want a foot (idiom); fig. not satisfied with small gains ; give him an inch, and he'll want a mile | émettre des exigences toujours plus grandes; Donnez-lui-en un pouce,il en prendra un pied.Donnez-lui la main,il prendra le bras.; |
| 得心应手 | 得心應手 | dé xīn yìng shǒu | lit. what the heart wishes, the hand accomplishes (idiom) skilled at the job ; entirely in one's element ; going smoothly and easily | |
| 得而复失 | 得而複失 | dé ér fù shī | to have another try and fail once again (idiom) | |
| 得过且过 | 得過且過 | dé guò qiě guò | satisfied just to get through (idiom); to muddle through ; without high ambitions, but getting by | vivre au jour le jour |
| 得道多助 | 得道多助 | dé dào duō zhù | a just cause enjoys abundant support (idiom); those upholding justice will find help all around | |
| 得道多助，失道寡助 | 得道多助，失道寡助 | dé dào duō zhù , shī dào guǎ zhù | A just cause attracts much support, an unjust one finds little (idiom, from Mencius) | |
| 得饶人处且饶人 | 得饒人處且饒人 | dé ráo rén chù qiě ráo rén | where it is possible to let people off, one should spare them (idiom); anyone can make mistakes, forgive them when possible | |
| 得鱼忘筌 | 得魚忘筌 | dé yú wàng quán | lit. catch fish then forget the trap (idiom, from Zhuangzi 莊子|庄子); fig. to take help for granted | |
| 徘徊 | 徘徊 | pái huái | to dither ; to hesitate ; to pace back and forth ; by ext. to hover around ; to linger | faire les cent pas; aller et venir; errer; flâner ; hésiter à faire quelque chose; tergiverser; être indécis ; varier; |
| 徜 | 徜 | cháng | sit cross-legged ; walk back and forth | assis les jambes croisées; marche avant et en arrière |
| 御驾亲征 | 御駕親征 | yù jià qīn zhēng | the emperor leads his troops into battle (idiom) ; to take part personally in an expedition | |
| 循序渐进 | 循序漸進 | xún xù jiàn jìn | in sequence, step by step (idiom); to make steady progress incrementally | progresser par étapes; avancer par progression; avancer par étape; |
| 循循善诱 | 循循善誘 | xún xún shàn yòu | to guide patiently and systematically (idiom) | |
| 循规蹈矩 | 循規蹈矩 | xún guī dǎo jǔ | to follow the compass and go with the set square (idiom); to follow the rules inflexibly ; to act according to convention | |
| 微乎其微 | 微乎其微 | wēi hū qí wēi | a tiny bit; very little; next to nothing (idiom) | négligeable minime; insignifiant; par trop peu; à peine perceptible; |
| 德才兼备 | 德才兼備 | dé cái jiān bèi | having both integrity and talent (idiom) | |
| 德薄能鲜 | 德薄能鮮 | dé bó néng xiǎn | little virtue and meager abilities (idiom); I'm a humble person and not much use at anything (Song writer Ouyang Xiu 欧阳修) | |
| 心中有鬼 | 心中有鬼 | xīn zhōng yǒu guǐ | to harbor ulterior motives (idiom) | |
| 心乱如麻 | 心亂如麻 | xīn luàn rú má | one's thoughts in a whirl (idiom); confused ; disconcerted ; upset | |
| 心力交瘁 | 心力交瘁 | xīn lì jiāo cuì | to be both mentally and physically exhausted (idiom) | |
| 心口不一 | 心口不一 | xīn kǒu bù yī | heart and mouth at variance (idiom); keeping one's real intentions to oneself ; saying one thing but meaning sth different | |
| 心口如一 | 心口如一 | xīn kǒu rú yī | lit. heart and mouth as one (idiom); to say what you think ; honest and straightforward | |
| 心安神闲 | 心安神閑 | xīn ān shén xián | with one’s heart at ease and one’s spirit at rest (idiom) | |
| 心宽体胖 | 心寬體胖 | xīn kuān tǐ pàng | big-hearted and serene (idiom); contended and easy-going | |
| 心平气和 | 心平氣和 | xīn píng qì hé | tranquil and even-tempered (idiom); calmly and without stress | |
| 心广体胖 | 心廣體胖 | xīn guǎng tǐ pàng | big-hearted and serene (idiom); contended and easy-going | |
| 心心相印 | 心心相印 | xīn xīn xiāng yìn | two hearts beat as one (idiom); a kindred spirit | |
| 心怀叵测 | 心懷叵測 | xīn huái pǒ cè | concealing wicked intentions (idiom); malicious ; to prod sly | |
| 心怦怦跳 | 心怦怦跳 | xīn pēng pēng tiào | The heart thumps wildly. (idiom) | |
| 心悦诚服 | 心悅誠服 | xīn yuè chéng fú | cheerful and committed (idiom from Mencius 孟子) ; delighted and sincerely willing | |
| 心惊肉跳 | 心驚肉跳 | xīn jīng ròu tiào | lit. heart alarmed, body leaping (idiom); fear and trepidation in the face of disaster | |
| 心惊胆战 | 心驚膽戰 | xīn jīng dǎn zhàn | lit. heart alarmed, trembling in fear (idiom); prostrate with fear ; scared witless | |
| 心旷神怡 | 心曠神怡 | xīn kuàng shén yí | lit. heart untroubled, spirit pleased (idiom); carefree and relaxed | |
| 心有余悸 | 心有餘悸 | xīn yǒu yú jì | to have lingering fears ; trepidation remaining after a trauma (idiom) | |
| 心有余而力不足 | 心有餘而力不足 | xīn yǒu yú ér lì bù zú | The will is there, but not the strength (idiom, from Confucian Analects). ; I really want to do it, but don't have the resources. ; The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. | ses désirs dépassent ses forces ; avoir les yeux plus gros que le ventre |
| 心有余，力不足 | 心有餘，力不足 | xīn yǒu yú , lì bù zú | The will is there, but not the strength (idiom, from Confucian Analects). ; I really want to do it, but don't have the resources. ; The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. | |
| 心有灵犀一点通 | 心有靈犀一點通 | xīn yǒu líng xī yī diǎn tōng | hearts linked as one, just as the proverbial rhinoceros communicates emotion telepathically through his single horn (idiom); fig. two hearts beat as one | |
| 心服口服 | 心服口服 | xīn fú kǒu fú | lit. convinced in heart and by word (idiom); sincerely convinced and ready to concede ; to convince ; to get one's message across | |
| 心满意足 | 心滿意足 | xīn mǎn yì zú | perfectly contented (idiom) ; perfectly satisfied | être satisfait |
| 心烦意乱 | 心煩意亂 | xīn fán yì luàn | lit. heart distracted, thoughts in turmoil (idiom); distraught with anxiety | |
| 心狠手辣 | 心狠手辣 | xīn hěn shǒu là | vicious and merciless (idiom) | |
| 心猿意马 | 心猿意馬 | xīn yuán yì mǎ | lit. heart like a frisky monkey, mind like a cantering horse (idiom); fig. capricious (derog.) ; to have ants in one's pants ; hyperactive ; adventurous and uncontrollable | |
| 心甘情愿 | 心甘情願 | xīn gān qíngyuàn | delighted to (do sth, idiom) ; perfectly happy to do ; most willing to do | volontiers; avec plaisir |
| 心神恍惚 | 心神恍惚 | xīn shén huǎng hū | perturbed (idiom) | |
| 心胸狭窄 | 心胸狹窄 | xīn xiōng xiá zhǎi | narrow-minded (idiom); petty ; ungenerous | |
| 心腹之患 | 心腹之患 | xīn fù zhī huàn | lit. calamity within one's bosom (idiom); major trouble hidden within | |
| 心里痒痒 | 心裏癢癢 | xīn lǐ yǎng yang | lit. itchy heart ; to be itching to do sth (idiom) | |
| 心静自然凉 | 心靜自然涼 | xīn jìng zì rán liáng | a calm heart keeps you cool (idiom) | |
| 心领神会 | 心領神會 | xīn lǐng shén huì | to understand the meaning behind sb's words (idiom); I appreciate your kindness ; to know intuitively ; to understand tacitly ; to speak without words | |
| 心领神悟 | 心領神悟 | xīn lǐng shén wù | to understand the meaning behind sb's words (idiom); I appreciate your kindness ; to know intuitively ; to understand tacitly ; to speak without words | |
| 忍垢偷生 | 忍垢偷生 | rěn gòu tōu shēng | to bear humiliation to save one's skin (idiom) | |
| 忍无可忍 | 忍無可忍 | rěn wú kě rěn | more than one can bear (idiom); at the end of one's patience ; the last straw | (phrase) être poussé à bout; être à bout de patience; |
| 忍气吞声 | 忍氣吞聲 | rěn qì tūn shēng | to submit to humiliation (idiom); to suffer in silence ; to swallow one's anger ; to grin and bear it | |
| 忍辱偷生 | 忍辱偷生 | rěn rǔ tōu shēng | to bear humiliation to save one's skin (idiom) | |
| 忍辱负重 | 忍辱負重 | rěn rǔ fù zhòng | to endure humiliation as part of an important mission (idiom); to suffer in silence | se résigner à une humiliation tout en remplissant une mission importante |
| 志不在此 | 志不在此 | zhì bù zài cǐ | to have unachievable ambitions based on current circumstances (idiom) | |
| 志在四方 | 志在四方 | zhì zài sì fāng | to aspire to travel far and make one’s mark (idiom) | |
| 志坚胆壮 | 志堅膽壯 | zhì jiān dǎn zhuàng | to have the stomach and determination to do sth (idiom) | |
| 志士仁人 | 志士仁人 | zhì shì rén rén | gentleman aspiring to benevolence (idiom); people with lofty ideals | |
| 忘恩负义 | 忘恩負義 | wáng ēn fù yì | to forget favors and violate justice (idiom); ingratitude to a friend ; to kick a benefactor in the teeth | ingratitude |
| 忙中有失 | 忙中有失 | máng zhōng yǒu shī | Rushed work lead to slip-ups (idiom). Mistakes are likely at times of stress. | exempt de toute erreur |
| 忙中有错 | 忙中有錯 | máng zhōng yǒu cuò | Rushed work lead to errors (idiom). Mistakes are likely at times of stress. | |
| 忠心耿耿 | 忠心耿耿 | zhōng xīn gěng gěng | loyal and devoted (idiom); faithful and true | |
| 忠言逆耳 | 忠言逆耳 | zhōng yán nì ěr | loyal advice jars on the ears (idiom) | Les bons conseils choquent les oreilles. |
| 忠贞不渝 | 忠貞不渝 | zhōng zhēn bù yú | unswerving in one's loyalty (idiom); faithful and constant | |
| 忧心忡忡 | 憂心忡忡 | yōu xīn chōng chōng | deeply worried and sick at heart (idiom) | être chagriné; être en proie à l'inquiétude; |
| 忧苦以终 | 憂苦以終 | yōu kǔ yǐ zhōng | worried to death (idiom) | |
| 快刀斩乱麻 | 快刀斬亂麻 | kuài dāo zhǎn luàn má | lit. quick sword cuts through tangled hemp (idiom); decisive action in a complex situation ; cutting the Gordian knot | |
| 快刀断乱麻 | 快刀斷亂麻 | kuài dāo duàn luàn má | lit. quick sword cuts through tangled hemp (idiom); decisive action in a complex situation ; cutting the Gordian knot | |
| 念念不忘 | 念念不忘 | niàn niàn bù wàng | to keep in mind constantly (idiom) | ne jamais oublier ; avoir toujours à coeur |
| 怀宝遁世 | 懷寶遁世 | huái bǎo dùn shì | to hide one’s light under a bushel (idiom) | |
| 怀才不遇 | 懷才不遇 | huái cái bù yù | to cherish one's unrecognized talents (idiom); to have talent but no opportunity ; not living up to one's abilities ; under-achieving | |
| 怀璧其罪 | 懷璧其罪 | huái bì qí zuì | lit. treasuring a jade ring becomes a crime (idiom); to get into trouble on account of a cherished item ; fig. A person's talent will arouse the envy of others. | |
| 怎么着 | 怎麼著 | zěn me zhe | (pron) what ; (idiom) "whatever", used to replace some verbs in a sentence to form a more general sentence | que |
| 怒不可遏 | 怒不可遏 | nù bù kě è | unable to restrain one's anger (idiom); in a towering rage | |
| 怒发冲冠 | 怒髮衝冠 | nù fà chōng guān | lit. hair stands up in anger and tips off one's hat (idiom) ; fig. seething in anger ; raise one's hackles | frémir de rage ; sortir de ses gonds ; Il est tellement irrité que ses cheveux hérissés soulèveraient son chapeau. |
| 怒形于色 | 怒形於色 | nù xíng yú sè | to betray anger (idiom); fury written across one's face | |
| 怒气冲冲 | 怒氣沖沖 | nù qì chōng chōng | spitting anger (idiom); in a rage | |
| 怒颜相报 | 怒顏相報 | nù yán xiāng bào | to shoot a vengeful look at sb (idiom) | |
| 思之心痛 | 思之心痛 | sī zhī xīn tòng | a thought that causes heartache (idiom) | |
| 思前想后 | 思前想後 | sī qián xiǎng hòu | to consider past cause and future effect (idiom); to think over the past and future ; to ponder over reasons and connection | après réflexion |
| 怡然自得 | 怡然自得 | yí rán zì dé | happy and content (idiom) | |
| 急于求成 | 急於求成 | jí yú qiú chéng | anxious for quick results (idiom); to demand instant success ; impatient for result ; impetuous | |
| 急人之难 | 急人之難 | jí rén zhī nàn | anxious to help others resolve difficulties (idiom) | |
| 急功近利 | 急功近利 | jí gōng jìn lì | seeking instant benefit (idiom); shortsighted vision, looking only for fast return | |
| 急如星火 | 急如星火 | jí rú xīng huǒ | lit. as hurried as a shooting star (idiom); requiring immediate action ; extremely urgent | |
| 急转直下 | 急轉直下 | jí zhuǎn zhí xià | to develop rapidly after abrupt turn (idiom); dramatic change | revirement subit ; tournant brusque de la situation ; changement subit et radical ; amorcer un virage serré |
| 怦然心动 | 怦然心動 | pēng rán xīn dòng | palpitating with eagerness to do sth (idiom) | |
| 性命 | 性命 | xìng mìng | life | vie; |
| 性命攸关 | 性命攸關 | xìng mìng yōu guān | vitally important ; a matter of life and death | |
| 性生活 | 性生活 | xìng shēng huó | sex life | vie sexuelle |
| 怨声载道 | 怨聲載道 | yuàn shēng zài dào | lit. cries of complaint fill the roads (idiom); complaints rise all around ; discontent is openly voiced | le mécontentement général ; Les griefs se font partout entendre. |
| 怨天尤人 | 怨天尤人 | yuàn tiān yóu rén | (idiom) to blame the gods and accuse others | |
| 怨天载道 | 怨天載道 | yuàn tiān zài dào | lit. cries of complaint fill the roads (idiom); complaints rise all around ; discontent is openly voiced | |
| 怯声怯气 | 怯聲怯氣 | qiè shēng qiè qì | to speak in a frightened voice that lacks courage (idiom) | |
| 怵目惊心 | 怵目驚心 | chù mù jīng xīn | lit. shocks the eye, astonishes the heart (idiom); shocking ; horrible to see ; a ghastly sight ; also written 觸目驚心|触目惊心 | frapper les yeux et faire trembler le cœur |
| 恃强欺弱 | 恃強欺弱 | shì qiáng qī ruò | to use one's strength to mistreat people (idiom) ; to bully | |
| 恃才傲物 | 恃才傲物 | shì cái ào wù | to be inordinately proud of one's ability ; to be conceited and contemptuous (idiom) | fort de ses talents, traiter les autres avec mépris (idiome) |
| 恒河沙数 | 恆河沙數 | héng hé shā shù | countless as the grains of sand in the Ganges (idiom) | |
| 恢恢有余 | 恢恢有餘 | huī huī yǒu yú | lit. to have an abundance of space ; room to maneuver (idiom) | |
| 恣意行乐 | 恣意行樂 | zì yì xíng lè | to abandon restraint and have a fling (idiom) | |
| 恨之入骨 | 恨之入骨 | hèn zhī rù gǔ | to hate somebody to the bone (idiom) | |
| 恨海难填 | 恨海難填 | hèn hǎi nán tián | sea of hatred is hard to fill (idiom); irreconcilable division | |
| 恨铁不成钢 | 恨鐡不成鋼 | hèn tiě bù chéng gāng | lit. to hate iron for not becoming steel ; to feel resentful towards sb for failing to meet expectations and impatient to see improvement (idiom) | |
| 恩威兼施 | 恩威兼施 | ēn wēi jiān shī | to employ both kindness and severity (idiom) | |
| 恩将仇报 | 恩將仇報 | ēn jiāng chóu bào | to bite the hand that feeds one (idiom) | |
| 恩比天大 | 恩比天大 | ēn bǐ tiān dà | to be as kind and benevolent as heaven (idiom) | |
| 恬愉之安 | 恬愉之安 | tián yú zhī ān | comfortably at peace (idiom) | |
| 恭敬不如从命 | 恭敬不如從命 | gōng jìng bù rú cōng mìng | deference is no substitute for obedience (idiom); to follow sb's precepts is the sincerest form of respect | |
| 恭贺佳节 | 恭賀佳節 | gōng hè jiā jié | season's greetings (idiom) | |
| 息争和好 | 息爭和好 | xī zhēng hé hǎo | lit. break of a struggle and become reconciled ; to bury the hatchet (idiom) | |
| 息事宁人 | 息事寧人 | xī shì níng rén | to keep the peace; to patch up a quarrel (idiom) | apaiser la dispute par la conciliation ; faire des concessions pour régler un différend |
| 息息相关 | 息息相關 | xī xī xiāngguān | closely bound up (idiom); intimately related | être étroitement liés l'un à l'autre; |
| 恶事传千里 | 惡事傳千里 | è shì chuán qiān lǐ | evil deeds spread a thousand miles (idiom); scandal spreads like wildfire | |
| 恶叉白赖 | 惡叉白賴 | è chā bái lài | evil behavior (idiom); brazen villainy | |
| 恶名昭著 | 惡名昭著 | è míng zhāo zhù | to be notorious (idiom) | |
| 恶有恶报 | 惡有惡報 | è yǒu è bào | evil has its retribution (idiom); to suffer the consequences of one's bad deeds ; sow the wind and reap the whirlwind (Hosea 8:7) | |
| 恶贯满盈 | 惡貫滿盈 | è guàn mǎn yíng | lit. strung through and filled with evil (idiom); filled with extreme evil ; replete with vice ; guilty of monstrous crimes | |
| 恼羞成怒 | 惱羞成怒 | nǎo xiū chéng nù | to fly into a rage out of humiliation ; to be ashamed into anger (idiom) | |
| 悍然不顾 | 悍然不顧 | hàn rán bù gù | outrageous and unconventional (idiom); flying in the face of (authority, convention, public opinion etc) | |
| 悔不当初 | 悔不當初 | huǐ bù dāng chū | to regret one's past deeds (idiom) | |
| 悔之无及 | 悔之無及 | huǐ zhī wú jí | too late for regrets (idiom); It is useless to repent after the event. | |
| 悔恨交加 | 悔恨交加 | huǐ hèn jiāo jiā | to having feelings of regret mixed with shame (idiom) | |
| 悔过自新 | 悔過自新 | huǐ guò zì xīn | to repent and start afresh (idiom); to turn over a new leaf | |
| 悠哉游哉 | 悠哉遊哉 | yōu zāi yóu zāi | free and unconstrained (idiom); leisurely and carefree | |
| 患难之交 | 患難之交 | huàn nàn zhī jiāo | a friend in times of tribulations (idiom); a friend in need is a friend indeed | |
| 患难之交才是真正的朋友 | 患難之交纔是真正的朋友 | huàn nàn zhī jiāo cái shì zhēn zhèng de péng you | a friend in need is a friend indeed (English proverb) ; cf idiom 患難之交|患难之交, a friend in need | un ami dans le besoin est toujours un ami (proverbe) |
| 患难见弃 | 患難見棄 | huàn nàn jiàn qì | to leave somebody holding the baby ; to shrug responsibility (idiom) | |
| 患难见真情 | 患難見真情 | huàn nàn jiàn zhēn qíng | a friend in need is a friend indeed (idiom) | |
| 悬崖勒马 | 懸崖勒馬 | xuán yá lè mǎ | lit. to rein in the horse at the edge of the precipice (idiom); fig. to act in the nick of time | |
| 悬梁刺股 | 懸樑刺股 | xuán liáng cì gǔ | to study assiduously and tirelessly (idiom) ; see also 頭懸梁，錐刺股 头悬梁，锥刺股 [tou2 xuan2 liang2 , zhui1 ci4 gu3] | |
| 悲不自胜 | 悲不自勝 | bēi bù zì shèng | unable to control one's grief (idiom); overwrought ; overcome with sorrow ; heart-broken | |
| 悲声载道 | 悲聲載道 | bēi shēng zài dào | lamentations fill the roads (idiom); severe suffering all around | |
| 悲欢离合 | 悲歡離合 | bēi huān lí hé | joys and sorrows ; partings and reunions ; the vicissitudes of life | joies et douleurs; séparations et unifications; vicissitudes de la vie |
| 悲歌当哭 | 悲歌當哭 | bēi gē dàng kū | to sing instead of weep (idiom) | |
| 情人眼里出西施 | 情人眼裡出西施 | qíng rén yǎn lǐ chū xī shī | lit. in the eyes of a lover appears 西施|西施[Xi1 shi1] (idiom); fig. beauty is in the eye of the beholder | (idiome) dans les yeux de l'amant, une célèbre beauté; la beauté est dans l'oeil du spectateur |
| 情人眼里有西施 | 情人眼裡有西施 | qíng rén yǎn lǐ yǒu xī shī | In the eyes of the lover, a famous beauty (idiom). Beauty in the eye of the beholder | (idiome) dans les yeux de l'amant, une célèbre beauté; la beauté est dans l'oeil du spectateur |
| 情同手足 | 情同手足 | qíng tóng shǒu zú | as close as one's hands and feet (idiom); loving one another as brothers ; deep friendship ; closely attached to one another | |
| 情同骨肉 | 情同骨肉 | qíng tóng gǔ ròu | as close as flesh and bones (idiom); deep friendship | |
| 情急智生 | 情急智生 | qíng jí zhì shēng | inspiration in a moment of desperation (idiom) ; also written 情急之下 | (idiome) inspiration dans un moment de désespoir |
| 情窦初开 | 情竇初開 | qíng dòu chū kāi | first awakening of love (usually of a girl) (idiom) | éveil à l'amour; premier amour |
| 情逾骨肉 | 情逾骨肉 | qíng yú gǔ ròu | as close as flesh and bones (idiom); deep friendship | (idiome) aussi proche que la chair et les os; amitié profonde |
| 情随事迁 | 情隨事遷 | qíng suí shì qiān | circumstances alter cases (idiom) | |
| 惆怅若失 | 惆悵若失 | chóu chàng ruò shī | to feel despondent (idiom) | |
| 惊喜若狂 | 驚喜若狂 | jīng xǐ ruò kuáng | pleasantly surprised like mad (idiom); capering madly with joy ; to express boundless pleasure | |
| 惊天动地 | 驚天動地 | jīng tiān dòng dì | world-shaking (idiom) | qui ébranle ciel et terre ; sensationnel ; titanesque ; bouleversant |
| 惊弓之鸟 | 驚弓之鳥 | jīng gōng zhī niǎo | lit. bird startled by a bowshot (idiom); fig. a frightened person | |
| 惊心动魄 | 驚心動魄 | jīng xīn dòng pò | shaking one to the core ; extremely disturbing ; hair-raising (idiom) | impressionnant; frappant; poignant; palpitant; bouleversant; qui remue l'âme; |
| 惊恐万状 | 驚恐萬狀 | jīng kǒng wàn zhuàng | convulsed with fear (idiom) | |
| 惊慌失措 | 驚慌失措 | jīng huāng shī cuò | to lose one's head out of fear (idiom) | |
| 惊慌失色 | 驚慌失色 | jīng huāng shī sè | to go pale in panic (idiom) | |
| 惟妙惟肖 | 惟妙惟肖 | wéi miào wéi xiào | to imitate to perfection ; to be remarkably true to life | être d'une ressemblance frappante; être l'image vivante de...; entrer dans la peau de son personnage; imiter à la perfection; |
| 惨不忍睹 | 慘不忍睹 | cǎn bùrěn dǔ | spectacle too horrible to endure (idiom); tragic sight ; appalling scenes of devastation | être d'une atrocité inouïe; faire horreur à vour; étre d'un tragique inimaginable; |
| 惨不忍闻 | 慘不忍聞 | cǎn bù rěn wén | too horrible to endure (idiom); tragic spectacle ; appalling scenes of devastation | |
| 惨无人道 | 慘無人道 | cǎn wú rén dào | inhuman (idiom) ; brutal and unfeeling | |
| 惨淡经营 | 慘淡經營 | cǎn dàn jīng yíng | to manage by painstaking effort (idiom) | |
| 惨绝人寰 | 慘絕人寰 | cǎn jué rén huán | extremely tragic (idiom); with unprecedented brutality | |
| 惩一儆百 | 懲一儆百 | chéng yī jǐng bǎi | lit punish one, warn one hundred ; to make an example of sb (idiom) | |
| 惩一警百 | 懲一警百 | chéng yī jǐng bǎi | lit punish one, warn one hundred ; to make an example of sb ; also written 懲一儆百|惩一儆百[cheng2 yi1 jing3 bai3] (idiom) | |
| 惩前毖后 | 懲前毖後 | chéng qián bì hòu | lit. to punish those before to prevent those after (idiom); to criticize former mistakes firmly to prevent them happening again | tirer la lecon des erreurs passées |
| 惯用语 | 慣用語 | guàn yòng yǔ | commonly used phrase ; idiom ; colloquial usage | formule |
| 想入非非 | 想入非非 | xiǎng rù fēi fēi | to indulge in fantasy (idiom); to let one's imagination run wild | |
| 想方设法 | 想方設法 | xiǎng fāng shè fǎ | to think up every possible method (idiom); to devise ways and means ; to try this, that and the other | (phrase) essayer de trouver tous les moyens possibles (pour accomplir une tâche); |
| 惶恐不安 | 惶恐不安 | huáng kǒng bù ān | to be in a state of consternation (idiom) | |
| 惹娄子 | 惹婁子 | rě lóu zi | to stir up trouble ; to bring trouble upon oneself | |
| 惹火烧身 | 惹火燒身 | rě huǒ shāo shēn | stir up the fire and you get burnt (idiom); to get one's fingers burnt ; fig. to suffer on account of one's own meddling | |
| 惹草拈花 | 惹草拈花 | rě cǎo niān huā | to moisten the flower and beckon the leaves (idiom); to womanize ; to frequent brothels ; to sow one's wild oats | |
| 惹草沾花 | 惹草霑花 | rě cǎo zhān huā | to moisten the flower and beckon the leaves (idiom); to womanize ; to frequent brothels ; to sow one's wild oats | |
| 愁眉苦脸 | 愁眉苦臉 | chóu méi kǔ liǎn | frowning and worried (idiom); showing concern | avoir une mine triste et soucieuse; faire triste figure; être triste comme un bonnet de nui; avoir l'air chagrin; avoir l'air chagrine; avoir l'air triste; faire piètre figure; faire triste mine; |
| 愁肠百结 | 愁腸百結 | chóu cháng bǎi jié | hundred knots of worry in one's intestines (idiom); weighed down with anxiety | |
| 愚公移山 | 愚公移山 | yú gōng yí shān | the old man moves mountains (idiom); fig. where there's a will, there's a way | |
| 愚昧无知 | 愚昧無知 | yú mèi wú zhī | stupid and ignorant (idiom) | |
| 感化 | 感化 | gǎn huà | corrective influence ; to reform (a criminal) ; redemption (of a sinner) ; to influence (a malefactor to a better life) ; to guide sb back to the right path by repeated word and example | exercer une bonne influence sur qn; rééduquer par persuasion une personne qui a commis des fautes; |
| 感同身受 | 感同身受 | gǎn tóng shēn shòu | personal gratitude (idiom); to take something as a personal kindness | |
| 感恩图报 | 感恩圖報 | gǎn ēn tú bào | grateful and seeking to repay the kindness (idiom) | |
| 感情用事 | 感情用事 | gǎn qíng yòng shì | to act impetuously (idiom); on an impulse | (idiome) agir impétueusement; sur une impulsion |
| 感激不尽 | 感激不盡 | gǎn jī bù jìn | can't thank sb enough (idiom) | |
| 感激涕零 | 感激涕零 | gǎn jī tì líng | to shed tears of gratitude (idiom); moved to tears | |
| 愧悔无地 | 愧悔無地 | kuì huǐ wú dì | ashamed and unable to show one's face (idiom) | |
| 愧难见人 | 愧難見人 | kuì nán jiàn rén | to be ashamed to be seen in public (idiom) | |
| 慈悲为本 | 慈悲為本 | cí bēi wéi běn | mercy as the guiding principle (idiom); the Buddhist teaching that nothing is valid except compassion | |
| 慈眉善目 | 慈眉善目 | cí méi shàn mù | kind brows, pleasant eyes (idiom); amiable looking ; benign-faced | |
| 慈眉善眼 | 慈眉善眼 | cí méi shàn yǎn | kind brows, pleasant eyes (idiom); amiable looking ; benign-faced | |
| 慎独 | 慎獨 | shèn dú | to preserve a proper behavior in private life | |
| 慕名而来 | 慕名而來 | mù míng ér lái | to come to a place on account of its reputation (idiom); attracted to visit a famous location | venir par l'attirance de la célébrité de qn; |
| 慢条斯理 | 慢條斯理 | màn tiáo sī lǐ | with calculated unhurried steps (idiom); slow and deliberate ; methodical | sans se presser ; sans hâte ; avec lenteur ; pas à pas (idiome) |
| 慷慨捐生 | 慷慨捐生 | kāng kǎi juān shēng | sacrificing one's life generously (idiom); to sacrifice oneself fervently to the cause | |
| 慷慨解囊 | 慷慨解囊 | kāng kǎi jiě náng | to contribute generously (idiom); help sb generously with money ; to give generously to charity | |
| 慷慨赴义 | 慷慨赴義 | kāng kǎi fù yì | heroically sacrificing one's life (idiom); to sacrifice oneself fervently to the cause | |
| 慷慨输将 | 慷慨輸將 | kāng kǎi shū jiāng | to donate generously (idiom) | |
| 憋 | 憋 | biē | to choke ; to stifle ; to restrain ; to hold back ; to hold in (urine) ; to hold (one's breath) | retenir; se contenir; restraindre; étouffer |
| 戎马生涯 | 戎馬生涯 | róng mǎ shēng yá | army life (idiom) ; the experience of war | |
| 戏言 | 戲言 | xì yán | joking matter ; to go back on one's words | |
| 成也萧何，败也萧何 | 成也蕭何，敗也蕭何 | chéng yě xiāo hé , bài yě xiāo hé | raised up by Xiao He, cast down by Xiao He (idiom); success or failure depends solely on one individual | |
| 成千上万 | 成千上萬 | chéng qiān shàng wàn | lit. by the thousands and tens of thousands (idiom); untold numbers ; innumerable ; thousands upon thousands | des milliers et des milliers de; d'innombrables |
| 成千成万 | 成千成萬 | chéng qiān chéng wàn | lit. by the thousands and tens of thousands (idiom); untold numbers ; innumerable ; thousands upon thousands | |
| 成千累万 | 成千累萬 | chéng qiān lěi wàn | lit. by the thousands and tens of thousands (idiom); untold numbers ; innumerable ; thousands upon thousands | |
| 成均館 | 成均館 | chéng jūn guǎn | Koryo Seonggyungwan, university dating back to Korean Goryeo dynasty, in Gaesong, North Korea ; Sungkyun kwan university, Seoul | |
| 成家立业 | 成家立業 | chéng jiā lì yè | to get married and start a career (idiom) ; to settle down ; to establish oneself | |
| 成绩卓然 | 成績卓然 | chéng jì zhuó rán | to achieve astounding results (idiom) | |
| 成群结队 | 成群結隊 | chéng qún jié duì | making up a group, forming a troupe (idiom); in large numbers ; as a large crowd | en troupe; |
| 成语 | 成語 | chéng yǔ | Chinese set expression, often made up of 4 characters or two couplets of 4 characters each, often alluding to a story or historical quotation ; idiom; proverb; saying; adage; set expression | expression toute faite; locution; proverbe; |
| 成语典故 | 成語典故 | chéng yǔ diǎn gù | idiom that quotes a classic story | |
| 成语接龙 | 成語接龍 | chéng yǔ jiē lóng | game where the last word of one idiom 成語|成语[cheng2yu3] is the first of the next | |
| 成败利钝 | 成敗利鈍 | chéng bài lì dùn | succeed or fail, sharp or blunt (idiom); advantages and disadvantages ; success and failure ; You win some, you lose some. | |
| 我行我素 | 我行我素 | wǒ xíng wǒ sù | to continue in one's own way (idiom); to ignore advice ; to persist whatever others say | |
| 我醉欲眠 | 我醉欲眠 | wǒ zuì yù mián | lit. I'm drunk and would like to sleep (idiom) ; (used to indicate one's sincere and straightforward nature) | |
| 戒奢崇俭 | 戒奢崇儉 | jiè shē chóng jiǎn | to refrain from high standard of living (idiom) | |
| 戒骄戒躁 | 戒驕戒躁 | jiè jiāo jiè zào | to guard against pride and impatience (idiom); to remain modest and keep cool | |
| 战无不胜 | 戰無不勝 | zhàn wú bùshèng | to triumph in every battle (idiom); invincible ; to succeed in every undertaking | être invincible; être toujours victorieux; |
| 战无不胜，攻无不克 | 戰無不勝，攻無不克 | zhàn wú bù shèng , gōng wú bù kè | to triumph in every battle and win every fight (idiom); all-conquering ; ever victorious ; nothing they can't do | |
| 战无不胜，攻无不取 | 戰無不勝，攻無不取 | zhàn wú bù shèng , gōng wú bù qǔ | to triumph in every battle and win every fight (idiom); all-conquering ; ever victorious ; nothing they can't do | |
| 战火纷飞 | 戰火紛飛 | zhàn huǒ fēn fēi | fire of war everywhere (idiom); enveloped in the flames of war | |
| 戛然而止 | 戛然而止 | jiá rán ér zhǐ | with a grunting sound it stops (idiom); to come to an end spontaneously (esp. of sound) | |
| 戡乱平反 | 戡亂平反 | kān luàn píng fǎn | to suppress a rebellion (idiom) | |
| 戮力同心 | 戮力同心 | lù lì tóng xīn | concerted efforts in a common cause (idiom); united and working together | être du même cœur et travailler de concert ; coopérer corps et âme |
| 戳咕 | 戳咕 | chuō gū | to stir up behind sb's back ; to incite secretly | |
| 戳壁脚 | 戳壁腳 | chuō bì jiǎo | to criticize behind sb's back ; back-biting | |
| 戳脊梁 | 戳脊梁 | chuō jǐ liang | to criticize behind sb's back ; back-biting | |
| 戳脊梁骨 | 戳脊梁骨 | chuō jǐ liang gǔ | to criticize behind sb's back ; back-biting | |
| 户告人晓 | 戶告人曉 | hù gào rén xiǎo | to make known to every household (idiom); to disseminate widely ; to shout from the rooftops | |
| 户枢不蠹 | 戶樞不蠹 | hù shū bù dù | lit. a door hinge never becomes worm-eaten ; constant activity prevents decay (idiom) | |
| 户限为穿 | 戶限為穿 | hù xiàn wèi chuān | an endless stream of visitors (idiom) | |
| 戻 | 戻 | lì | Japanese variant of 戾 ; to twist back ; to return | |
| 所向披靡 | 所向披靡 | suǒ xiàng pī mǐ | to sweep everything before one ; to be invincible (idiom) | tout bouleverser sur son passage ; Tout succombe à son assaut . |
| 所见所闻 | 所見所聞 | suǒ jiàn suǒ wén | what one hears and sees (idiom) | |
| 手下留情 | 手下留情 | shǒu xià liú qíng | lit. start off leniently (idiom); please do not be too strict with me ; Do not judge me too harshly. ; Look favorably on my humble efforts. | ménager ses adversaires; traiter ses ennemis avec indulgence |
| 手举 | 手舉 | shǒu jǔ | a salute ; hands raised | |
| 手到拈来 | 手到拈來 | shǒu dào nián lái | stretch a hand and grab it (idiom); easy to do | |
| 手到擒来 | 手到擒來 | shǒu dào qín lái | stretch a hand and grab it (idiom); very easy | |
| 手巧 | 手巧 | shǒu qiǎo | to be skillful with one's hands ; to be manually adroit | adroit (ou:habile) de ses mains |
| 手拉手 | 手拉手 | shǒu lā shǒu | to join hands ; hand in hand | |
| 手无寸铁 | 手無寸鐵 | shǒu wú cùn tiě | lit. not an inch of steel (idiom); unarmed and defenseless | être sans armes; les mains nues; |
| 手背 | 手背 | shǒu bèi | back of the hand | dos de la main |
| 手舞足蹈 | 手舞足蹈 | shǒu wǔ zú dǎo | hands dance and feet trip (idiom); dancing and gesticulating for joy | danser de joie; être transporté de joie; |
| 手足 | 手足 | shǒu zú | hands and feet ; (fig.) brothers ; retinue, henchmen, accomplices | frères; |
| 手足无措 | 手足無措 | shǒuzú wú cuò | at a loss to know what to do (idiom); bewildered | ne savoir où donner de la tête; être désemparé; |
| 手里 | 手裡 | shǒu lǐ | in hand ; (a situation is) in sb's hands | dans les mains |
| 才兼文武 | 才兼文武 | cái jiān wén wǔ | talent in both military and civil field (idiom) | |
| 才华出众 | 才華出眾 | cái huá chū zhòng | outstanding talent (idiom); incomparable artistic merit | |
| 才华盖世 | 才華蓋世 | cái huá gài shì | peerless talent (idiom); incomparable artistic merit | |
| 才子佳人 | 才子佳人 | cái zǐ jiā rén | gifted scholar, beautiful lady (idiom); pair of ideal lovers ; cf With his brains and her looks... | |
| 才气过人 | 才氣過人 | cái qì guò rén | an outstanding talent (idiom) ; surpassing insight and acumen | |
| 才疏学浅 | 才疏學淺 | cái shū xué qiǎn | (humble expr.) of humble talent and shallow learning (idiom); Pray forgive my ignorance,... | Mon horizon est borné et mon savoir superficiel(formule de politesse); |
| 才识过人 | 才識過人 | cái shí guò rén | an outstanding talent (idiom) ; surpassing insight and acumen | |
| 才貌双全 | 才貌雙全 | cái mào shuāng quán | talented and good-looking (idiom) | |
| 扑救 | 撲救 | pū jiù | firefighting ; to extinguish a fire and save life and property ; to dive (of goalkeeper in soccer) | |
| 扒高踩低 | 扒高踩低 | pá gāo cǎi dī | crawl high, step low (idiom); unprincipled crawling, flattering one's superiors and trampling on one's juniors ; toadying and bullying | |
| 打家劫舍 | 打家劫舍 | dǎ jiā jié shè | to break into a house for robbery (idiom) | |
| 打富济贫 | 打富濟貧 | dǎ fù jì pín | to rob the rich to help the poor (idiom) | |
| 打小算盘 | 打小算盤 | dǎ xiǎo suàn pán | lit. to count on a narrow abacus (idiom); petty and scheming selfishly ; concerned with petty interests ; selfish and uncaring of the interests of others ; bean counter | |
| 打得火热 | 打得火熱 | dǎ de huǒ rè | to carry on intimately with (idiom); ardent relationship (esp. between lovers) ; billing and cooing | |
| 打拱 | 打拱 | dǎ gǒng | to bow with clasped hands | |
| 打拱作揖 | 打拱作揖 | dǎ gǒng zuò yī | to bow respectfully with clasped hands ; to beg humbly | |
| 打肿脸充胖子 | 打腫臉充胖子 | dǎ zhǒng liǎn chōng pàng zi | lit. to swell one's face up by slapping it to look imposing (idiom); to seek to impress by feigning more than one's abilities | |
| 打草惊蛇 | 打草驚蛇 | dǎ cǎo jīng shé | lit. beat the grass to scare the snake ; to inadvertently alert an enemy ; to punish sb as a warning to others (idiom) | |
| 打躬作揖 | 打躬作揖 | dǎ gōng zuò yī | to bow respectfully with clasped hands ; to beg humbly | saluer des mains jointes avec une profonde inclination du corps |
| 打退 | 打退 | dǎ tuì | to beat back ; to repel ; to repulse | |
| 托足无门 | 托足無門 | tuō zú wú mén | to be unable to find a place to stay (idiom) | |
| 扣住 | 扣住 | kòu zhù | to detain ; to hold back by force ; to buckle ; to hook | |
| 扣压 | 釦壓 | kòu yā | to withhold ; to hold sth back (and prevent it being known) | retenir ; supprimer ; mettre sous le boisseau |
| 扣发 | 釦發 | kòu fā | to deprive ; to withhold ; to hold sth back (and prevent it being known) | |
| 执法如山 | 執法如山 | zhí fǎ rú shān | to maintain the law as firm as a mountain (idiom); to enforce the law strictly | |
| 扪 | 捫 | mén | lay hands on ; to cover | mettre la main sur; presser; |
| 扪心无愧 | 捫心無愧 | mén xīn wú kuì | lit. look into one's heart, no shame (idiom); with a clear conscience | |
| 扬名四海 | 揚名四海 | yáng míng sì hǎi | known throughout the country (idiom); world-famous | |
| 扬清激浊 | 揚清激濁 | yáng qīng jī zhuó | lit. drain away filth and bring in fresh water (idiom); fig. dispel evil and usher in good ; eliminate vice and exalt virtue | |
| 扬长而去 | 揚長而去 | yáng cháng ér qù | to shake one's sleeve and leave (idiom); to turn and leave abruptly | (idiome) se retourner et quitter brusquement |
| 扳平 | 扳平 | bān píng | to equalize ; to level the score ; to pull back the advantage | |
| 扳龙附凤 | 扳龍附鳳 | bān lóng fù fèng | hitching a ride to the sky on the dragon and phoenix (idiom); fig. currying favor with the rich and powerful in the hope of advancement | |
| 扶养 | 扶養 | fú yǎng | to foster ; to bring up ; to raise | élever |
| 扶危济困 | 扶危濟困 | fú wēi jì kùn | to help those in distress (idiom) | |
| 扶弱抑强 | 扶弱抑強 | fú ruò yì qiáng | to support the weak and restrain the strong (idiom); robbing the rich to help the poor | |
| 扶正压邪 | 扶正壓邪 | fú zhèng yā xié | to uphold good and suppress evil (idiom) | |
| 扶鞍上马 | 扶鞍上馬 | fú ān shàng mǎ | to mount a horse (idiom) | |
| 批郤导窾 | 批郤導窾 | pī xì dǎo kuǎn | to get right to the heart of the matter (idiom) | |
| 扼喉抚背 | 扼喉撫背 | è hóu fǔ bèi | to strangle and slap the back (idiom); fig. to occupy a strategic post | |
| 扼腕 | 扼腕 | è wàn | to wring one's hands (literally wring one's wrists) | |
| 扼襟控咽 | 扼襟控咽 | è jīn kòng yān | to secure a stranglehold (idiom); fig. to hold a strategic pass | |
| 找不自在 | 找不自在 | zhǎo bù zì zai | to ask for trouble ; to bring misfortune on oneself | |
| 承上起下 | 承上起下 | chéng shàng qǐ xià | to follow the past and herald the future (idiom); part of a historical transition ; forming a bridge between earlier and later stages | |
| 承前启后 | 承前啟後 | chéng qián qǐ hòu | to follow the past and herald the future (idiom); part of a historical transition ; forming a bridge between earlier and later stages | |
| 抃悦 | 抃悅 | biàn yuè | to clap one's hands in joy | |
| 把持不定 | 把持不定 | bǎ chí bù dìng | indecisive (idiom) | |
| 抑郁不平 | 抑鬱不平 | yì yù bù píng | in a state of depression (idiom) | |
| 抔 | 抔 | póu | take up in both hands | |
| 投井下石 | 投井下石 | tóu jǐng xià shí | to throw stones at sb who fell down a well (idiom); to hit a person who is down | |
| 投机倒把 | 投機倒把 | tóu jī dǎo bǎ | speculation and profiteering (idiom); buying and selling on speculation | |
| 投桃报李 | 投桃報李 | tóu táo bào lǐ | toss a peach, get back a plum (idiom); to return a favor ; to exchange gifts ; Scratch my back, and I'll scratch yours. | offrir une pêche et recevoir une prune en retour ; échanger des cadeaux |
| 投生 | 投生 | tóu shēng | reborn (of departed spirit) ; to be reincarnated ; to leave home for a new life | |
| 投笔从戎 | 投筆從戎 | tóu bǐ cóng róng | to lay down the pen and take up the sword (idiom) ; to join the military (esp. of educated person) | |
| 投缳自缢 | 投繯自縊 | tóu huán zì yì | to hang oneself (idiom) | |
| 投鞭断流 | 投鞭斷流 | tóu biān duàn liú | arms enough to stem the stream (idiom); formidable army | |
| 投鼠忌器 | 投鼠忌器 | tóu shǔ jì qì | lit. to refrain from shooting at the rat for fear of breaking the vases (idiom) ; to not act against an evil so as to prevent harm to innocents | |
| 抖搂 | 抖摟 | dǒu lou | to shake out ; to bring to light ; to squander | |
| 折回 | 折回 | zhé huí | to turn back ; to retrace one's steps | |
| 折节读书 | 折節讀書 | zhé jié dú shū | to start reading furiously, contrary to previous habit (idiom) | |
| 折转 | 摺轉 | zhé zhuǎn | reflex (angle) ; to turn back | |
| 折返 | 折返 | zhé fǎn | to turn back | |
| 抚养 | 撫養 | fǔ yǎng | to foster ; to bring up ; to raise | élever; nourrir; |
| 抚养成人 | 撫養成人 | fǔ yǎng chéng rén | to bring up (a child) | élever (un enfant) |
| 抛砖引玉 | 拋磚引玉 | pāo zhuān yǐn yù | lit. to throw a brick to attract jade (idiom); fig. I offer a humble remark, please give us your valued opinion (e.g. commonplace remarks as a foreword to a distinguished speech) | Parler le premier dans le but de faire exprimer librement leur opinion aux autres. (Lancer une brique pour inciter les autres à sortir leur jade) (idiome) |
| 抛绣球 | 拋繡球 | pāo xiù qiú | to throw an embroidered ball ; to choose a husband (idiom) | |
| 抟 | 摶 | tuán | to roll up into a ball with one's hands ; spiral ; circle ; variant of 團|团[tuan2] | |
| 抢险救灾 | 搶險救災 | qiǎng xiǎn jiù zāi | to provide relief during times of emergency and disaster (idiom) | |
| 报仇雪恨 | 報仇雪恨 | bào chóu xuě hèn | to take revenge and wipe out a grudge (idiom) | |
| 报仇雪耻 | 報仇雪恥 | bào chóu xuě chǐ | to take revenge and erase humiliation (idiom) | |
| 报喜不报忧 | 報喜不報憂 | bào xǐ bù bào yōu | to report only the good news, not the bad news ; to hold back unpleasant news ; to sweep bad news under the carpet | |
| 报应不爽 | 報應不爽 | bào yìng bù shuǎng | appropriate retribution (idiom) | |
| 报怨 | 報怨 | bào yuàn | to make a complain ; to pay back a score ; to get revenge ; to requite | |
| 报本反始 | 報本反始 | bào běn fǎn shǐ | ensure that you pay debts of gratitude (idiom) | |
| 披头散发 | 披頭散髮 | pī tóu sàn fà | with dishevelled hair (idiom) ; with one's hair down | |
| 披肝沥胆 | 披肝瀝膽 | pī gān lì dǎn | lit. to open one's liver and drip gall (idiom); whole-hearted loyalty | |
| 抱佛脚 | 抱佛腳 | bào fó jiǎo | lit. to clasp the Buddha's feet (without ever having burned incense) (idiom); fig. to profess devotion only when in trouble ; panic measures in place of timely preparation | étreindre les pieds du Bouddha; manifester sa dévotion uniquement dans la tourmente; faire un effort précipité de dernière minute; |
| 抱头鼠窜 | 抱頭鼠竄 | bào tóu shǔ cuàn | to cover one's head and sneak away like a rat (idiom); to flee ignominiously | fuir comme un rat en se couvrant la tête; se sauver comme un rat; |
| 抱头鼠蹿 | 抱頭鼠躥 | bào tóu shǔ cuān | to cover one's head and sneak away like a rat (idiom); to flee ignominiously ; also written 抱頭鼠竄|抱头鼠窜 | |
| 抱残守缺 | 抱殘守缺 | bǎo cán shǒu quē | to cherish the outmoded and preserve the outworn (idiom); conservative ; stickler for tradition | conserver jalousement des choses tombées en désuétude; se cramponner à ce qui est désuet et défectueux; garder les débris; |
| 抱薪救火 | 抱薪救火 | bào xīn jiù huǒ | lit. to carry firewood to put out a fire (idiom); fig. to make a problem worse by inappropriate action | éteindre un feu avec du bois sec; s'y prendre mal et ne faire qu'empirer la situation |
| 抵挡 | 抵擋 | dǐ dǎng | to resist ; to hold back ; to stop ; to ward off ; to withstand | résister à |
| 抵足而卧 | 抵足而臥 | dǐ zú ér wò | lit. to live and sleep together (idiom); fig. a close friendship | |
| 抵足而眠 | 抵足而眠 | dǐ zú ér mián | lit. to live and sleep together (idiom); fig. a close friendship | |
| 抹不下脸 | 抹不下臉 | mǒ bù xià liǎn | to be unable to keep a straight face (idiom) | |
| 抹稀泥 | 抹稀泥 | mǒ xī ní | to try to gloss over things (idiom) | |
| 抹黑 | 抹黑 | mǒ hēi | to discredit ; to defame ; to smear sb's name ; to bring shame upon (oneself or one's family etc) ; to blacken (e.g. commando's face for camouflage) ; to black out or obliterate (e.g. censored words) | noircir ; déshonorer |
| 抽丝剥茧 | 抽絲剝繭 | chōu sī bāo jiǎn | lit. to spin silk from cocoons ; fig. to make a painstaking investigation (idiom) | |
| 拂袖而去 | 拂袖而去 | fú xiù ér qù | to brush with one's sleeve then go (idiom); to turn and leave abruptly | (idiome) se retourner et quitter brusquement |
| 拆东墙补西墙 | 拆東牆補西牆 | chāi dōng qiáng bǔ xī qiáng | lit. pull down the east wall to repair the west wall (idiom); fig. temporary expedient ; Rob Peter to pay Paul | |
| 拆东补西 | 拆東補西 | chāi dōng bǔ xī | lit. pull down the east wall to repair the west (idiom); fig. temporary expedient ; Rob Peter to pay Paul | |
| 拈花惹草 | 拈花惹草 | niān huā rě cǎo | to play with flowers and grass (idiom); to philander ; to frequent brothels ; to sow one's wild oats | |
| 拉个手 | 拉個手 | lā ge shǒu | to hold hands | |
| 拉家带口 | 拉家帶口 | lā jiā dài kǒu | to bear the burden of a household (idiom); encumbered by a family ; tied down by family obligations | |
| 拉平 | 拉平 | lā píng | to bring to the same level ; to even up ; to flare out ; to flatten out | écrêter |
| 拊掌 | 拊掌 | fǔ zhǎng | to clap hands | |
| 拍案叫绝 | 拍案叫絕 | pāi àn jiào jué | lit. slap the table and shout with praise (idiom); fig. wonderful! ; amazing! ; great! | |
| 拍案惊奇 | 拍案驚奇 | pāi àn jīng qí | to slap the table in amazement (idiom); wonderful! ; amazing! | |
| 拍案而起 | 拍案而起 | pāi àn ér qǐ | lit. to slap the table and stand up (idiom); fig. at the end of one's tether ; unable to take it any more | |
| 拎起 | 拎起 | līn qǐ | to pick up (from the ground with one's hands) | ramasser (au sol avec les mains) |
| 拐弯抹角 | 拐彎抹角 | guǎi wān mò jiǎo | lit. (of road) winding and turning (idiom); to speak in a roundabout way ; to equivocate ; to beat about the bush | prendre des virages et raser les coins ; suivre une route sinueuse ; prendre des circonlocutions ; tourner autour du pot |
| 拔毛连茹 | 拔毛連茹 | bá máo lián rú | lit. pull up a plant and the roots follow (idiom); fig. also involving others ; inextricably tangled together ; Invite one and he'll tell all his friends. | |
| 拔苗助长 | 拔苗助長 | bá miáo zhù zhǎng | to spoil things through excessive enthusiasm (idiom) | tirer un plant pour hâter sa croissance; |
| 拔茅连茹 | 拔茅連茹 | bá máo lián rú | lit. pull up a plant and the roots follow (idiom);fig. also involving others ; inextricably tangled together ; Invite one and he'll tell all his friends. | |
| 拖后腿 | 拖後腿 | tuō hòu tuǐ | to impede ; to obstruct ; to hold back | |
| 拙于言词 | 拙於言詞 | zhuō yú yán cí | to be unable to express oneself clearly (idiom) | |
| 拙嘴笨舌 | 拙嘴笨舌 | zhuō zuǐ bèn shé | lit. clumsy mouth and broken tongue (idiom); awkward speaker | |
| 拚死 | 拚死 | pàn sǐ | to risk one's life | |
| 招兵买马 | 招兵買馬 | zhāobīng mǎi mǎ | to recruit soldiers and buy horses (idiom); to raise a large army ; fig. to expand business ; to recruit new staff | (phrase) recruter des soldats et acheter des cheveux; recruter des partisans pour grossir ses rangs; |
| 招抚 | 招撫 | zhāo fǔ | to enlist enemy or rebel soldiers by offering amnesty ; to bring to negotiated surrender | |
| 招财 | 招財 | zhāo cái | lit. inviting wealth ; We wish you success and riches (cf idiom 招財進寶|招财进宝[zhao1 cai2 jin4 bao3]) | |
| 招财进宝 | 招財進寶 | zhāo cái jìn bǎo | ushering in wealth and prosperity (idiom and traditional greeting, esp. at New Year); We wish you wealth and success! | |
| 招贤纳士 | 招賢納士 | zhāo xián nà shì | invite the talented and call the valorous (idiom); to recruit talent | |
| 招降纳叛 | 招降納叛 | zhāo xiáng nà pàn | to recruit surrendered enemy and deserters (idiom); to gather together a gang of villains | |
| 招风惹草 | 招風惹草 | zhāo fēng rě cǎo | lit. call the fire to burn the grass (idiom); to cause a quarrel by provocation ; to stir up trouble | |
| 拣佛烧香 | 揀佛燒香 | jiǎn fó shāo xiāng | to choose which Buddha to burn incense to (idiom); fig. to curry favor from the right person | |
| 拨乱反正 | 撥亂反正 | bō luàn fǎn zhèng | bring order out of chaos ; set to rights things which have been thrown into disorder | réprimer les troubles et rétablir l'ordre; rétablir le cours normal des choses et redresser les torts; |
| 拨云见日 | 撥雲見日 | bō yún jiàn rì | lit. to dispel the clouds and see the sun (idiom); fig. to restore justice | |
| 择善固执 | 擇善固執 | zé shàn gù zhí | to choose what is good and hold fast to it (idiom) | |
| 择善而从 | 擇善而從 | zé shàn ér cóng | to choose the right course and follow it (idiom) | |
| 拭目以待 | 拭目以待 | shì mù yǐ dài | lit. to wipe one's eyes and wait (idiom); to wait and see | |
| 拱 | 拱 | gǒng | to cup one's hands in salute ; to surround ; to arch ; arched | arc; voûte; entourer ; courber ; pousser; |
| 拱手 | 拱手 | gǒng shǒu | to cup one's hands in obeisance or greeting ; fig. submissive | |
| 拱手旁观 | 拱手旁觀 | gǒng shǒu páng guān | to watch from the sidelines and do nothing (idiom) | |
| 拳打脚踢 | 拳打腳踢 | quán dǎ jiǎo tī | lit. to punch and kick (idiom); to beat up ; fig. determined to sort out a problem | |
| 拼 | 拼 | pīn | to piece together ; to join together ; to stake all ; adventurous ; at the risk of one's life ; to spell | assembler ; faire un dernier effort; |
| 拼命 | 拼命 | pīn mìng | to do one's utmost ; with all one's might ; at all costs ; (to work or fight) as if one's life depends on it | de toutes ses forces; risquer sa vie; |
| 拼命三郎 | 拼命三郎 | pīn mìng sān láng | brave man, willing to risk his life | |
| 拼抢 | 拼搶 | pīn qiǎng | to fight desperately (at the risk of one's life) | |
| 拼杀 | 拼殺 | pīn shā | to grapple (with the enemy) ; to fight at the risk of one's life | |
| 拼死 | 拼死 | pīn sǐ | to go all out for sth at risk of one's life | |
| 拼死拼活 | 拼死拼活 | pīn sǐ pīn huó | one's utmost ; (to fight or work) desperately hard ; to put up a life or death struggle ; at all costs | |
| 拾人涕唾 | 拾人涕唾 | shí rén tì tuò | lit. to pick up other people's snot (idiom); fig. to plagiarize | |
| 拾人牙慧 | 拾人牙慧 | shí rén yá huì | to pick up what others say (idiom); to pass off other people's opinions as one's own ; to parrot | |
| 拾金不昧 | 拾金不昧 | shí jīn bù mèi | to pick up money and not hide it (idiom); to return property to its owner | |
| 拿得起放得下 | 拿得起放得下 | ná de qǐ fàng de xià | to be adaptable to circumstances (idiom) | |
| 拿来 | 拿來 | ná lái | bring | apporter |
| 拿着鸡毛当令箭 | 拿著雞毛當令箭 | ná zhe jī máo dàng lìng jiàn | to wave a chicken feather as a token of authority (idiom); to assume unwarranted authority on the basis of some pretext | |
| 持之以恒 | 持之以恆 | chí zhī yǐ héng | to pursue unremittingly (idiom); to persevere | faire quelque choseh.avec persévérance |
| 持橐簪笔 | 持橐簪筆 | chí tuó zān bǐ | to serve as a counselor (idiom) | |
| 挂羊头，卖狗肉 | 掛羊頭，賣狗肉 | guà yáng tóu , mài gǒu ròu | to hang a sheep's head while selling dog meat (idiom); to cheat ; dishonest advertising ; wicked deeds carried out under banner of virtue | |
| 指手划脚 | 指手劃腳 | zhǐ shǒu huà jiǎo | to gesticulate while talking (idiom); to explain by waving one's hands ; to criticize or give orders summarily ; also written 指手畫腳|指手画脚 | gesticuler en parlant ; (critiquer) avec force gestes autoritaires |
| 指手画脚 | 指手畫腳 | zhǐ shǒu huà jiǎo | to gesticulate while talking (idiom) ; to explain by waving one's hands ; to criticize or give orders summarily | |
| 指挥有方，人人乐从 | 指揮有方，人人樂從 | zhǐ huī yǒu fāng , rén rén lè cóng | Command right and you will be obeyed cheerfully. (idiom) | |
| 指桑骂槐 | 指桑罵槐 | zhǐ sāng mà huái | lit. to point at the mulberry tree and curse the locust tree ; fig. to scold sb indirectly ; to make oblique accusations (idiom) | |
| 指鸡骂狗 | 指雞罵狗 | zhǐ jī mà gǒu | fig. to point at the chicken while scolding the the dog (idiom) ; lit. to find a scapegoat | |
| 指鹿为马 | 指鹿為馬 | zhǐ lù wéi mǎ | making a deer out to be a horse (idiom); deliberate misrepresentation | |
| 指鹿作马 | 指鹿作馬 | zhǐ lù zuò mǎ | to take a deer and call it a horse (idiom); deliberate inversion of the truth | |
| 按兵不动 | 按兵不動 | àn bīng bù dòng | to hold back one's troops without moving (idiom); to bide one's time | retenir les troupes au lieu de les engager dans l'action; rester dans l'expectative; |
| 按图索骥 | 按圖索驥 | àn tú suǒ jì | lit. looking for a fine horse using only a picture (idiom) ; to do things along rigid, conventional lines ; to try and find smth with the help of a clue | suivre une piste pour trouver quelque chose |
| 按捺不住 | 按捺不住 | àn nà bu zhù | to be unable to hold back | |
| 按质定价 | 按質定價 | àn zhì dìng jià | to fix a price based on quality (idiom) | |
| 按部就班 | 按部就班 | àn bù jiù bān | to follow the prescribed order; to keep to the working routine (idiom) | |
| 挑拨是非 | 挑撥是非 | tiǎo bō shì fēi | to incite a quarrel (idiom); to sow discord between people ; to tell tales ; to make mischief | |
| 挑拨离间 | 挑撥離間 | tiǎo bō lí jiàn | to sow dissension (idiom); to drive a wedge between | semer la zizanie |
| 挑灯夜战 | 挑燈夜戰 | tiǎo dēng yè zhàn | to raise a lantern and fight at night (idiom); fig. to work into the night ; to burn the midnight oil | |
| 挖空心思 | 挖空心思 | wā kōng xīn si | to dig for thoughts (idiom); to search everything for an answer ; to rack one's brains | |
| 挖肉补疮 | 挖肉補瘡 | wā ròu bǔ chuāng | to cut one's flesh to cover a sore (idiom); faced with a current crisis, to make it worse by a temporary expedient | |
| 挚友良朋 | 摯友良朋 | zhì yǒu liáng péng | intimate friend and companion (idiom) | |
| 挟贵自重 | 挾貴自重 | xié guì zì zhòng | to be proud of one’s dignified position (idiom) | |
| 挥毫洒墨 | 揮毫灑墨 | huī háo sǎ mò | to flourish with the pen and sprinkle ink; to write in a free style (idiom) | |
| 挨打受气 | 挨打受氣 | ái dǎ shòu qì | to suffer bullying and beating (idiom) | (idiome) souffrir d'intimidation et de coups et blessures |
| 挨打受骂 | 挨打受罵 | ái dǎ shòu mà | to suffer beatings and receive abuse (idiom) | |
| 挫 | 挫 | cuò | obstructed ; to fail ; to oppress ; to repress ; to lower the tone ; to bend back ; to dampen | revers; échec; réprimer; abaisser; |
| 挫折 | 挫折 | cuò zhé | setback ; reverse ; check ; defeat ; frustration ; disappointment ; to frustrate ; to discourage ; to set sb back ; to blunt ; to subdue | revers; échec; |
| 振振有词 | 振振有詞 | zhèn zhèn yǒu cí | to speak forcefully and with justice (idiom); to argue with the courage of one's convictions | |
| 振振有辞 | 振振有辭 | zhèn zhèn yǒu cí | to speak forcefully and with justice (idiom); to argue with the courage of one's convictions ; also written 振振有詞|振振有词 | faire force effet oratoire en disant ... ; étayer ses arguments plausibles |
| 振聋发聩 | 振聾發聵 | zhèn lóng fā kuì | lit. so loud that even the deaf can hear (idiom); rousing even the apathetic | |
| 振臂一呼 | 振臂一呼 | zhèn bì yī hū | to issue a call for action ; to raise one's hand and issue a rousing call (idiom) | |
| 挹掬 | 挹掬 | yì jū | to scoop up water with the hands | |
| 挺身 | 挺身 | tǐng shēn | to straighten one's back | se redresser; aller hardiment de l'avant; |
| 捂住脸 | 摀住臉 | wǔ zhù liǎn | to cover the face ; to bury one's face in one's hands | |
| 捉拿归案 | 捉拿歸案 | zhuō ná guī àn | bring to justice | traduire en justice; appréhender |
| 捎 | 捎 | shāo | to bring sth to sb ; to deliver | porter; transmettre en passant; transmettre par occasion; |
| 捎来 | 捎來 | shāo lái | to bring sth to sb (news etc) | |
| 捐命 | 捐命 | juān mìng | to lay down one's life | |
| 捐生 | 捐生 | juān shēng | to sacrifice one's life | |
| 捐躯 | 捐軀 | juān qū | to sacrifice one's life | donner sa vie ; se sacrifier |
| 捕风捉影 | 捕風捉影 | bǔ fēng zhuō yǐng | lit. chasing the wind and clutching at shadows (idiom); fig. groundless accusations ; to act on hearsay evidence | attraper le vent et courir une ombre; agir(ou : tenir des propos)sur des signes douteux; |
| 捞本 | 撈本 | lāo běn | to get one's money back (esp. gambling) ; to recoup one's losings | |
| 损人利己 | 損人利己 | sǔn rén lì jǐ | harming others for one's personal benefit (idiom); personal gain to the detriment of others | rechercher son intérêt au détriment des autres; assurer des avantages aux dépens d'autrui |
| 损公肥私 | 損公肥私 | sǔn gōng féi sī | to damage the public interest for personal profit (idiom); personal profit at public expense ; venal and selfish behavior | |
| 换汤不换药 | 換湯不換藥 | huàn tāng bù huàn yào | different broth but the same old medicine (idiom); a change in name only ; a change in form but not in substance | changer de liquide sans change de remède; vieille potion dotée d'une nouvelle étiquette; changement purement apparent; |
| 捣弄 | 搗弄 | dǎo nòng | to move back and forward ; to trade | |
| 捧 | 捧 | pěng | to clasp ; to cup the hands ; to hold up with both hands ; to offer (esp. in cupped hands) ; to praise ; to flatter | tenir à deux mains ; flatter; |
| 捧托 | 捧托 | pěng tuō | to hold up with both hands | |
| 捧腹 | 捧腹 | pěng fù | uproarious ; hilarious ; to split one's sides laughing ; lit. to hold one's belly with both hands | |
| 捧腹大笑 | 捧腹大笑 | pěng fù dà xiào | uproarious ; hilarious ; to split one's sides laughing ; lit. to hold one's belly with both hands | rire aux éclats en se tenant les côtes ; se tordre de rite à se tordre |
| 据情办理 | 據情辦理 | jù qíng bàn lǐ | to handle a situation according to the circumstances (idiom) | (idiome) gérer une situation selon les circonstances |
| 捶胸顿足 | 捶胸頓足 | chuí xiōng dùn zú | to beat one's chest and stamp one's feet (idiom) | |
| 捷报频传 | 捷報頻傳 | jié bào pín chuán | victory reports pour in (idiom); news of success in an endless stream | |
| 掇臀捧屁 | 掇臀捧屁 | duō tún pěng pì | to hold up buttocks and praise a fart (idiom); to use flatter to get what one wants ; to toady ; boot-licking | |
| 掉书袋 | 掉書袋 | diào shū dài | lit. to drop a bag of books (idiom); fig. to drop quotations to appear learned ; to quote classical texts as a parade of erudition | |
| 掌声雷动 | 掌聲雷動 | zhǎng shēng léi dòng | thunderous applause (idiom) | |
| 排山倒海 | 排山倒海 | pái shān dǎo hǎi | lit. to topple the mountains and overturn the seas (idiom); earth-shattering ; fig. gigantic ; of spectacular significance | |
| 排忧解难 | 排憂解難 | pái yōu jiě nàn | to resolve a difficult situation and leave worries behind (idiom) | |
| 排难解纷 | 排難解紛 | pái nàn jiě fēn | to remove perils and solve disputes (idiom); to reconcile differences | |
| 掘墓鞭尸 | 掘墓鞭屍 | jué mù biān shī | to exhume a body for public flogging (idiom) | |
| 探囊取物 | 探囊取物 | tàn náng qǔ wù | to feel in one's pocket and take sth (idiom); as easy as pie ; in the bag | |
| 探头探脑 | 探頭探腦 | tàn tóu tàn nǎo | to stick one's head out and look around (idiom) | |
| 探骊得珠 | 探驪得珠 | tàn lí dé zhū | to pluck a pearl from the black dragon (idiom, from Zhuangzi); fig. to pick out the salient points (from a tangled situation) ; to see through to the nub | |
| 掣 | 掣 | chè | to pull ; to draw ; to pull back ; to withdraw ; to flash past | tirer; retirer; |
| 接二连三 | 接二連三 | jiē èr lián sān | one after another (idiom) ; in quick succession | l'un après l'autre; successivement; sans interruption; sans discontinuer |
| 接轨 | 接軌 | jiē guǐ | railtrack connection ; to integrate into sth ; to dock ; to connect ; to be in step with ; to bring into line with ; to align | |
| 接连不断 | 接連不斷 | jiē lián bù duàn | in unbroken succession (idiom) | |
| 推后 | 推後 | tuī hòu | to push back (progress, the times etc) | |
| 推心置腹 | 推心置腹 | tuī xīn zhì fù | to give one's bare heart into sb else's keeping (idiom); sb has one's absolute confidence ; to trust completely ; to confide in sb with entire sincerity | |
| 推本溯源 | 推本溯源 | tuī běn sù yuán | to go back to the source | |
| 推来推去 | 推來推去 | tuī lái tuī qù | (idiom) to rudely push and pull others ; (idiom) to evade responsibility and push it to others | fuir les responsabilités |
| 推波助澜 | 推波助瀾 | tuī bō zhù lán | to push the wave and add to the billows (idiom); to add momentum ; to encourage sth to get bigger ; to add fuel to the fire | pousser les vagues et les faire déferler; jeter de l'huile sur le feu; aggraver volontairement les choses; |
| 推贤让能 | 推賢讓能 | tuī xián ràng néng | to cede to the virtuous and yield to the talented (idiom) | |
| 推陈出新 | 推陳出新 | tuī chén chū xīn | to push out the old and bring in the new (idiom); to innovate ; to go beyond old ideas ; advancing all the time | faire ressortir le nouveau de l'ancien; renouveler; progresser; Le nouveau émerge de l'ancien ./En rejetant ce qui est révolu on crée le nouveau.; |
| 推陈布新 | 推陳佈新 | tuī chén bù xīn | to push out the old and bring in the new (idiom); to innovate ; to go beyond old ideas ; advancing all the time | |
| 掩人耳目 | 掩人耳目 | yǎn rén ěr mù | to block the ears and eyes (idiom); to hoodwink ; to dissimulate ; to deceive ; surreptitious | |
| 掩耳盗铃 | 掩耳盜鈴 | yǎn ěr dào líng | lit. to cover one's ears whilst stealing a bell ; to deceive oneself ; to bury one's head in the sand (idiom) | |
| 掩面而泣 | 掩面而泣 | yǎn miàn ér qì | to bury one’s head in one’s hands and weep (idiom) | |
| 措手不及 | 措手不及 | cuò shǒu bù jí | no time to deal with it (idiom); caught unprepared | être pris au dépourvu ; être surpris |
| 措置裕如 | 措置裕如 | cuò zhì yù rú | to handle easily (idiom); effortless | |
| 掬 | 掬 | Ø | to hold with both hands ; to grasp firmly ; fig. to offer up sincerely | prendre avec les deux mains jointes; |
| 掬饮 | 掬飲 | jū yǐn | to drink water by scooping it up with both hands | |
| 掰 | 掰 | bāi | to break with both hands | diviser ou casser quelque chose avec les mains |
| 掰开 | 掰開 | bāi kāi | to pull apart ; to pry open with the hands | |
| 揄袂 | 揄袂 | yú mèi | to walk with the hands in one's sleeves | |
| 提前 | 提前 | tí qián | to shift to an earlier date ; to bring forward ; to advance | avancer; anticiper |
| 提及 | 提及 | tí jí | to mention ; to raise (a subject) ; to bring to sb's attention | évoquer; mention; évoquer |
| 提审 | 提審 | tí shěn | to commit sb for trial ; to bring sb before the court | |
| 提挈 | 提挈 | tí qiè | to hold by the hand ; fig. to nurture ; to foster ; to bring up ; to support | |
| 提早 | 提早 | tí zǎo | ahead of schedule ; sooner than planned ; to bring forward (to an earlier time) | avancer; exécuter avant le terme prévu; |
| 提纲挈领 | 提綱挈領 | tí gāng qiè lǐng | to concentrate on the main points (idiom); to bring out the essentials | |
| 提讯 | 提訊 | tí xùn | to bring sb to trial | |
| 插科打诨 | 插科打諢 | chā kē dǎ hùn | to include impromptu comic material in opera performance (idiom); to jest ; buffoonery | |
| 插翅难飞 | 插翅難飛 | chā chì nán fēi | lit. even given wings, you couldn't fly (idiom); fig. impossible to escape | Il serait difficile de sortir de là même avec des ailes |
| 揖 | 揖 | yī | greet (by raising the joined hands) | saluer avec les mains jointes |
| 握 | 握 | wò | shake hands ; to hold ; to grasp | saisir; tenir; |
| 握别 | 握別 | wò bié | to shake hands | |
| 握手 | 握手 | wò shǒu | to shake hands | serrer la main à qn; |
| 揪心扒肝 | 揪心扒肝 | jiū xīn bā gān | lit. grips the heart, seizes the liver (idiom); fear grips the heart ; worried out of one's wits ; scared stiff | |
| 揭发 | 揭發 | jiē fā | to expose ; to bring to light ; to disclose ; revelation | dénoncer; révéler; |
| 揽辔澄清 | 攬轡澄清 | lǎn pèi chéng qīng | lit. to seize the reins and quell disorder ; to act quickly and decisively (idiom) | |
| 搏击 | 搏擊 | bó jī | to fight, esp. with hands ; wrestling (as a sport) ; to wrestle ; to wrestle (against fate, with a problem etc) ; to capture prey | |
| 搓 | 搓 | cuō | to rub or roll between the hands or fingers ; to twist | pétrissage; frottement |
| 搜索枯肠 | 搜索枯腸 | sōu suǒ kū cháng | to search dry guts (idiom); to racks one's brains for a good wording (of a poet) | |
| 搜罗 | 搜羅 | sōu luó | to gather ; to collect ; to bring together | recruter; collectionner; recruter; |
| 搜肠刮肚 | 搜腸刮肚 | sōu cháng guā dù | to search one's guts and belly (idiom); to racks one's brains for a solution | |
| 搡 | 搡 | sǎng | push back ; push over | ; |
| 搬兵 | 搬兵 | bān bīng | to call for reinforcements ; to bring in troops | |
| 搬口 | 搬口 | bān kǒu | to pass on stories (idiom); to sow dissension ; to blab ; to tell tales | |
| 搬唇递舌 | 搬唇遞舌 | bān chún dì shé | to pass on stories (idiom); to sow dissension ; to blab ; to tell tales | |
| 搬弄是非 | 搬弄是非 | bān nòng shì fēi | to incite a quarrel (idiom); to sow discord between people ; to tell tales ; to make mischief | cancaner |
| 搬石头砸自己的脚 | 搬石頭砸自己的腳 | bān shí tou zá zì jǐ de jiǎo | to move a stone and stub one's toe ; to shoot oneself in the foot (idiom) | |
| 搬砖砸脚 | 搬磚砸腳 | bān zhuān zá jiǎo | to hurt oneself by one's own doing ; to boomerang ; to shoot oneself in the foot (idiom) | |
| 搬铺 | 搬鋪 | bān pù | to arrange (for the dying) | |
| 携 | 攜 | xié | to carry ; to take along ; to bring along ; to hold (hands) | emporter avec soi; |
| 携家带口 | 攜家帶口 | xié jiā dài kǒu | to take all one's family along (idiom); encumbered by a family ; tied down by family obligations | |
| 携家带眷 | 攜家帶眷 | xié jiā dài juàn | to take all one's family along (idiom); encumbered by a family ; tied down by family obligations | |
| 携手 | 攜手 | xié shǒu | hand in hand ; to join hands ; to collaborate | se tenir par la main, la main dans la main; |
| 摆出 | 擺出 | bǎi chū | to assume ; to adopt (a look, pose, manner etc) ; to bring out for display | |
| 摆弄 | 擺弄 | bǎi nòng | to move back and forth ; to fiddle with | manier; manipuler; tripoter; |
| 摆手 | 擺手 | bǎi shǒu | to wave one's hands | |
| 摆花架子 | 擺花架子 | bǎi huā jià zi | lit. to arrange a shelf of flowers ; superficial display (idiom) | |
| 摇摇摆摆 | 摇摇擺擺 | yáo yáo bǎi bǎi | to toddle (idiom); duck-like walk ; to hesitate ; shilly-shally | |
| 摇旗呐喊 | 搖旗呐喊 | yáo qí nà hǎn | to wave flags and shout battle cries (idiom); to egg sb on ; to give support to | faire du tapage en agitant des drapeaux ; battre la grosse caisse ; faire de la publicité |
| 摇身一变 | 搖身一變 | yáo shēn yī biàn | to change shape in a single shake ; fig. to take on a new lease of life | (phrase) une métamorphose subite (par enchantement); faire volte-face; |
| 摇钱树 | 搖錢樹 | yáo qián shù | a legendary tree that sheds coins when shaken ; a source of easy money (idiom) | source de revenu |
| 摩顶放踵 | 摩頂放踵 | mó dǐng fàng zhǒng | to rub one's head and heels (idiom); to slave for the benefit of others ; to wear oneself out for the general good | |
| 撇开不谈 | 撇開不談 | piē kāi bù tán | to ignore an issue (idiom) | |
| 撋 | 撋 | ruán | to rub between the hands | |
| 撒手闭眼 | 撒手閉眼 | sā shǒu bì yǎn | to have nothing further to do with a matter (idiom) | |
| 撒网捕风 | 撒網捕風 | sā wǎng bǔ fēng | lit. the wind cannot be caught in a net ; to waste one’s effort (idiom) | |
| 撮 | 撮 | cuō | little bit ; to bring together ; to shovel ; to gather up ; to scoop up ; to extract | prendre du bout des doigts; ramasser; une pincée; touffe; toupet; |
| 擂鼓鸣金 | 擂鼓鳴金 | léi gǔ míng jīn | to beat the drum and sound the gong (idiom); fig. to order an advance or retreat ; to egg people on or to call them back | |
| 操之过急 | 操之過急 | cāo zhī guò jí | to act with undue haste (idiom); eager and impatient ; over-hasty | |
| 擎拳合掌 | 擎拳合掌 | qíng quán hé zhǎng | to clasp hands ; to put one's palms together (in obeisance) | |
| 擒贼擒王 | 擒賊擒王 | qín zéi qín wáng | to defeat the enemy by capturing their chief (idiom) | |
| 攀亲道故 | 攀親道故 | pān qīn dào gù | to use old friends to climb socially (idiom); to suck up to sb | |
| 攀附权贵 | 攀附權貴 | pān fù quán guì | to cling to the powerful and rich (idiom); social climbing | |
| 攀高结贵 | 攀高結貴 | pān gāo jié guì | lit. to cling to the high, connect to the rich (idiom); to try to attach oneself to the rich and powerful ; social climbing | |
| 攘外安内 | 攘外安內 | rǎng wài ān nèi | to resist foreign aggression and pacify the interior of the country (idiom) | |
| 支吾其词 | 支吾其詞 | zhī wú qí cí | (idiom) to talk in a roundabout way to cover up the truth ; evasive | |
| 支持 | 支持 | zhī chí | to be in favor of ; to support ; to back ; support ; backing ; to stand by | soutenir; appuyer; |
| 支援 | 支援 | zhī yuán | to provide assistance ; to support ; to back | soutenir; appuyer; |
| 支离破碎 | 支離破碎 | zhī lí pò suì | scattered and smashed (idiom) | (phrase) être disloqué; être démembré et désagrégé; |
| 收之桑榆 | 收之桑榆 | shōu zhī sāng yú | to lose at sunrise but gain at sunset (idiom); to compensate later for one's earlier loss ; what you lose on the swings you gain on the roundabouts | |
| 收回 | 收回 | shōu huí | to regain ; to retake ; to take back ; to withdraw ; to revoke | reprendre; récupérer; |
| 收尾 | 收尾 | shōu wěi | to wind up ; to bring to an end ; to finish | phase finale d'un projet ; paragraphe final (de l'article, etc); |
| 收残缀轶 | 收殘綴軼 | shōu cán zhuì yì | to gather and patch up sth that is badly damaged (idiom) | |
| 收缩 | 收縮 | shōu suō | to pull back ; to shrink ; to contract | se contracter; se rétrécir; rétrécir ; concentrer ses forces; reculer; se retirer en arrière; |
| 改嘴 | 改嘴 | gǎi zuǐ | to deny ; to go back on one's word | |
| 改头换面 | 改頭換面 | gǎi tóu huàn miàn | to adjust one's head and turn one's face (idiom); cosmetic changes ; Despite superficially new policies, the substance remains unchanged. | |
| 改弦易辙 | 改弦易轍 | gǎi xián yì zhé | change of string, move out of rut (idiom); dramatic change of direction ; to dance to a different tune | |
| 改订伊犁条约 | 改订伊犁條約 | gǎi dìng yī lí tiáo yuē | Treaty of Saint Petersburg of 1881 in which Russia agreed to hand back Yili province to Qing China in exchange for compensation payment and unequal treaty rights | |
| 改过自新 | 改過自新 | gǎi guò zì xīn | to reform and start afresh (idiom); to turn over a new leaf | |
| 攻无不克，战无不胜 | 攻無不克，戰無不勝 | gōng wú bù kè , zhàn wú bù shèng | to triumph in every battle and win every fight (idiom); all-conquering ; ever victorious ; nothing they can't do | |
| 放下屠刀，立地成佛 | 放下屠刀，立地成佛 | fàng xià tú dāo , lì dì chéng fó | lay down butcher's knife, become a Buddha on the spot (idiom); instant rehabilitation ; to repent and be absolved of one's crimes | |
| 放之四海而皆准 | 放之四海而皆准 | fàng zhī sì hǎi ér jiē zhǔn | appropriate to any place and any time (idiom); universally applicable ; a panacea | |
| 放刁 | 放刁 | fàng diāo | to act wickedly ; to bully ; to make life difficult for sb by unreasonable actions | |
| 放浪不羁 | 放浪不羁 | fàng làng bù jī | wanton and unrestrained (idiom); dissolute | |
| 放荡不羁 | 放蕩不羈 | fàng dàng bù jī | wanton and unrestrained (idiom); dissolute | |
| 放诞不拘 | 放誕不拘 | fàng dàn bù jū | wanton and unrestrained (idiom); dissolute | |
| 放诞不羁 | 放誕不羈 | fàng dàn bù jī | wanton and unrestrained (idiom); dissolute | |
| 放长线钓大鱼 | 放長線釣大魚 | fàng cháng xiàn diào dà yú | use a long line to catch a big fish (idiom); a long-term plan for major returns | |
| 放马后炮 | 放馬後砲 | fàng mǎ hòu pào | to fire after the horse has bolted (idiom); to act too late to be effective | |
| 政治生活 | 政治生活 | zhèng zhì shēng huó | political life | |
| 政通人和 | 政通人和 | zhèng tōng rén hé | efficient government, people at peace (idiom); all is well with the state and the people | |
| 故地重游 | 故地重遊 | gù dì chóng yóu | to revisit old haunts (idiom); down memory lane | |
| 故我 | 故我 | gù wǒ | one's former self ; back on form | |
| 故步自封 | 故步自封 | gù bù zì fēng | stuck in the old ways (idiom); refusing to acknowledge new ideas ; stagnating and conservative | |
| 敌众我寡 | 敵衆我寡 | dí zhòng wǒ guǎ | multitude of enemies, few friends (idiom from Mencius); heavily outnumbered ; beaten by weight of numbers | |
| 敌手 | 敵手 | dí shǒu | opponent ; substantial adversary ; worthy match ; antagonist ; in the enemy's hands | rival; adversaire; antagoniste; ennemi; |
| 救命 | 救命 | jiù mìng | to save sb's life ; (interjection) Help! ; (interjection) Save me! | sauver la vie à qn ; Au secours; |
| 救活 | 救活 | jiù huó | to bring back to life | sauver; ramener à la vie |
| 救焚益薪 | 救焚益薪 | jiù fén yì xīn | add firewood to put out the flames (idiom); fig. ill-advised action that only makes the problem worse ; to add fuel to the fire | |
| 救生 | 救生 | jiù shēng | to save a life ; life-saving | sauver la vie; |
| 救生筏 | 救生筏 | jiù shēng fá | a life raft | |
| 救生衣 | 救生衣 | jiù shēng yī | life jacket ; life vest | gliet de sauvetage |
| 敔 | 敔 | yǔ | percussion instrument shaped as a hollow wooden tiger, with serrated strip across the back, across which one runs a drumstick | |
| 教养 | 教養 | jiào yǎng | to train ; to educate ; to bring up ; to nurture ; education ; culture ; upbringing ; early conditioning | éduquer; culture; formation; éducation |
| 敝屣尊荣 | 敝屣尊榮 | bì xǐ zūn róng | to care nothing for worldly fame and glory (idiom) | |
| 敝帚千金 | 敝帚千金 | bì zhǒu qiān jīn | lit. my worn-out broom, a thousand in gold (idiom); fig. sentimental value ; I wouldn't be parted with it for anything. | |
| 敝帚自珍 | 敝帚自珍 | bì zhǒu zì zhēn | to value the broom as one's own (idiom); to attach value to sth because it is one's own ; a sentimental attachment | attacher du prix à ses propres affaires,mêmes les plus viles; Un balai usé est cher à son propriétaire.; |
| 敢不从命 | 敢不從命 | gǎn bù cóng mìng | to not dare to disobey an order (idiom) | |
| 敢为人先 | 敢為人先 | gǎn wéi rén xiān | to dare to be first ; to pioneer (idiom) | |
| 敢怒而不敢言 | 敢怒而不敢言 | gǎn nù ér bù gǎn yán | angry, but not daring to speak out (idiom); obliged to remain silent about one's resentment ; unable to voice objections | |
| 散兵游勇 | 散兵遊勇 | sǎn bīng yóu yǒng | lit. straggling and disbanded soldiers (idiom); fig. disorganized uncoordinated action | |
| 散心解闷 | 散心解悶 | sàn xīn jiě mèn | to divert one’s mind from boredom (idiom) | |
| 敬业乐群 | 敬業樂群 | jìng yè lè qún | diligent and sociable (idiom); meticulous in work and dealing cheerfully with one's colleagues | |
| 敬老尊贤 | 敬老尊賢 | jìng lǎo zūn xián | to respect the wise and venerate the worthy (idiom); to honor the great and the good | |
| 敬而远之 | 敬而遠之 | jìng ér yuǎn zhī | to show respect from a distance (idiom); to remain at a respectful distance | se tenir à une distance respectueuse; respecter et se mettre à distance |
| 敬若神明 | 敬若神明 | jìng ruò shén míng | to hold sb in the same regard as one would a god (idiom) | |
| 敬贤礼士 | 敬賢禮士 | jìng xián lǐ shì | to respect ability and honor scholarship (idiom) | |
| 敬鬼神而远之 | 敬鬼神而遠之 | jìng guǐ shén ér yuǎn zhī | to respect Gods and demons from a distance (idiom); to remain at a respectful distance | |
| 数一数二 | 數一數二 | shǔ yī shǔ èr | to enumerate ; reckoned to be first or second best (idiom); one of the very best | être chassé parmi les premiers (ou: parmiles meilleurs) |
| 数不胜数 | 數不勝數 | shǔ bù shèng shǔ | too many to count (idiom); innumerable | |
| 数典忘祖 | 數典忘祖 | shǔ diǎn wàng zǔ | to recount history but omit one's ancestors (idiom); to forget one's roots | oublier ses ancêtres ; trahir son origine |
| 数珠念佛 | 數珠念佛 | shǔ zhū niàn fó | to count one’s prayer beads and chant Buddha’s name (idiom) | |
| 数见不鲜 | 數見不鮮 | shù jiàn bù xiān | a common occurrence (idiom) | |
| 数黄道黑 | 數黃道黑 | shǔ huáng dào hēi | to enumerate what is black and yellow (idiom); to criticize sb behind his back to incite quarrels ; also written 數黑論黃|数黑论黄[shu3 hei1 lun4 huang2] | |
| 数黑论白 | 數黑論白 | shǔ hēi lùn bái | to enumerate what is black and yellow (idiom); to criticize sb behind his back to incite quarrels ; also written 數黑論黃|数黑论黄[shu3 hei1 lun4 huang2] | |
| 数黑论黄 | 數黑論黃 | shǔ hēi lùn huáng | to enumerate what is black and yellow (idiom); to criticize sb behind his back to incite quarrels | |
| 敲背 | 敲背 | qiāo bèi | back-knocking massage | |
| 敲边鼓 | 敲邊鼓 | qiāo bian gǔ | to back sb up ; to support sb in an argument ; (lit. to beat nearby drum) | |
| 敲钉钻脚 | 敲釘鑽腳 | qiāo dīng zuān jiǎo | to make doubly sure (idiom) | |
| 敲门砖 | 敲門磚 | qiāo mén zhuān | lit. a brick as a door knocker (idiom); fig. a temporary expedient ; to use sb as a stepping stone to fortune | |
| 整齐划一 | 整齊劃一 | zhěng qí huà yī | to be adjusted to uniformity (usually of weights and measures) (idiom) | |
| 文山会海 | 文山會海 | wén shān huì hǎi | a mountain of paperwork and a sea of meetings (idiom) | |
| 文房四宝 | 文房四寶 | wén fáng sì bǎo | Four Treasures of the Study, namely 筆|笔[bi3], 墨|墨[mo4], 紙|纸[zhi3] and 硯|砚[yan4] ; the essentials of calligraphy and scholarship (idiom) | |
| 文武双全 | 文武雙全 | wén wǔ shuāng quán | well versed in letters and military technology (idiom); fine scholar and soldier ; master of pen and sword | |
| 文武合一 | 文武合一 | wén wǔ hé yī | civilians and the military (working) hand in hand (idiom) | |
| 文江学海 | 文江學海 | wén jiāng xué hǎi | river of literacy, sea of learning (idiom); ars longa, vita brevis | |
| 文治武功 | 文治武功 | wén zhì wǔ gōng | political and military achievements (idiom) | |
| 斗酒只鸡 | 斗酒只雞 | dǒu jiǔ zhī jī | lit. a chicken and a bottle of wine (idiom); fig. ready to make an offering to the deceased, or to entertain guests | |
| 斗鸡走马 | 鬥雞走馬 | dòu jī zǒu mǎ | cock-fighting and horse-racing (idiom); to gamble | |
| 料事如神 | 料事如神 | liào shì rú shén | to prophecy with supernatural accuracy (idiom); incredible foresight | |
| 斜方肌 | 斜方肌 | xié fāng jī | trapezius muscle (of the upper back and neck) | |
| 斤斤较量 | 斤斤較量 | jīn jīn jiào liàng | to bicker at length over a trivial matter (idiom) | |
| 斧钺之诛 | 斧鉞之誅 | fǔ yuè zhī zhū | to die by battle-ax (idiom); to be executed | |
| 斧钺汤镬 | 斧鉞湯鑊 | fǔ yuè tāng huò | battle-ax and boiling cauldron (idiom); facing torture and execution | |
| 斩而不奏 | 斬而不奏 | zhǎn ér bù zòu | to do sth and not report the fact (idiom) | |
| 斩草除根 | 斬草除根 | zhǎn cǎo chú gēn | to cut weeds and eliminate the roots (idiom); to destroy root and branch ; to eliminate completely | extirper les mauvaises herbes; détruire le mal à sa racine; |
| 斩钉截铁 | 斬釘截鐵 | zhǎn dīng jié tiě | to chop the nail and slice the iron (idiom); resolute and decisive ; unhesitating ; definitely ; without any doubt | résolument; catégoriquement; |
| 断港绝潢 | 斷港絕潢 | duàn gǎng jué huáng | to be unable to continue ; to come to a dead end (idiom) | |
| 断章取义 | 斷章取義 | duàn zhāng qǔ yì | lit. to take meaning from cut segment (idiom); to interpret out of context ; to focus attention on one phrase without regard to the meaning of the whole piece | |
| 断线风筝 | 斷線風箏 | duàn xiàn fēng zhēng | a kite with cut string (idiom); fig. gone beyond recall | |
| 断袖之癖 | 斷袖之癖 | duàn xiù zhī pǐ | lit. cut sleeve (idiom); fig. euphemism for homosexuality, originating from History of Western Han 漢書|汉书: emperor Han Aidi (real name Liu Xin) was in bed with his lover Dong Xian, and had to attend a court audience that morning | |
| 断送 | 斷送 | duàn sòng | to forfeit (future profit, one's life etc) ; ruined | ruiner; perdre; |
| 新愁旧恨 | 新愁舊恨 | xīn chóu jiù hèn | new worries added to old hatred (idiom); afflicted by problems old and new | |
| 新陈代谢 | 新陳代謝 | xīn chén dài xiè | metabolism (biology) ; the new replaces the old (idiom) | métabolisme |
| 方兴未已 | 方興未已 | fāng xīng wèi yǐ | flourishing and still in the ascendant (idiom); rapidly expanding ; still growing strong ; on the up | |
| 方兴未艾 | 方興未艾 | fāng xīng wèi ài | flourishing and still in the ascendant (idiom); rapidly expanding ; still growing strong ; on the up | ascendant |
| 方式 | 方式 | fāng shì | way (of life) ; pattern ; style ; mode ; manner | façon; manière; mode; |
| 方枘圆凿 | 方枘圓鑿 | fāng ruì yuán záo | to put a square peg in a round hole ; incompatible (idiom) | |
| 方滋未艾 | 方滋未艾 | fāng zī wèi ài | flourishing and still in the ascendant (idiom); rapidly expanding ; still growing strong ; on the up | |
| 方脸突额 | 方臉突額 | fāng liǎn tū é | to have a square face and a protruding forehead (idiom) | |
| 施粥舍饭 | 施粥捨飯 | shī zhōu shě fàn | to provide alms and rice (idiom) | |
| 旁敲侧击 | 旁敲側擊 | páng qiāo cè jī | glancing knock, sideways stroke (idiom); fig. circuitous attack in words or writing ; to attack by innuendo ; to satirize ; to cast oblique aspersions | |
| 旁观者清 | 旁觀者清 | páng guān zhě qīng | The person on the spot is baffled, the onlooker sees clear (idiom). The spectator sees more of the game. | (idiome) La personne sur place est déroutée, le spectateur voit clair |
| 旁门左道 | 旁門左道 | páng mén zuǒ dào | dissenting religious sect (idiom); heretical school of opinion ; dissident group | (idiome) secte religieuse dissidente |
| 旋乾转坤 | 旋乾轉坤 | xuán qián zhuǎn kūn | lit. overturning heaven and earth (idiom); earth-shattering ; a radical change | |
| 旗帜鲜明 | 旗幟鮮明 | qí zhì xiān míng | to show one's colors ; to have a clear-cut stand (idiom) | |
| 旗开得胜 | 旗開得勝 | qí kāi dé shèng | lit. to win a victory on raising the flag (idiom); fig. to start on sth and have immediate success ; success in a single move | |
| 旗鼓相当 | 旗鼓相當 | qí gǔ xiāng dāng | lit. two armies have equivalent banners and drums (idiom); fig. evenly matched ; roughly comparable (opponents) | |
| 无中生有 | 無中生有 | wú zhōng shēng yǒu | to create something from nothing (idiom) | inventer des histoires de toutes pièces ; affirmer sans aucun fondement |
| 无休无止 | 無休無止 | wú xiū wú zhǐ | ceaseless; endless (idiom) | |
| 无依无靠 | 無依無靠 | wú yī wú kào | no one to rely on (idiom); on one's own ; orphaned ; left to one's own devices | |
| 无保留 | 無保留 | wú bǎo liú | without reservation ; not holding anything back ; unconditional | |
| 无倚无靠 | 無倚無靠 | wú yǐ wú kào | variant of 無依無靠 无依无靠, no one to rely on (idiom); on one's own ; orphaned ; left to one's own devices | |
| 无功不受禄 | 無功不受祿 | wú gōng bù shòu lù | Don't get a reward if it's not deserved. (idiom) | |
| 无功受禄 | 無功受祿 | wú gōng shòu lù | to get undeserved rewards (idiom) | |
| 无功而返 | 無功而返 | wú gōng ér fǎn | to return without any achievement (idiom); to go home with one's tail between one's legs | |
| 无可奉告 | 無可奉告 | wú kě fèng gào | (idiom) "no comment" | "pas de comentaire"; "no comment" |
| 无可救药 | 無可救藥 | wú kě jiù yào | lit. no antidote is possible (idiom); incurable ; incorrigible ; beyond redemption | |
| 无可置疑 | 無可置疑 | wú kě zhì yí | cannot be doubted (idiom) | |
| 无名小卒 | 無名小卒 | wú míng xiǎo zú | lit. nameless soldier (idiom); an unknown ; nonentity | |
| 无坚不摧 | 無堅不摧 | wú jiān bù cuī | no stronghold one cannot overcome (idiom); to conquer every obstacle ; nothing one can't do ; to carry everything before one | |
| 无声无息 | 無聲無息 | wú shēng wú xī | wordless and uncommunicative (idiom); without speaking ; taciturn ; not providing any news | |
| 无处可寻 | 無處可尋 | wú chù kě xún | cannot be found anywhere (idiom) | |
| 无孔不钻 | 無孔不鑽 | wú kǒng bù zuān | lit. leave no hole undrilled (idiom); to latch on to every opportunity | |
| 无容置疑 | 無容置疑 | wú róng zhì yí | cannot be doubted (idiom) | |
| 无师自通 | 無師自通 | wú shī zì tōng | self-taught ; to learn without a teacher (idiom) | |
| 无影无踪 | 無影無蹤 | wú yǐng wú zōng | to disappear without trace (idiom) | |
| 无征不信 | 無徵不信 | wú zhēng bù xìn | without proof one can't believe it (idiom) | |
| 无微不至 | 無微不至 | wú wēi bú zhì | in every possible way (idiom); meticulous | être aux petits soins pour qn; entourer qn de soins des plus attentifs; |
| 无忧无虑 | 無憂無慮 | wú yōu wú lù | carefree and without worries (idiom) | sans aucun doute; |
| 无恶不作 | 無惡不作 | wú è bù zuò | not to shrink from any crime (idiom); to commit any imaginable misdeed | se livrer à tous les crimes imaginables ; ne reculer devant aucun crimes ; être coupable de mille méfaits (idiome) |
| 无情无义 | 無情無義 | wú qíng wú yì | completely lacking any feeling or sense of justice (idiom); cold and ruthless | (idiome) complètement dépourvu de tout sentiment ou du sens de la justice; froid et impitoyable |
| 无所事事 | 無所事事 | wú suǒ shì shì | to have nothing to do ; to idle one's time away (idiom) | vivre sans rien faire |
| 无所作为 | 無所作為 | wú suǒ zuò wéi | attempting nothing and accomplishing nothing (idiom); without any initiative or drive ; feckless | |
| 无所用心 | 無所用心 | wú suǒ yòng xīn | not paying attention to anything (idiom); to idle time away | |
| 无所适从 | 無所適從 | wú suǒ shì cóng | not knowing which course to follow (idiom); at a loss what to do | ne pas savoir quel parti prendre ; ne pas savoir à quel saint se vouer (idiome) |
| 无拘无束 | 無拘無束 | wú jū wú shù | free and unconstrained (idiom); unfettered ; unbuttoned ; without care or worries | |
| 无期 | 無期 | wú qī | unspecified period ; in the indefinite future ; no fixed time ; indefinite sentence (i.e. life imprisonment) | durée indéterminée; dans un avenir indéterminé; pas d'heure fixe |
| 无期徒刑 | 無期徒刑 | wú qī tú xíng | life imprisonment | réculsion criminelle à perpétuité |
| 无毒不丈夫 | 無毒不丈夫 | wú dú bù zhàng fu | no poison, no great man (idiom); A great man has to be ruthless. | |
| 无法无天 | 無法無天 | wú fǎ wú tiān | regardless of the law and of natural morality (idiom); maverick ; undisciplined and out of control | n'avoir ni foi ni loi; se conduire comme des individus sans foi ni loi. |
| 无独有偶 | 無獨有偶 | wú dú yǒu ǒu | not alone but in pairs (idiom, usually derog.); not a unique occurrence ; it's not the only case | (phrase) ne pas être seul en son genre; par une coïncidence singulière; les deux font bien la paire; |
| 无理取闹 | 無理取鬧 | wú lǐ qǔ nào | to make trouble without reason (idiom); deliberately awkward ; pointless provocation ; willful trouble maker | |
| 无的放矢 | 無的放矢 | wú dì fàng shǐ | to shoot without aim (idiom); fig. to speak without thinking ; firing blindly ; to shoot in the air ; a shot in the dark | |
| 无稽之谈 | 無稽之談 | wú jī zhī tán | complete nonsense (idiom) | |
| 无穷无尽 | 無窮無盡 | wú qióng wú jìn | vast and limitless (idiom); endless span of time ; no vestige of a beginning, no prospect of an end | |
| 无精打彩 | 無精打彩 | wú jīng dǎ cǎi | dull and colorless (idiom); lacking vitality ; not lively | |
| 无精打采 | 無精打採 | wú jīng dǎ cǎi | dispirited and downcast (idiom); listless ; in low spirits ; washed out | sans vigueur ni vivacité ; manque de vivacité ; être languissant (abattu, inerte) |
| 无缘无故 | 無緣無故 | wú yuán wú gù | no cause, no reason (idiom); completely uncalled for | sans cause; sans raison; sans motif sérieux; |
| 无能为力 | 無能為力 | wú néng wéi lì | impotent (idiom) ; powerless ; helpless | être impuissant devant; |
| 无言可对 | 無言可對 | wú yán kě duì | unable to reply (idiom); left speechless ; at a loss for words | |
| 无计可施 | 無計可施 | wú jì kě shī | no strategy left to try (idiom); at one's wit's end ; at the end of one's tether ; powerless | |
| 无话可说 | 無話可說 | wú huà kě shuō | there is nothing more to say (idiom); above criticism ; perfect | ne pas avoir d'autres alternatives; au-dessus de la critique; parfait |
| 无量寿 | 無量壽 | wú liàng shòu | boundless life (expression of good wishes) ; Amitayus, the Buddha of measureless life, good fortune and wisdom | |
| 无风不起浪 | 無風不起浪 | wú fēng bù qǐ làng | lit. without wind there cannot be waves (idiom); there must be a reason ; no smoke without fire | |
| 既往不咎 | 既往不咎 | jì wǎng bù jiù | to forget and not bear recriminations (idiom); to let bygones be bygones ; There is no point in crying over spilt milk. | |
| 既来之，则安之 | 既來之，則安之 | jì lái zhī , zé ān zhī | Since they have come, we should make them comfortable (idiom). Since we're here, take it easy. ; Since this is so, we should accept it. ; Now we have come, let's stay and take the rough with the smooth. ; If you can't do anything to prevent it, you might | |
| 日久岁深 | 日久歲深 | rì jiǔ suì shēn | to last for an eternity (idiom) | |
| 日久生情 | 日久生情 | rì jiǔ shēng qíng | familiarity breeds fondness (idiom) | |
| 日子 | 日子 | rì zi | day ; a (calendar) date ; days of one's life | jour; temps ; vie quotidienne; |
| 日新月异 | 日新月異 | rì xīn//v//è yì | daily renewal, monthly change (idiom); every day sees new developments ; rapid progress | connaître de nouveaux changements de jour en jour; faire des progrès rapides; du nouveau chaque jour; changement prodigieux; |
| 日无暇晷 | 日無暇晷 | rì wú xiá guǐ | no time to spare (idiom) | |
| 日晒雨淋 | 日曬雨淋 | rì shài yǔ lín | scorched and drenched by sun and rain (idiom); suffer from exposure to the elements ; weather-beaten | |
| 日暮途穷 | 日暮途窮 | rì mù tú qióng | sunset, the end of the road (idiom); in terminal decline ; at a dead end | |
| 日月 | 日月 | rì yuè | the sun and moon ; day and month ; every day and every month ; season ; life and livelihood | |
| 日月如梭 | 日月如梭 | rì yuè rú suō | the sun and moon like a shuttle (idiom); How time flies! | |
| 日月重光 | 日月重光 | rì yuè chóng guāng | the sun and moon shine once more ; fig. things get back to normal after an upheaval | |
| 日落西山 | 日落西山 | rì luò xī shān | the sun sets over western hills (idiom); the day approaches its end ; fig. time of decline ; the end of an era ; Sic transit gloria mundi | |
| 日落风生 | 日落風生 | rì luò fēng shēng | a gentle breeze comes with sunset (idiom) | |
| 旧地重游 | 舊地重遊 | jiù dì chóng yóu | to revisit old haunts (idiom); down memory lane | |
| 旧愁新恨 | 舊愁新恨 | jiù chóu xīn hèn | old worries with new hatred added (idiom); afflicted by problems old and new | |
| 旧景重现 | 舊景重現 | jiù jǐng chóng xiàn | to have flashbacks from the past (idiom) | |
| 旧瓶装新酒 | 舊瓶裝新酒 | jiù píng zhuāng xīn jiǔ | lit. new wine in old bottles; fig. new concepts in an old framework ; (loan idiom from Matthew 9:17, but fig. meaning is opposite) | |
| 旧病复发 | 舊病復發 | jiù bìng fù fā | old illness recurs (idiom); a relapse ; fig. to repeat an old error ; the same old problem | |
| 旧调重弹 | 舊調重彈 | jiù diào chóng tán | replaying the same old tunes (idiom); conservative, unoriginal and discredited ; to keep harping on about the same old stuff | |
| 早出晚归 | 早出晚歸 | zǎo chū wǎn guī | to leave early and return late (idiom) | |
| 早动手，早收获 | 早動手，早收穫 | zǎo dòng shǒu , zǎo shōu huò | The sooner you set to work, the sooner you'll reap the rewards. (idiom) | |
| 早知今日何必当初 | 早知今日何必當初 | zǎo zhī jīn rì hè bì dāng chū | if I (you, she, he...) had known it would come to this, I (you, she, he...) would not have acted thus (idiom) ; to regret vainly one's past behaviour | |
| 旬输月送 | 旬輸月送 | xún shū yuè sòng | pay every ten days, give tribute every month (idiom); incessant and ever more complicated demands | |
| 时不再来 | 時不再來 | shí bù zài lái | Time that has passed will never come back. (idiom) | |
| 时乖命蹇 | 時乖命蹇 | shí guāi mìng jiǎn | bad times, adverse fate (idiom) | |
| 时代不同，风尚不同 | 時代不同，風尚不同 | shí dài bù tóng , fēng shàng bù tóng | customs change with time (idiom); other times, other manners ; O Tempora, O Mores! | |
| 时势造英雄 | 時勢造英雄 | shí shì zào yīng xióng | Time makes the man (idiom). The trend of events brings forth the hero. | |
| 时日无多 | 時日無多 | shí rì wú duō | time is limited (idiom) | |
| 时来运转 | 時來運轉 | shí lái yùn zhuǎn | the time comes, fortune turns (idiom); to have a lucky break ; things change for the better | |
| 时至今日 | 時至今日 | shí zhì jīn rì | lit. the time up to today (idiom); up to the present ; even now | |
| 时运不济 | 時運不濟 | shí yùn bù jì | fate is unfavorable (idiom); the omens are not good | |
| 时运亨通 | 時運亨通 | shí yùn hēng tōng | our luck is in, everything is going smoothly (idiom) | |
| 旷古未有 | 曠古未有 | kuàng gǔ wèi yǒu | never before in the whole of history (idiom) ; unprecedented | |
| 旷古未闻 | 曠古未聞 | kuàng gǔ wèi wén | never before in the whole of history (idiom) ; unprecedented ; also written 曠古未有|旷古未有 | |
| 旷日持久 | 曠日持久 | kuàng rì chíjiǔ | protracted (idiom) ; long drawn-out | traîner en longueur;(phrase) traîner en longueur; n'en pas voir la fin; de longue durée; |
| 昂首挺胸 | 昂首挺胸 | áng shǒu tǐng xiōng | head high, chest out (idiom); to keep up one's spirits ; in fine mettle (of animal) | |
| 昂首阔步 | 昂首闊步 | áng shǒu kuò bù | striding forward with head high (idiom); to walk with spirited and vigorous step ; to strut | marcher la tête haute et à grands pas; marcher d'une allure altière; |
| 明争暗斗 | 明爭暗鬥 | míng zhēng àn dòu | struggling in the light and fighting in the dark (idiom); fig. intriguing against each other ; locked in constant strife | lutter au grand jour et en sourdine ; mener une lutte à la fois ouverte et clandestine ; luttes tant déclarées(ou ouvertes) que dissimulées (ou secrètes) |
| 明人不做暗事 | 明人不做暗事 | míng rén bù zuò àn shì | The honest person does nothing underhand (idiom). ; fig. Do what you want to do openly and without dissimulation. | |
| 明修栈道，暗渡陈仓 | 明修棧道，暗渡陳倉 | míng xiū zhàn dào , àn dù chén cāng | lit. repair the plank road by day while secretly crossing the Wei river 渭河 at Chencang (idiom, refers to a stratagem used by Liu Bang 劉邦|刘邦 in 206 BC against Xiangyu 項羽|项羽 of Chu); fig. | |
| 明察暗访 | 明察暗訪 | míng chá àn fǎng | open enquiries and secret search (idiom); to investigate openly and in secret ; taking information from all sides | |
| 明察秋毫 | 明察秋毫 | míng chá qiū háo | lit. seeing clearly the downy feather of autumn (idiom, from Mencius); fig. sensitive to the finest detail ; to distinguish right and wrong with acuity ; omniscient | avoir la perspicacité de discerner les choses infimes; avoir une grande pénétrer toute chose; être perspicace; |
| 明岗暗哨 | 明崗暗哨 | míng gǎng àn shào | both covert and undercover (officers) keeping watch (idiom) | |
| 明月清风 | 明月清風 | míng yuè qīng fēng | bright moon and clear wind (idiom); fig. clear and lovely atmosphere ; everything in the garden is roses | |
| 明枪好躲，暗箭难防 | 明槍好躲，暗箭難防 | míng qiāng hǎo duǒ , àn jiàn nán fáng | lit. easy to dodge the spear in the open, hard to avoid a stab in the dark (idiom); it is hard to guard against secret conspiracies | |
| 明枪易躲，暗箭难防 | 明槍易躲，暗箭難防 | míng qiāng yì duǒ , àn jiàn nán fáng | lit. easy to dodge the spear in the open, hard to avoid a stab in the dark (idiom); it is hard to guard against secret conspiracies | |
| 明查暗访 | 明查暗訪 | míng chá àn fǎng | open enquiries and secret search (idiom); to investigate openly and in secret ; taking information from all sides | |
| 明知故犯 | 明知故犯 | míng zhī gù fàn | deliberate violation (idiom); intentional crime | |
| 明窗净几 | 明窗淨幾 | míng chuāng jìng jī | lit. clear window and clean table (idiom); fig. bright and clean | |
| 明辨是非 | 明辨是非 | míng biàn shì fēi | to distinguish right and wrong (idiom) | distinguer (discerner) le vrai du faux ; tracer une ligne de démarcation entre le vrai et le faux |
| 明镜高悬 | 明鏡高懸 | míng jìng gāo xuán | a bright mirror hung high (idiom); fig. a mirror into the conscience of officials ; Big brother is watching you. | |
| 昏天黑地 | 昏天黑地 | hūn tiān hēi dì | lit. dark sky and black earth (idiom) ; fig. pitch dark ; to black out ; disorderly ; troubled times | Ciel obscur et terre ténébreuse ; obscurité profonde; être pris de vertige |
| 易如反掌 | 易如反掌 | yì rú fǎn zhǎng | easy as a hand's turn (idiom); very easy ; no effort at all | |
| 星星之火 | 星星之火 | xīng xing zhī huǒ | a single spark (idiom); an insignificant cause can have a massive effect | |
| 星星之火，可以燎原 | 星星之火，可以燎原 | xīng xing zhī huǒ , kě yǐ liáo yuán | a single spark can start a huge blaze (idiom); an insignificant cause can have a massive effect | |
| 星流电击 | 星流電擊 | xīng liú diàn jī | meteor shower and violent thunderclaps (idiom); omens of violent development ; portentous signs | |
| 星流霆击 | 星流霆擊 | xīng liú tíng jī | meteor shower and violent thunderclaps (idiom); omens of violent development ; portentous signs | |
| 星罗棋布 | 星羅棋布 | xīng luó qí bù | scattered about like stars in the sky or chess pieces on a board (idiom); spread all over the place | dispersé comme les étoiles dans le ciel et les pions sur un échiquier ; être parsemé de... |
| 春 | 春 | chūn | spring (time) ; gay ; joyful ; youthful ; love ; lust ; life | printemps ; amour ; vie |
| 春生，夏长，秋收，冬藏 | 春生，夏長，秋收，冬藏 | chūn shēng , xià zhǎng , qiū shōu , dōng cáng | sow in spring, develop in summer, harvest in autumn, store in winter (idiom) | (idiome) semer au printemps, se développer en été, récolter en l'automne, stocker en hiver |
| 春秋大梦 | 春秋大夢 | chūn qiū dà mèng | grand dreams ; unrealistic ideas (idiom) | |
| 春秋鼎盛 | 春秋鼎盛 | chūn qiū dǐng shèng | the prime of one's life | fleur de la vie |
| 春风化雨 | 春風化雨 | chūn fēng huà yǔ | lit. spring wind and rain (idiom); fig. the long-term influence of a solid education | |
| 春风和气 | 春風和氣 | chūn fēng hé qì | (idiom) amiable as a spring breeze | |
| 昧死 | 昧死 | mèi sǐ | to risk one's life | |
| 是啥说啥 | 是啥說啥 | shì shá shuō shá | call a spade a spade (idiom) | |
| 是非不分 | 是非不分 | shì fēi bù fēn | unable to distinguish right and wrong (idiom) | |
| 是非分明 | 是非分明 | shì fēi fēn míng | to distinguish right from wrong (idiom) | |
| 是非曲直 | 是非曲直 | shì fēi qū zhí | lit. right and wrong, crooked and straight (idiom); fig. merits and demerits ; pros and cons | |
| 是非自有公论 | 是非自有公論 | shì fēi zì yǒu gōng lùn | to determine right and wrong based on public opinion (idiom) ; Public opinion will judge what's right and wrong. | |
| 是非莫辨 | 是非莫辨 | shì fēi mò biàn | unable to distinguish right and wrong (idiom) | |
| 昼短夜长 | 晝短夜長 | zhòu duǎn yè cháng | the winter days are short and the nights long (idiom) | |
| 显而易见 | 顯而易見 | xiǎn ér yì jiàn | clearly and easy to see (idiom); obviously ; clearly ; it goes without saying | évidemment; manifestement; |
| 晏子春秋 | 晏子春秋 | yàn zǐ chūn qiū | Tales of Yanzi, book describing the life and wisdom of Yanzi 晏子 (-c 500 BC), famous statesman from Qi of the Warring States | |
| 晨夕共处 | 晨夕共處 | chén xī gòng chǔ | to be together from morning until night (idiom) | |
| 晨钟暮鼓 | 晨鐘暮鼓 | chén zhōng mù gǔ | lit. morning bell, evening drum, symbolizing monastic practice (idiom); fig. encouragement to study or progress | |
| 普度众生 | 普度眾生 | pǔ dù zhòng shēng | to deliver all living creatures from difficulty (idiom) | |
| 普济众生 | 普濟眾生 | pǔ jì zhòng shēng | universal mercy and succor (idiom); the Buddha's infinite power and mercy | |
| 晴天霹雳 | 晴天霹靂 | qíng tiān pī lì | thunder from a clear sky (idiom); a bolt from the blue | |
| 智珠在握 | 智珠在握 | zhì zhū zài wò | lit. to hold the pearl of wisdom ; to be able to cope with all eventualities (idiom) | |
| 智者千虑，必有一失 | 智者千慮，必有一失 | zhì zhě qiān lǜ , bì yǒu yī shī | lit. a wise person reflecting a thousand times can still make a mistake (idiom); fig. nobody is infallible | |
| 暗害 | 暗害 | àn hài | kill secretly ; stab in the back | nuire en secret; assassiner; |
| 暗察明访 | 暗察明訪 | àn chá míng fǎng | open enquiries and secret search (idiom); to investigate openly and in secret ; taking information from all sides | |
| 暗无天日 | 暗無天日 | àn wú tiān rì | all black, no daylight (idiom); a world without justice | vivre dans les ténèbres; pas un rayon de soleil n'éclaire le ciel; |
| 暗渡陈仓 | 暗渡陳倉 | àn dù chén cāng | secretly crossing the Wei river 渭河 at Chencang (idiom, refers to a stratagem used by Liu Bang 劉邦|刘邦 in 206 BC against Xiangyu 項羽|项羽 of Chu); fig. fein one thing while doing another ; to | |
| 暗箭 | 暗箭 | àn jiàn | attack by a hidden enemy ; a stab in the back | flèche lancée traîtreusement; coup en traître; attaque perfide; |
| 暮气朦胧 | 暮氣朦朧 | mù qì méng lóng | obscurity brought by the twilight (idiom) | |
| 暮色苍茫 | 暮色蒼茫 | mù sè cāng máng | the hazy dusk of twilight (idiom) | |
| 暮鼓晨钟 | 暮鼓晨鐘 | mù gǔ chén zhōng | lit. evening drum, morning bell (idiom); fig. Buddhist monastic practice ; the passage of time in a disciplined existence | |
| 暴虎冯河 | 暴虎馮河 | bào hǔ píng hé | lit. fight tiger bare handed and wade rivers (idiom); fig. bull-headed heroism | |
| 曲意俯就 | 曲意俯就 | qū yì fǔ jiù | to be persuaded to debase oneself (idiom) | |
| 曲终奏雅 | 曲終奏雅 | qǔ zhōng zòu yǎ | perfect finish (idiom) | |
| 曲里拐弯 | 曲裡拐彎 | qū lǐ guǎi wān | winding and turning (idiom) | |
| 更有甚者 | 更有甚者 | gèng yǒu shèn zhě | furthermore (idiom) | |
| 更生 | 更生 | gēng shēng | resurrection ; rebirth ; reinvigorated ; rejuvenated ; a new lease of life | |
| 曾经沧海 | 曾經滄海 | céng jīng cāng hǎi | lit. once experienced the vast ocean(idiom); fig. widely experienced in the vicissitudes of life ; cf to have known the world | |
| 替古人担忧 | 替古人擔憂 | tì gǔ rén dān yōu | to fret over the worries of long-departed people (idiom); to worry unnecessarily ; crying over spilt milk ; often used with negatives, e.g. no need to worry about past issues | |
| 替古人耽忧 | 替古人耽憂 | tì gǔ rén dān yōu | to fret over the worries of long-departed people (idiom); to worry unnecessarily ; crying over spilt milk ; often used with negatives, e.g. no need to worry about past issues | |
| 月下花前 | 月下花前 | yuè xià huā qián | in flowers by moonlight (idiom); fig. courtship ; honeymoon | |
| 有其师，必有其徒 | 有其師，必有其徒 | yǒu qí shī , bì yǒu qí tú | As the teacher, so the pupil. (idiom) | |
| 有其父必有其子 | 有其父必有其子 | yǒu qí fù bì yǒu qí zǐ | like father, like son (idiom) | |
| 有劳得奖 | 有勞得獎 | yǒu láo dé jiǎng | a good dog deserves a bone (idiom) | |
| 有口皆碑 | 有口皆碑 | yǒu kǒu jiē bēi | every voice gives praise (idiom); with an extensive public reputation | |
| 有名亡实 | 有名亡實 | yǒu míng wáng shí | lit. has a name but no reality (idiom); exists only in name ; nominal | |
| 有名无实 | 有名無實 | yǒu míng wú shí | lit. has a name but no reality (idiom); exists only in name ; nominal | |
| 有增无减 | 有增無減 | yǒu zēng wú jiǎn | to increase or get worse steadily (idiom) | |
| 有增无已 | 有增無已 | yǒu zēng wú yǐ | constantly increasing without limit (idiom); rapid progress in all directions | |
| 有声有色 | 有聲有色 | yǒu shēng yǒu sè | having sound and color (idiom); vivid ; dazzling | être vivant et coloré; expressif; |
| 有备无患 | 有備無患 | yǒu bèi wú huàn | Preparedness averts peril. ; to be prepared, just in case (idiom) | (phrase) se prémunir contre tout danger; prévoyance est mère de sûreté; On peut faire face à toute éventualité si l'on s'y est préparé.; |
| 有头无尾 | 有頭無尾 | yǒu tóu wú wěi | to start but not finish (idiom); to fail to carry things through ; lack of sticking power ; short attention span | |
| 有头有尾 | 有頭有尾 | yǒu tóu yǒu wěi | where there's a start, there's a finish (idiom); to finish once one starts sth ; to carry things through ; I started, so I'll finish. | |
| 有始无终 | 有始無終 | yǒu shǐ wú zhōng | to start but not finish (idiom); to fail to carry things through ; lack of sticking power ; short attention span | |
| 有始有终 | 有始有終 | yǒu shǐ yǒu zhōng | where there's a start, there's a finish (idiom); to finish once one starts sth ; to carry things through ; I started, so I'll finish. | |
| 有宝何必人前夸 | 有寶何必人前誇 | yǒu bǎo hé bì rén qián kuā | There is no need to boast about one's treasures. (idiom) | |
| 有害无利 | 有害無利 | yǒu hài wú lì | harmful and without benefit (idiom); more harm than good | |
| 有害无益 | 有害無益 | yǒu hài wú yì | harmful and without benefit (idiom); more harm than good | |
| 有征无战 | 有征無戰 | yǒu zhēng wú zhàn | to win without a fight (idiom) | |
| 有得有失 | 有得有失 | yǒu dé yǒu shī | you win some, you lose some (idiom) ; gains and losses ; trade-off | |
| 有志竟成 | 有志竟成 | yǒu zhì jìng chéng | persevere and you will succeed (idiom); where there's a will, there's a way | |
| 有志者事竟成 | 有志者事竟成 | yǒu zhì zhě shì jìng chéng | a really determined person will find a solution (idiom); where there's a will, there's a way | Vouloir,c'est pouvoir./Qui veut peut./La persévérance vient à bout de tout; |
| 有情人终成眷属 | 有情人終成眷屬 | yǒu qíng rén zhōng chéng juàn shǔ | If there are lovers, love will find find a way to come together. (idiom) | |
| 有所不同 | 有所不同 | yǒu suǒ bù tóng | to differ to some extent (idiom) | |
| 有手有脚 | 有手有腳 | yǒu shǒu yǒu jiǎo | lit. have hands have feet ; to be able bodied (idiom) ; to have the ability to work | |
| 有无相通 | 有無相通 | yǒu wú xiāng tōng | mutual exchange of assistance (idiom) ; to reciprocate with material assistance | |
| 有期徒刑 | 有期徒刑 | yǒu qī tú xíng | limited term of imprisonment (i.e. anything less than life imprisonment) | réclusion criminelle à durée déterminée |
| 有条不紊 | 有條不紊 | yǒu tiáo bù wěn | regular and thorough (idiom); methodically arranged | |
| 有条有理 | 有條有理 | yǒu tiáo yǒu lǐ | everything clear and orderly (idiom); neat and tidy | |
| 有枝有叶 | 有枝有葉 | yǒu zhī yǒu yè | to become bogged down in the details (idiom) | |
| 有气无力 | 有氣無力 | yǒu qì wú lì | weakly and without strength (idiom); dispirited | |
| 有生以来 | 有生以來 | yǒu shēng yǐ lái | since birth ; for one's whole life | depuis la naissance; de toute la vie de quelqu'un |
| 有目共睹 | 有目共睹 | yǒu mù gòng dǔ | anyone with eyes can see it (idiom); obvious to all ; sth speaks for itself ; is there for all to see | |
| 有目共见 | 有目共見 | yǒu mù gòng jiàn | anyone with eyes can see it (idiom); obvious to all ; sth speaks for itself ; is there for all to see | |
| 有目共赏 | 有目共賞 | yǒu mù gòng shǎng | as everyone can appreciate (idiom); clear to all ; unarguable | |
| 有目无睹 | 有目無睹 | yǒu mù wú dǔ | has eyes but can't see (idiom); unable or unwilling to see the importance of sth ; blind (to sth great) | |
| 有福同享，有祸同当 | 有福同享，有禍同當 | yǒu fú tóng xiǎng , yǒu huò tóng dāng | To enjoy blessings and endure misfortune together (idiom); for better or for worse | |
| 有福同享，有难同当 | 有福同享，有難同當 | yǒu fú tóng xiǎng , yǒu nàn tóng dāng | To enjoy blessings and endure misfortune together (idiom); for better or for worse | |
| 有缘无分 | 有緣無分 | yǒu yuán wú fèn | destined to meet but not fated to be together (idiom) | |
| 有钱有势 | 有錢有勢 | yǒu qián yǒu shì | rich and powerful (idiom) | (idiome) riche et puissant |
| 有钱能使鬼推磨 | 有錢能使鬼推磨 | yǒu qián néng shǐ guǐ tuī mó | lit. money will make the Devil turn millstones (idiom); with money, you can do anything you like. | |
| 望子成龙 | 望子成龍 | wàng zǐ chéng lóng | lit. to hope one's son becomes a dragon (idiom); fig. to long for one' s child to succeed in life ; to have great hopes for one's offspring ; to give one's child the best education as a career investment | |
| 望文生义 | 望文生義 | wàng wén shēng yì | lit. view a text and interpret (idiom); to interpret word-by-word without understanding the meaning ; a far-fetched interpretation | |
| 望而生畏 | 望而生畏 | wàng ér shēng wèi | intimidate at the first glance (idiom); awe-inspiring ; terrifying ; overwhelming | |
| 朝三暮四 | 朝三暮四 | cháo sān mù sì | lit. say three in the morning but four in the evening (idiom); to change sth that is already settled upon ; indecisive ; to blow hot and cold | versatilité |
| 朝不保夕 | 朝不保夕 | zhāo bù bǎo xī | at dawn, not sure of lasting to evening (idiom); precarious state ; imminent crisis ; living from hand to mouth | ne pouvoir prévoir le matin ce qui adviendra le soir ; se trouver dans une situation critique (idiome) |
| 朝不虑夕 | 朝不慮夕 | zhāo bù lǜ xī | at dawn, not sure of lasting to evening (idiom); precarious state ; imminent crisis ; living from hand to mouth | |
| 朝令夕改 | 朝令夕改 | zhāo lìng xī gǎi | to make frequent or unpredictable changes in policy (idiom) | |
| 朝后 | 朝後 | cháo hòu | backwards ; facing back | |
| 朝山进香 | 朝山進香 | cháo shān jìn xiāng | to go on a pilgrimage and offer incense (idiom) | |
| 朝思暮想 | 朝思暮想 | zhāo sī mù xiǎng | to yearn for sth day and night (idiom) | |
| 朝气蓬勃 | 朝氣蓬勃 | zhāo qì péng bó | full of youthful energy (idiom); vigorous ; energetic ; a bright spark | être plein de dynamisme ou de vitalité |
| 朝秦暮楚 | 朝秦暮楚 | zhāo qín mù chǔ | serve Qin in the morning Chu in the evening (idiom); quick to switch sides | |
| 朝过夕改 | 朝過夕改 | zhāo guò xī gǎi | to correct in the evening a fault of the morning (idiom) ; to quickly amend one's ways | |
| 朝闻夕改 | 朝聞夕改 | zhāo wén xī gǎi | lit. heard in the morning and changed by the evening ; to correct an error very quickly (idiom) | |
| 朝露 | 朝露 | zhāo lù | morning dew ; fig. precarious brevity of human life ; ephemeral | |
| 朝露暮霭 | 朝露暮靄 | zhāo lù mù ǎi | morning dew, evening mist (idiom); ephemeral ; impermanent | |
| 朝露溘至 | 朝露溘至 | zhāo lù kè zhì | the morning dew will swiftly dissipate (idiom); fig. ephemeral and precarious nature of human existence | |
| 朦在鼓里 | 朦在鼓裡 | méng zài gǔ lǐ | variant of 矇在鼓裡|矇在鼓里[meng2 zai4 gu3 li3] ; lit. kept hoodwinked inside a drum (idiom); completely in the dark | |
| 木人石心 | 木人石心 | mù rén shí xīn | lit. body made of wood, heart made of stone (idiom) ; fig. heartless | |
| 木讷寡言 | 木訥寡言 | mù nè guǎ yán | slow and inarticulate (idiom); person of few words | (idiom) lent et inarticulé; personne de peu de mots |
| 未可同日而语 | 未可同日而語 | wèi kě tóng rì ér yǔ | lit. mustn't speak of two things on the same day (idiom); not to be mentioned in the same breath ; incomparable | |
| 未能免俗 | 未能免俗 | wèi néng miǎn sú | unable to break the custom (idiom) ; bound by conventions | |
| 未雨绸缪 | 未雨綢繆 | wèi yǔ chóu móu | lit. before it rains, bind around with silk (idiom, from Book of Songs 詩經|诗经); fig. to plan ahead ; to prepare for a rainy day | (phrase) Il faut réparer la maison avant la saison des pluies; prendre ses précautions; se prémunir avant l'approche du danger; |
| 本性难移 | 本性難移 | běn xìng nán yí | It is hard to change one's essential nature (idiom). You can't change who you are. ; Can the leopard change his spots? (Jeremiah 13:23) | |
| 本末倒置 | 本末倒置 | běn mò dǎo zhì | lit. to invert root and branch (idiom); fig. confusing cause and effect ; to stress the incidental over the fundamental ; to put the cart before the horse | invertir l'ordre des choses; mettre la charrue devant les boeufs; prendre la branche pour la racine; confondre la cause et l'effet; prendre le secondaire pour le principal; renverser l'ordre naturel des chose; prendre les rameaux pour les racines; inverti |
| 朱云折槛 | 朱雲折檻 | zhū yún zhē kǎn | Mr Zhu Yun breaks the railing (idiom); to challenge and admonish boldly | |
| 机不可失 | 機不可失 | jī bù kě shī | No time to lose! (idiom) | |
| 机不可失，时不再来 | 機不可失，時不再來 | jī bù kě shī , shí bù zài lái | Opportunity knocks but once. (idiom) | |
| 机会带来成功 | 機會帶來成功 | jī huì dài lái chéng gōng | Opportunity brings success. (idiom) | |
| 杀一儆百 | 殺一儆百 | shā yī jǐng bǎi | lit. kill one to warn a hundred (idiom); to punish an individual as an example to others ; pour encourager les autres | |
| 杀人如麻 | 殺人如麻 | shā rén rú má | to kill people like scything flax (idiom); human life as grass ; a politician acting with total disregard for the life of his countrymen | |
| 杀人放火 | 殺人放火 | shā rén fàng huǒ | to kill and burn (idiom); murder and arson | (idiome) tuer et de brûler; incendie criminel et meurtre |
| 杀人越货 | 殺人越貨 | shā rén yuè huò | to kill sb for his property (idiom); to murder for money | |
| 杀彘教子 | 殺彘教子 | shā zhì jiào zǐ | to kill a pig as a lesson to the children (idiom); parents must teach by example | |
| 杀牛宰羊 | 殺牛宰羊 | shā niú zǎi yáng | slaughter the cattle and butcher the sheep ; to prepare a big feast (idiom) | |
| 杀生 | 殺生 | shā shēng | kill (life) | |
| 杀鸡儆猴 | 殺雞儆猴 | shā jī jǐng hóu | lit. killing the chicken to warn the monkey (idiom); to punish an individual as an example to others ; pour encourager les autres | |
| 杀鸡吓猴 | 殺雞嚇猴 | shā jī xià hóu | lit. killing the chicken to scare the monkey (idiom); to punish an individual as an example to others ; pour encourager les autres | |
| 杀鸡宰鹅 | 殺雞宰鵝 | shā jī zǎi é | kill the chickens and butcher the geese (idiom) | |
| 杀鸡警猴 | 殺雞警猴 | shā jī jǐng hóu | lit. killing the chicken to warn the monkey (idiom); to punish an individual as an example to others ; pour encourager les autres | |
| 杂乱无章 | 雜亂無章 | zá luàn wú zhāng | disordered and in a mess (idiom); all mixed up and chaotic | |
| 权宜之策 | 權宜之策 | quán yí zhī cè | stratagem of convenience (idiom); stop-gap measure ; makeshift plan ; interim step | |
| 权宜之计 | 權宜之計 | quán yí zhī jì | plan of convenience (idiom); stop-gap measure ; makeshift stratagem ; interim step | |
| 村村寨寨 | 村村寨寨 | cūn cūn zhài zhài | every village and stockade (idiom) | |
| 杞人之忧 | 杞人之憂 | qǐ rén zhī yōu | man of Qǐ fears the sky falling (idiom); groundless fears | |
| 杞人忧天 | 杞人憂天 | qǐ rén yōu tiān | man of Qǐ fears the sky falling (idiom); groundless fears | (idiome) intimider intolérablement |
| 杞国之忧 | 杞國之憂 | qǐ guó zhī yōu | man of Qǐ fears the sky falling (idiom); groundless fears | |
| 杞国忧天 | 杞國憂天 | qǐ guó yōu tiān | man of Qǐ fears the sky falling (idiom); groundless fears | |
| 杞天之虑 | 杞天之慮 | qǐ tiān zhī lǜ | man of Qǐ fears the sky falling (idiom); groundless fears | |
| 杞梓之林 | 杞梓之林 | qǐ zǐ zhī lín | forest of wolfberry and catalpa (Lycium chinense and Catalpa ovata, idiom); fig. great quantity of talent | |
| 束之高阁 | 束之高閣 | shù zhī gāo gé | tied up in a bundle on a high shelf ; to put sth on the back burner ; no longer a high priority | laisser quelque choseh de côté ; mettre quelque choseh au rancart |
| 束手 | 束手 | shù shǒu | to have one's hands tied ; helpless ; unable to do anything about it | |
| 束手就擒 | 束手就擒 | shù shǒu jiù qín | hands tied and waiting to be captured | |
| 束手就毙 | 束手就斃 | shù shǒu jiù bì | hands tied and expecting the worst | |
| 束手待死 | 束手待死 | shù shǒu dài sǐ | hands tied and expecting the worst | |
| 束手待毙 | 束手待斃 | shù shǒu dài bì | hands tied and waiting for death (idiom) | attendre la mort les mains liées ; se résigner à sa mort |
| 束手无策 | 束手無策 | shù shǒu wú cè | lit. to have one's hands bound and be unable to do anything about it (idiom); fig. helpless in the face of a crisis | ne plus savoir que faire; ne savoir quel parti prendre; être à bout de ressources; être réduit à l'impuissance; |
| 束矢难折 | 束矢難折 | shù shǐ nán zhé | lit. bundled arrows are difficult to break ; there is strength in unity (idiom) | |
| 条分缕析 | 條分縷析 | tiáo fēn lǚ xī | to arrange items of an argument in order (idiom); to analyze thoroughly | |
| 条条大路通罗马 | 條條大路通羅馬 | tiáo tiáo dà lù tōng luó mǎ | all roads lead to Rome ; use different means to obtain the same result (idiom) | |
| 条条框框 | 條條框框 | tiáo tiáo kuàng kuàng | fixed framework (idiom); restriction of social conventions and taboos (usually derogatory) ; regulations and restrictions | |
| 来去无踪 | 來去無蹤 | lái qù wú zōng | come without a shadow, leave without a footprint (idiom); to come and leave without a trace | (idiome) venir sans une ombre, partir sans une empreinte; aller et venir sans laisser de trace |
| 来回 | 來回 | lái huí | to make a round trip ; return journey ; back and forth ; to and fro ; repeatedly | aller et retour; va-et-vient; aller et venir; |
| 来回来去 | 來回來去 | lái huí lái qù | repeatedly ; back and forth again and again | à plusieurs reprises |
| 来得容易，去得快 | 來得容易，去得快 | lái dé róng yì , qù dé kuài | Easy come, easy go. (idiom) | (idiome) ça va et ça vient |
| 来无影，去无踪 | 來無影，去無蹤 | lái wú yǐng , qù wú zōng | lit. come without a shadow, leave without a footprint (idiom); to come and go without a trace | |
| 来日方长 | 來日方長 | lái rì fāng cháng | the future is long (idiom); there will be ample time for that later ; We'll cross that bridge when we get there | |
| 来生 | 來生 | lái shēng | next life | |
| 来电 | 來電 | lái diàn | incoming telegram or telephone call ; your telegram, telephone call, or message ; to send a telegram or make a telephone call here (i.e. to the speaker) ; to have instant attraction to sb ; to have chemistry with sb ; to come back (of electricity, after a | |
| 来者不善，善者不来 | 來者不善，善者不來 | lái zhě bù shàn , shàn zhě bù lái | He who comes is surely ill-intentioned, no-one well-meaning will come (idiom). ; Be careful not to trust foreigners. ; Beware of Greeks bearing gifts! | |
| 来者不拒 | 來者不拒 | lái zhě bù jù | to refuse nobody (idiom) ; all comers welcome | |
| 来鸿去燕 | 來鴻去燕 | lái hóng qù yàn | lit. the goose comes, the swallow goes (idiom); fig. always on the move | (idiome) l'oie vient, l'hirondelle va; toujours en mouvement |
| 来龙去脉 | 來龍去脈 | lái lóng qù mài | lit. mountain has a connecting pulse throughout like a dragon (idiom, from fengshui); sequence of events ; pedigree ; cause and effects ; the whys and wherefores ; where sth comes from and where it goes ; ins and outs | |
| 杯弓蛇影 | 杯弓蛇影 | bēi gōng shé yǐng | lit. to see a bow reflected in a cup as a snake (idiom); fig. unnecessary suspicions ; overly fearful | prendre pour un serpent le reflet dans la coupe de l'arc pendu au mur; ombre d'un arc produisant dans la coupe l'image d'un serpent; |
| 杯水车薪 | 杯水車薪 | bēi shuǐ chē xīn | lit. a cup of water on a burning cart of firewood (idiom); fig. an utterly inadequate measure | vouloir éteindre avec un verre d'eau le feu d'une brouette de foin; C'est trop peu pour que ce soit de quelque utilité.; |
| 杯盘狼藉 | 杯盤狼藉 | bēi pán láng jí | cups and dishes in complete disorder (idiom); after a riotous drinking party | |
| 杯酒解怨 | 杯酒解怨 | bēi jiǔ jiě yuàn | a wine cup dissolves complaints (idiom); a few drinks can ease social interaction | |
| 杯酒言欢 | 杯酒言歡 | bēi jiǔ yán huān | a few drinks and a nice conversation (idiom) | |
| 杳如黄鹤 | 杳如黃鶴 | yǎo rú huáng hè | to be gone forever (idiom) | |
| 杳无人烟 | 杳無人煙 | yǎo wú rén yān | dark and uninhabited (idiom); remote and deserted ; God-forsaken | |
| 极深研几 | 極深研幾 | jí shēn yán jǐ | deep and detailed investigation (idiom) | |
| 枕冷衾寒 | 枕冷衾寒 | zhěn lěng qīn hán | cold pillow and lonely bed (idiom); fig. cold and solitary existence | |
| 枕戈寝甲 | 枕戈寢甲 | zhěn gē qǐn jiǎ | to sleep on one's armor with spear by the pillow (idiom); ready for battle ; determined to kill the enemy ; Be prepared! | |
| 枕戈待旦 | 枕戈待旦 | zhěn gē dài dàn | to keep one's spear by the pillow and await the dawn (idiom); ready for battle ; determined to kill the enemy ; Be prepared! | |
| 枕石漱流 | 枕石漱流 | zhěn shí shù liú | to live a hermit's life (in seclusion) ; a frugal life (idiom) | |
| 枕骨 | 枕骨 | zhěn gǔ | occipital bone (back of the skull) | |
| 果实累累 | 果實累累 | guǒ shí lěi lěi | prodigious abundance of fruit (idiom); fruit hangs heavy on the bow ; fertile | des fruits abondant; porter beaucoup de fruit; |
| 枝节横生 | 枝節橫生 | zhī jié héng shēng | a new branch grows out of a knot (idiom); fig. side issues keep arising | |
| 枪打出头鸟 | 槍打出頭鳥 | qiāng dǎ chū tóu niǎo | the shot hits the bird that pokes its head out (idiom) ; nonconformity gets punished | |
| 染指 | 染指 | rǎn zhǐ | to dip a finger (idiom); fig. to get one's finger in the pie ; to get a share of the action ; abbr. for 染指於鼎|染指于鼎 | mettre la main sur; |
| 染指于鼎 | 染指於鼎 | rǎn zhǐ yú dǐng | lit. dip one's finger in the tripod (idiom); fig. to get one's finger in the pie ; to get a share of the action | |
| 染指垂涎 | 染指垂涎 | rǎn zhǐ chuí xián | lit. dirty finger, mouth watering (idiom); fig. greedy to seize sth | |
| 柔情侠骨 | 柔情俠骨 | róu qíng xiá gǔ | gentle feelings and chivalrous disposition (idiom) | (idiome) sentiments doux et disposition galante |
| 柔情脉脉 | 柔情脈脈 | róu qíng mò mò | full of tender feelings (idiom); tender-hearted | (idiome) plein de tendresse; tendre |
| 柔肠寸断 | 柔腸寸斷 | róu cháng cùn duàn | lit. to feel as if one’s intestines have been cut short ; broken-hearted (idiom) | |
| 柳暗花明 | 柳暗花明 | liǔ àn huā míng | lit. the willow trees make the shade, the flowers give the light (idiom); at one's darkest hour, a glimmer of hope ; light at the end of the tunnel | |
| 柳烟花雾 | 柳煙花霧 | liǔ yān huā wù | lit. willow scent and mist of blossom (idiom); scene full of the delights of spring | |
| 柴门小户 | 柴門小戶 | chái mén xiǎo hù | woodcutter's cottage (idiom); poor person's hovel ; fig. my humble house | |
| 标新取异 | 標新取異 | biāo xīn qǔ yì | to start on sth new and different (idiom); to display originality | |
| 标新立异 | 標新立異 | biāo xīn lì yì | to start on sth new and different (idiom); to display originality | afficher les nouveautés et ériger l'originalité; avancer un paradoxe; faire des excentricités; |
| 标新竞异 | 標新競異 | biāo xīn jìng yì | to start on sth new and different (idiom); to display originality | |
| 标新领异 | 標新領異 | biāo xīn lǐng yì | to bring in the new (idiom); new directions, different creation | |
| 栈山航海 | 棧山航海 | zhàn shān háng hǎi | to have a long and hard journey (idiom) | |
| 树上开花 | 樹上開花 | shù shàng kāi huā | to deck the tree with false blossoms ; to make something of no value appear valuable (idiom) | |
| 树倒猢狲散 | 樹倒猢猻散 | shù dǎo hú sūn sàn | When the tree topples the monkeys scatter. (idiom); fig. an opportunist abandons an unfavorable cause ; Rats leave a sinking ship. | |
| 树大招风 | 樹大招風 | shù dà zhāo fēng | lit. a tall tree attracts the wind (idiom); a famous person attract criticism ; If you're rich or famous, people will envy you. | |
| 栩栩如生 | 栩栩如生 | xǔ xǔ rú shēng | vivid and lifelike (idiom); true to life ; realistic | être palpitant de vie; comme en chair et en os; image vivante; être plein de vie; |
| 根治 | 根治 | gēn zhì | to bring under permanent control ; to effect a radical cure | guérir complètement; éradiquer; |
| 格格不入 | 格格不入 | gé gé bù rù | (idiom) inharmonious ; incompatible | ne pas cadrer avec qn; ne pouvoir s'accorder; être incompatible avec; il y a incompatibilité entre...; être hors de son élément; |
| 格物致知 | 格物緻知 | gé wù zhì zhī | to study the underlying principle to acquire knowledge (idiom); pursuing knowledge to the end | |
| 桀贪骜诈 | 桀貪驁詐 | jié tān ào zhà | brutal, greedy, arrogant and deceitful (idiom) | |
| 桀骜不逊 | 桀驁不遜 | jié ào bù xùn | arrogant and obstinate (idiom); unyielding | imdomptable et insolent |
| 桃园结义 | 桃園結義 | táo yuán jié yì | to make a pact of brotherhood (from “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” 三國演義|三国演义[San1 guo2 yan3 yi4) (idiom) | |
| 案兵束甲 | 案兵束甲 | àn bīng shù jiǎ | to rest weapons and loosen armor (idiom); to relax from fighting | |
| 案甲休兵 | 案甲休兵 | àn jiǎ xiū bīng | to put down weapon and let soldiers rest (idiom); to relax from fighting | |
| 桴鼓相应 | 桴鼓相應 | fú gǔ xiāng yìng | lit. the hammer fits the drum (idiom); appropriate relation between the different parts ; closely interrelated | |
| 梦幻泡影 | 夢幻泡影 | mèng huàn pào yǐng | lit. dreams and visions in a bubble (idiom); fig. the illusory nature of the world in Buddhism ; illusion ; pipe dream | |
| 梭 | 梭 | suō | shuttle (textiles) ; to move back and fro | navette; |
| 梵册贝叶 | 梵冊貝葉 | fàn cè bèi yè | Sanskrit on Talipot palm leaves (idiom); Buddhist scripture | |
| 槛花笼鹤 | 檻花籠鶴 | jiàn huā lóng hè | a flower in a cage, a crane in a basket (idiom); prisoner | |
| 横七竖八 | 橫七豎八 | héng qī shù bā | in disorder ; at sixes and sevens (idiom) | |
| 横冲直撞 | 橫衝直撞 | héng chōng zhí zhuàng | lit. bashing sideways and colliding straight on (idiom); to push through shoving and bumping ; to barge ; to charge around violently | |
| 横刀夺爱 | 橫刀奪愛 | héng dāo duó ài | to rob sb of sth they cherish (idiom) | |
| 横征暴敛 | 橫征暴斂 | héng zhēng bào liǎn | to tax by force and extort levies (idiom); to screw taxes out of the people by force | |
| 横正暴敛 | 橫正暴斂 | héng zhèng bào liǎn | to levy exorbitant taxes (idiom) | |
| 横生枝节 | 橫生枝節 | héng shēng zhī jié | to deliberately complicate an issue (idiom) | |
| 横眉冷对，千夫指 | 橫眉冷對，千夫指 | héng méi lěng duì , qiān fū zhǐ | to face a thousand fingers with a cool scowl (modern idiom); to treat with disdain ; to defy | |
| 横眉怒目 | 橫眉怒目 | hèng méi nù mù | lit. furrowed brows and blazing eyes ; to dart looks of hate at sb (idiom) | |
| 欠薪 | 欠薪 | qiàn xīn | to owe wages ; back pay ; wages arrears | |
| 欢天喜地 | 歡天喜地 | huān tiān xǐ dì | delighted ; wild with joy ; lit. pleased with heaven, happy with earth (idiom) | être en liesse ; être transporté de joie ; être au comble de la joie ; être aux anges |
| 欢容悦色 | 歡容悅色 | huān róng yuè sè | to look happy and contented (idiom) | |
| 欢欣鼓舞 | 歡欣鼓舞 | huān xīn gǔ wǔ | elated and excited (idiom); overjoyed | exulter; exultation |
| 欢蹦乱跳 | 歡蹦亂跳 | huān bèng luàn tiào | glowing with health and vivacity (idiom) | |
| 欣喜若狂 | 欣喜若狂 | xīnxǐ ruò kuáng | to be wild with joy (idiom) | fou de joie; transporté de joie; |
| 欣欣向荣 | 欣欣向榮 | xīn xīn xiàng róng | luxuriant growth (idiom); flourishing ; thriving | prospère; florissant; |
| 欲加之罪，何患无词 | 慾加之罪，何患無詞 | yù jiā zhī zuì , hé huàn wú cí | If you want to condemn sb, don't worry about the pretext (idiom, from Zuozhuan 左傳|左传); one can always trump up a charge against sb ; Give a dog a bad name, then hang him. ; also written 慾加之罪,何 | |
| 欲加之罪，何患无辞 | 慾加之罪，何患無辭 | yù jiā zhī zuì , hé huàn wú cí | If you want to condemn sb, don't worry about the pretext (idiom, from Zuozhuan 左傳|左传); one can always trump up a charge against sb ; Give a dog a bad name, then hang him. | |
| 欲取姑与 | 欲取姑與 | yù qǔ gū yǔ | to make concessions for the sake of future gains (idiom) | |
| 欲取姑予 | 欲取姑予 | yù qǔ gū yǔ | variant of 欲取姑與|欲取姑与[yu4 qu3 gu1 yu3] ; to make concessions for the sake of future gains (idiom) | |
| 欲善其事，必先利其器 | 慾善其事，必先利其器 | yù shàn qí shì , bì xiān lì qí qì | To do a good job, an artisan needs the best tools (idiom). Good tools are prerequisite to the successful execution of a job | |
| 欲壑难填 | 慾壑難填 | yù hè nán tián | bottomless pit of desire (idiom); insatiable greed ; carnal cravings are never satisfied and are a main obstruction on the path to enlightenment | |
| 欲益反损 | 欲益反損 | yù yì fǎn sǔn | wishing for profit, but causing loss (idiom); good intentions that lead to disaster ; It all ends in tears. | |
| 欲盖弥彰 | 慾蓋彌彰 | yù gài mí zhāng | trying to hide it makes it more conspicuous (idiom); A cover up only makes matters worse. | Plus on veut le tenir caché, plus il se révèle. ; Plus on se dissimule, plus on se démasque. (idiome) |
| 欲罢不能 | 欲罷不能 | yù bà bù néng | want to stop but can't (idiom, from Analects); find it impossible to give up | |
| 欲速则不达 | 慾速則不達 | yù sù zé bù dá | lit. to want sth in haste, but cannot get there (idiom, from Analects); more haste, less speed ; don't try to run before you can walk | |
| 欲速而不达 | 慾速而不達 | yù sù ér bù dá | lit. to want sth in haste, but cannot get there (idiom, from Analects); more haste, less speed ; also written 慾速則不達|欲速则不达 | |
| 欺人太甚 | 欺人太甚 | qī rén tài shèn | to bully intolerably (idiom) | |
| 欺以其方 | 欺以其方 | qī yǐ qí fāng | deceived by a pretense of reason (idiom) | |
| 款语移时 | 款語移時 | kuǎn yǔ yí shí | to talk slowly and in depth (idiom) | |
| 正中要害 | 正中要害 | zhèng zhōng yào hài | to hit the nail on the head (idiom) | |
| 正言厉色 | 正言厲色 | zhèng yán lì sè | solemn in word and countenance (idiom); strict and unsmiling ; also written 正顏厲色|正颜厉色 | |
| 正颜厉色 | 正顏厲色 | zhèng yán lì sè | solemn in countenance (idiom); strict and unsmiling | |
| 此伏彼起 | 此伏彼起 | cǐ fú bǐ qǐ | up here, down there (idiom); to rise and fall in succession ; no sooner one subsides, the next arises ; repeating continuously ; occurring again and again (of applause, fires, waves, protests, conflicts, uprisings etc) | |
| 此地无银三百两 | 此地無銀三百兩 | cǐ dì wú yín sān bǎi liǎng | lit. 300 silver taels not hidden here (idiom); fig. to reveal what one intends to hide | |
| 此起彼伏 | 此起彼伏 | cǐ qǐ bǐ fú | up here, down there (idiom); to rise and fall in succession ; no sooner one subsides, the next arises ; repeating continuously ; occurring again and again (of applause, fires, waves, protests, conflicts, uprisings etc) | se lever et se baisser alternativement; aller par vagues successives; revenir; se renouveler |
| 步斗踏罡 | 步斗踏罡 | bù dǒu tà gāng | to worship the astral deities (idiom, refers to Daoist astrology) | |
| 步罡踏斗 | 步罡踏斗 | bù gāng tà dǒu | to worship the astral deities (idiom, refers to Daoist astrology) | |
| 武松 | 武松 | wǔ sōng | Wu Song, a heroic outlaw of Liangshan po 梁山泊 in the classic novel Water Margin 水滸傳|水浒传, whose exploits including killing a tiger with his bare hands | |
| 歪风邪气 | 歪風邪氣 | wāi fēng xié qì | noxious winds, evil influences (idiom); malignant social trends | |
| 死不冥目 | 死不冥目 | sǐ bù míng mù | dead but will not close the eyes (idiom); to die with a remaining grievance ; also written 死不瞑目 | |
| 死不瞑目 | 死不瞑目 | sǐ bù míng mù | dead but will not close the eyes (idiom); to die with a remaining grievance | |
| 死中求生 | 死中求生 | sǐ zhōng qiú shēng | to seek life in death (idiom); to fight for one's life | |
| 死于非命 | 死於非命 | sǐ yú fēi mìng | violent death (idiom); to die in a disaster ; an unnatural death | |
| 死到临头 | 死到臨頭 | sǐ dào lín tóu | Death is near at hand. (idiom) | |
| 死心塌地 | 死心塌地 | sǐ xīn tā dì | heart is dead, no plans for anything new (idiom); one's mind is firmly made up with no possibility of change ; dead set on sth ; unswerving | irréductible ; invétéré ; complètement absorbé par une seule pensée |
| 死无对证 | 死無對證 | sǐ wú duì zhèng | the dead cannot testify (idiom); dead men tell no tales | |
| 死有余辜 | 死有餘辜 | sǐ yǒu yú gū | death cannot wipe out the crimes (idiom); dreadful crimes that rankled even after the perpetrator is dead | Son crime est tel que même la mort ne peut le racheter .; Son crime mérite plus que la mort. ; La mort ellemême ne pourrait expier ses forfaits. |
| 死活 | 死活 | sǐ huó | life | |
| 死活不顾 | 死活不顧 | sǐ huó bù gù | regardless of life or death (idiom) | |
| 死灰复燃 | 死灰復燃 | sǐ huī fù rán | lit. ashes burn once more (idiom); fig. sb lost returns to have influence ; sth malevolent returns to haunt one | ressusciter; se ranimer comme le feu qui couve sous les cendres; Le feu s'éteignant se rallume.; |
| 死生 | 死生 | sǐ shēng | life or death ; critical (event) | |
| 死皮赖脸 | 死皮賴臉 | sǐ pí lài liǎn | brazen faced (idiom); shameless | |
| 死结难解 | 死結難解 | sǐ jié nán jiě | enigmatic knot hard to untie (idiom); thorny problem ; intractable difficulty | |
| 死而不僵 | 死而不僵 | sǐ ér bù jiāng | dead but showing no signs of rigor mortis ; to die hard (idiom) ; to die yet not be vanquished (idiom) | |
| 死而后已 | 死而後已 | sǐ ér hòu yǐ | until death puts an end (idiom); one's whole life ; unto one's dying day | |
| 死而无悔 | 死而無悔 | sǐ ér wú huǐ | to die without regret (idiom, from Analects) | |
| 死里逃生 | 死裡逃生 | sǐ lǐ táo shēng | mortal danger, escape alive (idiom); a narrow escape ; to survive by the skin of one's teeth | |
| 死马当活马医 | 死馬當活馬醫 | sǐ mǎ dāng huó mǎ yī | lit. to give medicine to a dead horse (idiom); fig. to keep trying everything in a desperate situation | |
| 殃及 | 殃及 | yāng jí | to bring disaster to | |
| 殊死 | 殊死 | shū sǐ | to behead ; capital punishment ; desperate struggle ; life-and-death | résolu à braver la mort; |
| 殊深轸念 | 殊深軫念 | shū shēn zhěn niàn | extreme solicitude (idiom); expressing the deepest condolences ; to feel deeply concerned | |
| 殊途同归 | 殊途同歸 | shū tú tóng guī | different routes to the same destination (idiom); fig. different means of achieve the same end | Toutes les voies convergent. ; Tous les chemins mènent à Rome. |
| 残兵败将 | 殘兵敗將 | cán bīng bài jiàng | ruined army, defeated general (idiom); scattered remnants | |
| 残年短景 | 殘年短景 | cán nián duǎn jǐng | at the end of the year (idiom) | |
| 残民害物 | 殘民害物 | cán mín hài wù | to harm people and damage property (idiom) | |
| 残花败柳 | 殘花敗柳 | cán huā bài liǔ | broken flower, withered willow (idiom); fig. fallen woman | |
| 残茶剩饭 | 殘茶剩飯 | cán chá shèng fàn | spoilt tea, leftover food (idiom); remains after a meal ; crumbs from the feast | |
| 残酷无情 | 殘酷無情 | cán kù wú qíng | cruel and unfeeling (idiom) | (idiome) cruel et insensible |
| 殒身不恤 | 殞身不恤 | yǔn shēn bù xù | to die without regrets (idiom); to sacrifice oneself without hesitation | |
| 殚精极虑 | 殫精極慮 | dān jīng jí lǜ | to exhaust one's thoughts and ingenuity (idiom); to think sth through thoroughly ; to rack one's brains ; to leave no stone unturned | |
| 殚精竭虑 | 殫精竭慮 | dān jīng jié lǜ | to exhaust one's thoughts and ingenuity (idiom); to think sth through thoroughly ; to rack one's brains ; to leave no stone unturned | concentrer toute son attention ; déployer toutes les forces de son esprit |
| 毁家纾难 | 毀家紓難 | huǐ jiā shū nàn | to sacrifice one's wealth to save the state (idiom) | |
| 每一个人都有美中不足的地方 | 每一個人都有美中不足的地方 | měi yī gè rén dōu yǒu měi zhōng bù zú de dì fang | However excellent, everyone has his defects. ; There is always a fly in the ointment. ; cf idiom 美中不足[mei3zhong1bu4zu2], everything is fine except for one small defect | |
| 每时每日 | 每時每日 | měi shí měi rì | every day and every hour ; hourly and daily (idiom) | |
| 每谋辄败 | 每謀輒敗 | měi móu zhé bài | to fail at every scheme (idiom) | |
| 毕生 | 畢生 | bì shēng | all one's life ; lifetime | de tout sa vie; sa vie durant; |
| 毛出在羊身上 | 毛出在羊身上 | máo chū zài yáng shēn shàng | lit. wool comes from the sheep's back (idiom); One gets the benefit, but the price has been paid. ; Nothing comes for free. | |
| 毛遂自荐 | 毛遂自薦 | máo suì zì jiàn | Mao Sui recommends himself (idiom); to offer one's services (in the style of Mao Sui offering his services to king of Chu 楚 of the Warring states) | se présenter à l'exemple du nommé Mao Sui qui se portait candidat; offrir volontiers ses services; se faire fort de faire quelque chose |
| 毛骨悚然 | 毛骨悚然 | máo gǔ sǒng rán | absolutely horrified (idiom) | (phrase) s'effrayer à en avor la chair de poule; frémir de terreur; être rempli d'effroi au point que cheveux et poils se hérissent; |
| 毫无逊色 | 毫無遜色 | háo wú xùn sè | not in the least inferior (idiom) | |
| 民不聊生 | 民不聊生 | mín bù liáo shēng | The people have no way to make a living (idiom, from Record of the Grand Historian 史記|史记[Shi3 ji4]). no way of getting by | Le peuple croupit dans une misère noire (ou dans un dénuement complet). ; Le peuple trouve la vie insupportable. |
| 民以食为天 | 民以食為天 | mín yǐ shí wéi tiān | Food is the God of the people. (idiom); People view food as the primary need. ; Food first, ethical niceties second | |
| 民变峰起 | 民變峰起 | mín biàn fēng qǐ | seething discontent (idiom); widespread popular grievances | |
| 民怨沸腾 | 民怨沸騰 | mín yuàn fèi téng | seething discontent (idiom); popular grievances boil over | |
| 民怨鼎沸 | 民怨鼎沸 | mín yuàn dǐng fèi | seething discontent (idiom); popular grievances boil over | |
| 民生凋敝 | 民生凋敝 | mín shēng diāo bì | the people's livelihood is reduced to destitution (idiom); a time of famine and impoverishment | |
| 民穷财尽 | 民窮財盡 | mín qióng cái jìn | the people are impoverished, their means exhausted (idiom); to drive the nation to bankruptcy | |
| 民脂民膏 | 民脂民膏 | mín zhī mín gāo | lit. the fat and wealth of the people (idiom); the nation's hard-won wealth (esp. as an object of unscrupulous exploitation) ; the people's blood, sweat and tears | ressources provenant de la sueur du peuple ; richesses accumulées avec le sang et la sueur du peuple |
| 民贼独夫 | 民賊獨夫 | mín zéi dú fū | tyrant and oppressor of the people (idiom); traitorous dictator | |
| 气冲霄汉 | 氣衝霄漢 | qì chōng xiāo hàn | (idiom) dauntless ; courageous ; spirited | (idiome) intrépide; courageux, animé |
| 气喘如牛 | 氣喘如牛 | qì chuǎn rú niú | (idiom) labored breathing like a cow ; to puff like a walrus | |
| 气头上 | 氣頭上 | qì tóu shàng | in a fit of anger (idiom); in a temper | dans un accès de colère |
| 气绝 | 氣絕 | qì jué | to take one's last breath ; dying | prendre son dernier souffle; mourir |
| 水中捞月 | 水中撈月 | shuǐ zhōng lāo yuè | to fetch the moon out of the sea (idiom); a hopeless illusion | |
| 水天一色 | 水天一色 | shuǐ tiān yī sè | water and sky merge in one color (idiom) | |
| 水泄不通 | 水洩不通 | shuǐ xiè bù tōng | lit. not one drop can trickle through (idiom); fig. impenetrable (crowd, traffic) | |
| 水涨船高 | 水漲船高 | shuǐ zhǎng chuán gāo | the tide rises, the boat floats (idiom); fig. to change with the overall trend ; to develop according to the situation | |
| 水深火热 | 水深火熱 | shuǐ shēn huǒ rè | deep water and scorching fire ; abyss of suffering (idiom) | |
| 水清无鱼 | 水清無魚 | shuǐ qīng wú yú | clear water, so few fish (idiom); You cannot expect everyone to be squeaky clean. ; Don't be too picky! | |
| 水滴石穿 | 水滴石穿 | shuǐ dī shí chuān | dripping water penetrates the stone (idiom); constant perseverance yields success ; You can achieve your aim if you try hard without giving up. ; Persistent effort overcomes any difficulty. | |
| 水火无情 | 水火無情 | shuǐ huǒ wú qíng | Fire and water have no mercy (idiom). forces of nature beyond human control ; implacable fate | (idiome) le feu et l'eau n'ont aucune pitié; les forces de la nature sont hors du contrôle humain; implacable fatalité |
| 水至清则无鱼 | 水至清則無魚 | shuǐ zhì qīng zé wú yú | Water that is too clear has few fish, and one who is too critical has few friends (idiom); You cannot expect everyone to be squeaky clean. ; Don't be too picky! | |
| 水落归槽 | 水落歸槽 | shuǐ luò guī cáo | spilt water returns to the trough (idiom); fig. people remember where they belong | |
| 水落石出 | 水落石出 | shuǐ luò shí chū | As the water recedes, the rocks appear (idiom); the truth comes to light ; When facts are known, doubts dissipate. ; Murder will out. ; Name of a CCTV soap opera set in police station | (phrase) Après le reflux les récifs se découvrent.; La vérité finit par éclater.; |
| 永生 | 永生 | yǒng shēng | eternal life | vie éternelle ; vie sans fin |
| 求之不得 | 求之不得 | qiú zhī bù dé | lit. seek but fail to get (idiom); fig. exactly what one’s been looking for | |
| 求同存异 | 求同存異 | qiú tóng cún yì | to seek common ground while holding back differences (idiom); to agree to differ | rechercher l'identité de vues tout en mettant de côté les divergences; |
| 求学无坦途 | 求學無坦途 | qiú xué wú tǎn tú | The path of learning can never be smooth. ; There is no royal road to learning. (idiom) | |
| 求情告饶 | 求情告饒 | qiú qíng gào ráo | to beg for forgiveness (idiom) | (idiome) implorer le pardon |
| 汉学 | 漢學 | hàn xué | studies of classical Chinese back to the Han ; Chinese studies (in foreign schools) | sinologie |
| 汗如雨下 | 汗如雨下 | hàn rú yǔ xià | sweating like rain (idiom); to perspire profusely ; sweating like a pig | |
| 汗牛充栋 | 汗牛充棟 | hàn niú chōng dòng | lit. enough books to make a pack-ox sweat or to fill a house to the rafters (idiom); fig. many books | |
| 江山易改，本性难移 | 江山易改，本性難移 | jiāng shān yì gǎi , běn xìng nán yí | The rivers and mountains may change, but not one's essential nature (idiom). You can't change who you are. ; Can the leopard change his spots? (Jeremiah 13:23) | |
| 江河日下 | 江河日下 | jiāng hé rì xià | rivers pour away by the day (idiom); going from bad to worse ; deteriorating day by day | |
| 污七八糟 | 污七八糟 | wū qī bā zāo | everything in disorder; in a hideous mess; obscene; dirty; filthy (idiom) ; also written 烏七八糟|乌七八糟[wu1 qi1 ba1 zao1] | |
| 汰旧换新 | 汰舊換新 | tài jiù huàn xīn | out with the old and in with the new (idiom) | |
| 沆瀣一气 | 沆瀣一氣 | hàng xiè yī qì | to act in collusion (idiom); in cahoots with ; villains will look after one another | |
| 沈复 | 沈復 | shěn fù | Shen Fu (1763-c. 1810), Qing dynasty writer, author of Six records of a floating life 浮生六記|浮生六记[fu2 sheng1 liu4 ji4] | |
| 沈鱼落雁 | 沈魚落雁 | chén yú luò yàn | lit. fish sink, goose alights (idiom, from Zhuangzi 莊子|庄子); fig. female beauty captivating even the birds and beasts | |
| 沉湎酒色 | 沉湎酒色 | chén miǎn jiǔ sè | to wallow in alcohol and sex (idiom); over-indulgence in wine and women ; an incorrigible drunkard and lecher | |
| 沉着应战 | 沉著應戰 | chén zhuó yìng zhàn | to remain calm in the face of adversity (idiom) | |
| 沉鱼落雁 | 沉魚落雁 | chén yú luò yàn | lit. fish sink, goose alights (idiom, from Zhuangzi 莊子|庄子); fig. female beauty captivating even the birds and beasts | |
| 沉默寡言 | 沉默寡言 | chén mò guǎ yán | habitually silent (idiom) ; reticent ; uncommunicative | |
| 沉默是金 | 沉默是金 | chén mò shì jīn | Silence is golden. (idiom) | |
| 沐猴而冠 | 沐猴而冠 | mù hóu ér guān | lit. a monkey wearing a crown ; worthless person in imposing attire (idiom) | |
| 沐雨栉风 | 沐雨櫛風 | mù yǔ zhì fēng | to work unceasingly regardless of the weather (idiom) | |
| 没关系 | 沒關係 | méi guān xi | it doesn't matter | (idiom) Pas de quoi; De rien; |
| 没吃没穿 | 沒吃沒穿 | méi chī méi chuān | (idiom) to be without food and clothing; be very poor | (idiom) être très pauvre |
| 没命 | 沒命 | méi mìng | to lose one's life ; to die ; recklessly ; desperately | perdre la vie, mourir; témérairement; désespérément |
| 没头没脸 | 没頭没臉 | méi tóu méi liǎn | lit. without head, without face (idiom) ; fig. frenzily ; haphazardly | |
| 没有规矩，不成方圆 | 沒有規矩，不成方圓 | méi yǒu guī ju , bù chéng fāng yuán | without rules, nothing can be done (idiom); one must follow some rules | (idiom) il ya des règles à suivre |
| 没有规矩，何以成方圆 | 沒有規矩，何以成方圓 | méi yǒu guī jǔ , hé yǐ chéng fāng yuán | without rules, how can anything be done (idiom); one must follow some rules | |
| 没辙 | 沒轍 | méi zhé | (idiom) unable to solve; no way to escape a problem | (idiom) impossible à résoudre |
| 没齿不忘 | 沒齒不忘 | mò chǐ bù wàng | lit. will not be forgotten even after one's teeth fall out ; to remember as long as one lives ; unforgettable (idiom) | (idiom) inoubliable; inexcusable |
| 没齿难忘 | 沒齒難忘 | mò chǐ nán wàng | hard to forget even after one's teeth fall out (idiom); to remember a benefactor as long as one lives ; undying gratitude | (idiom) gratitude éternelle; inoubliable |
| 沥陈鄙见 | 瀝陳鄙見 | lì chén bǐ jiàn | to state one's humble opinion (idiom) | |
| 沦肌浃髓 | 淪肌浹髓 | lún jī jiā suǐ | lit. penetrate to the marrow (idiom); deeply affected ; moved to the core | |
| 沧海桑田 | 滄海桑田 | cāng hǎi sāng tián | lit. blue seas where once was mulberry fields (idiom); time brings great changes ; life's vicissitudes | |
| 沧海遗珠 | 滄海遺珠 | cāng hǎi yí zhū | undiscovered talent (idiom) | |
| 河姆渡 | 河姆渡 | hé mǔ dù | Hemudu neolithic archaeological site near Ningbo in Zhejiang, going back to c. 5000 BC | |
| 河姆渡遗址 | 河姆渡遺址 | hé mǔ dù yí zhǐ | Hemudu neolithic archaeological site near Ningbo 长江 in Zhejiang, going back to c. 5000 BC | |
| 河水不犯井水 | 河水不犯井水 | hé shuǐ bù fàn jǐng shuǐ | lit. river water does not interfere with well water (idiom); Do not interfere with one another. ; Mind your own business. | |
| 河清海晏 | 河清海晏 | hé qīng hǎi yàn | the Yellow River is clear and the sea is calm ; the world is at peace (idiom) | |
| 油然而生 | 油然而生 | yóu rán ér shēng | arising involuntarily (idiom); spontaneous ; to spring up unbidden (of emotion) | |
| 治丧从俭 | 治喪從儉 | zhì sàng cóng jiǎn | to be frugal in attending to funeral rites (idiom) | |
| 治大国若烹小鲜 | 治大國若烹小鮮 | zhì dà guó ruò pēng xiǎo xiān | ruling a large nation is like cooking a small delicacy (idiom) ; effective government requires minimal intervention | |
| 沾染世俗 | 沾染世俗 | zhān rǎn shì sú | to be corrupted by the ways of the world (idiom) | |
| 沾染习气 | 沾染習氣 | zhān rǎn xí qì | to be tainted with unhealthy habits (idiom) | |
| 沾花惹草 | 霑花惹草 | zhān huā rě cǎo | to moisten the flower and beckon the leaves (idiom); to womanize ; to frequent brothels ; to sow one's wild oats | |
| 泄漏天机 | 泄漏天機 | xiè lòu tiān jī | to divulge the will of heaven (idiom); to leak a secret ; to let the cat out of the bag | |
| 泄露天机 | 泄露天機 | xiè lù tiān jī | to divulge the will of heaven (idiom); to leak a secret ; to let the cat out of the bag | |
| 泉石膏肓 | 泉石膏肓 | quán shí gāo huāng | lit. mountain springs and rocks in one's heart (idiom); a deep love of mountain scenery | |
| 法办 | 法辦 | fǎ bàn | to bring to justice ; to punish according to the law | punir qn en vertu de la loi; |
| 法网难逃 | 法網難逃 | fǎ wǎng nán táo | it is hard to escape the net of justice (idiom) | |
| 法轮 | 法輪 | fǎ lún | the Eternal Wheel of life in Buddhism | |
| 法轮常转 | 法輪常轉 | fǎ lún cháng zhuàn | the wheel of life never stops turning (idiom) | |
| 法隆寺 | 法隆寺 | fǎ lōng sì | Hōryūji, complex of Buddhist temples near Nara 奈良, Japan, dating back to the Asuka period 飛鳥時代|飞鸟时代 (c. 600) | |
| 泛滥成灾 | 泛濫成災 | fàn làn chéng zāi | flood causes disaster (idiom); fig. swamped with work | |
| 泡制 | 泡制 | pào zhì | to bring under control ; to take in hand ; to formulate an action plan ; to thwart ; to checkmate | |
| 波涛粼粼 | 波濤粼粼 | bō tāo lín lín | crystalline waves (idiom) | |
| 泥古不化 | 泥古不化 | nì gǔ bù huà | conservative and unable to adapt (idiom) | |
| 泥牛入海 | 泥牛入海 | ní niú rù hǎi | lit. a clay ox enters the sea (idiom); fig. to disappear with no hope of returning | |
| 泪如雨下 | 淚如雨下 | lèi rú yǔ xià | tears falling like rain (idiom) | |
| 泪水涟涟 | 淚水漣漣 | lèi shuǐ lián lián | in floods of tears (idiom) | |
| 泰山北斗 | 泰山北斗 | tài shān běi dǒu | as weighty as Mt Tai, as brilliant as the Big Dipper (idiom); a giant among men | |
| 泰然自若 | 泰然自若 | tài rán zì ruò | cool and collected (idiom); showing no sign of nerves ; perfectly composed | |
| 泼水难收 | 潑水難收 | pō shuǐ nán shōu | water once spilt cannot be retrieved (idiom); irreversible change | |
| 洁身自好 | 潔身自好 | jié shēn zì hào | clean-living and honest (idiom); to avoid immorality ; to shun evil influence ; to mind one's own business and keep out of trouble ; to keep one's hands clean | se respecter ; garder sa dignité ; se conserver pur et intègre; garder sa pureté sans se mêler dans les affaires louches |
| 洋场恶少 | 洋場惡少 | yáng chǎng è shào | city infested with foreign adventurers (esp of Shanghai in pre-liberation China) (idiom) | |
| 洋洋大篇 | 洋洋大篇 | yáng yáng dà piān | lit. an ocean of writing ; an impressive literary work (idiom) | |
| 洋洋得意 | 洋洋得意 | yáng yáng dé yì | immensely pleased with oneself (idiom) ; proud ; complacent | jubiler ; éclater de joie ; être fou de joie |
| 洋洋洒洒 | 洋洋灑灑 | yáng yáng sǎ sǎ | voluminous ; flowing (of speeches, articles etc) (idiom) | |
| 洋洋自得 | 洋洋自得 | yáng yáng zì dé | immensely please with oneself (idiom) ; proud ; complacent | |
| 洋腔洋调 | 洋腔洋調 | yáng qiāng yáng diào | to speak with a foreign accent or using words from a foreign language (usually derogatory) (idiom) | |
| 洗心革面 | 洗心革面 | xǐ xīn gé miàn | lit. to wash one's heart and renew one's face (idiom); to repent sincerely and mend one's mistaken ways ; to turn over a new leaf | changer de coeur et de visage ; faire peau neuve ; se corriger radicalement (idiome) |
| 洗手 | 洗手 | xǐ shǒu | to wash hands | |
| 洗脸盆 | 洗臉盆 | xǐ liǎn pén | washbowl ; basin for washing hands and face | lavabo |
| 洛阳纸贵 | 洛陽紙貴 | luò yáng zhǐ guì | lit. to push up paper prices in Luoyang (idiom); fig. sensational popularity of a new book | |
| 洞房花烛 | 洞房花燭 | dòng fáng huā zhú | bridal room and ornamented candles ; wedding festivities (idiom) | |
| 洞若观火 | 洞若觀火 | dòng ruò guān huǒ | clear as a flame (idiom); to see things absolutely clearly | pénétrer quelque choseh comme si on regardait le feu ; pénétrer profondément le secret de quelque choseh |
| 津津有味 | 津津有味 | jīn jīn yǒu wèi | with keen interest pleasure (idiom); with gusto ; to relish ; eagerly ; with great interest | savoureusement; avec grand paisir; |
| 洪水滔滔 | 洪水滔滔 | hóng shuǐ tāo tāo | widespread flooding (idiom) | |
| 洪福齐天 | 洪福齊天 | hóng fú qí tiān | flood of good fortune fills the heavens (idiom); a lucky sign | |
| 活到老，学到老 | 活到老，學到老 | huó dào lǎo , xué dào lǎo | One is never to old to learn. (idiom) | |
| 活命 | 活命 | huó mìng | life ; to survive ; to save a life ; to scrape a living | |
| 活期贷款 | 活期貸款 | huó qī dài kuǎn | demand loan (i.e. loan that the borrower can demanded back at any time) | prêt remboursable sur demande |
| 活灵活现 | 活靈活現 | huó línghuó xiàn | living spirit, living image (idiom); true to life ; vivid and realistic | vivant; frappant; palpitant de vie; |
| 活血止痛 | 活血止痛 | huó xuè zhǐ tòng | to invigorate blood circulation and alleviate pain (idiom) | |
| 活蹦乱跳 | 活蹦亂跳 | huó bèng luàn tiào | to leap and frisk about (idiom); lively ; healthy and active | |
| 活龙活现 | 活龍活現 | huó lóng huó xiàn | living spirit, living image (idiom); true to life ; vivid and realistic | |
| 流年不利 | 流年不利 | liú nián bù lì | the year's horoscope augurs ill (idiom); an unlucky year | |
| 流星赶月 | 流星趕月 | liú xīng gǎn yuè | lit. a meteor catching up with the moon ; swift action (idiom) | |
| 流水不腐，户枢不蠹 | 流水不腐，戶樞不蠹 | liú shuǐ bù fǔ , hù shū bù dù | Flowing water does not rot, nor a door-hinge rust (idiom) ; constant activity prevents decay | |
| 流离失所 | 流離失所 | liú lí shī suǒ | destitute and homeless (idiom); forced from one's home and wandering about ; displaced | n'avoir ni feu ni lieu; être sans ressources ni abri; |
| 流离颠沛 | 流離顛沛 | liú lí diān pèi | destitute and homeless (idiom); displaced and without means | |
| 流言蜚语 | 流言蜚語 | liú yán fēi yǔ | rumors and slanders (idiom); gossip ; lies and slanders | |
| 浅尝辄止 | 淺嚐輒止 | qiǎn cháng zhé zhǐ | to dabble and stop (idiom); to dip into ; to attempt half-heartedly ; content with a smattering of knowledge ; also written 淺嘗輒止|浅尝辄止 | |
| 济困扶危 | 濟困扶危 | jì kùn fú wēi | to help those in distress (idiom) | |
| 济济一堂 | 濟濟一堂 | jǐ jǐ yī táng | to congregate in one hall (idiom); to gather under one roof | |
| 浑水摸鱼 | 渾水摸魚 | hún shuǐ mō yú | to fish in troubled water (idiom); to take advantage of a crisis for personal gain | pêcher en eau trouble |
| 浑然天成 | 渾然天成 | hún rán tiān chéng | to resemble nature itself ; of the highest quality (idiom) | |
| 浓墨重彩 | 濃墨重彩 | nóng mò zhòng cǎi | thick and heavy in colors ; to describe sth in colorful language with attention to detail (idiom) | |
| 浩如烟海 | 浩如煙海 | hào rú yān hǎi | vast as the open sea (idiom); fig. extensive (library) | |
| 浪花 | 浪花 | làng huā | spray ; ocean spray ; spindrift ; fig. happenings from one's life | embruns; bouillon |
| 浮云朝露 | 浮雲朝露 | fú yún zhāo lù | floating clouds, morning dew (idiom); fig. ephemeral nature of human existence | |
| 浮家泛宅 | 浮家泛宅 | fú jiā fàn zhái | lit. to live on a boat ; to drift from place to place (idiom) | |
| 浮沉 | 浮沉 | fú chén | ups and downs (of life etc) ; to drift along ; to sink and emerge | sombrer et émerger tour à tour, flâner |
| 浮现 | 浮現 | fú xiàn | to appear before one's eyes ; to come into view ; to float into appearance ; to come back (of images from the past) ; to emerge ; it emerges ; it occurs (to me that..) | paraître (apparaître) dans la mémoire; passer dans l'esprit; revenir à l'esprit; |
| 浮生六记 | 浮生六記 | fú shēng liù jì | Six records of a floating life, autobiographical novel and description of Qing dynasty life by 沈復|沈复[Shen3 Fu4], published 1808 | |
| 浴血苦战 | 浴血苦戰 | yù xuè kǔ zhàn | a blood soaked and hard-fought struggle (idiom) | |
| 海上花列传 | 海上花列傳 | hǎi shàng huā liè zhuàn | The Sing-Song Girls of Shanghai by Han Bangqing 韓邦慶|韩邦庆, long novel of lower life in classical Chinese and Jiangsu vernacular ; translated into Putonghua as 海上花 by Iris Chang | |
| 海内存知己，天涯若比邻 | 海內存知己，天涯若比鄰 | hǎi nèi cún zhī jǐ , tiān yá ruò bǐ lín | close friend in a distant land, far-flung realms as next door (idiom); close in spirit although far away ; absence makes the heart grow fonder | |
| 海底捞月 | 海底撈月 | hǎi dǐ lāo yuè | to fetch the moon from the seabed (idiom); a hopeless illusion | |
| 海纳百川 | 海納百川 | hǎi nà bǎi chuān | all rivers run into the sea ; use different means to obtain the same result (idiom) | |
| 海角天涯 | 海角天涯 | hǎi jiǎo tiān yá | The Ends of the Earth (idiom) | |
| 海誓山盟 | 海誓山盟 | hǎi shì shān méng | to pledge undying love (idiom); oath of eternal love ; to swear by all the Gods | prêter serment ; engagement irrévocable (de deux amants) |
| 海阔天空 | 海闊天空 | hǎi kuò tiānkōng | wide sea and sky (idiom); boundless open vistas ; the whole wide world ; chatting about everything under the sun | vaste, immense comme la mer et l'horizon; |
| 消愁解闷 | 消愁解悶 | xiāo chóu jiě mèn | lit. to eliminate worry and dispel melancholy (idiom); diversion from boredom ; to dispel depression or melancholy ; to relieve stress ; a relaxing pass-time | |
| 涓埃之力 | 涓埃之力 | juān āi zhī lì | negligible force (idiom); tiny force | |
| 涓滴归公 | 涓滴歸公 | juān dī guī gōng | every drop returns to the public good (idiom); not one penny is misused | |
| 涕泪交流 | 涕淚交流 | tì lèi jiāo liú | tears and mucus flowing profusely (idiom); weeping tragically | |
| 涤砚 | 滌硯 | dí yàn | to wash an ink-slab ; to prepare for study (idiom) | |
| 淋漓尽致 | 淋漓盡致 | lín lí jìn zhì | lit. extreme saturation (idiom); incisive and vivid ; thoroughly (unrestrained) ; the ultimate in... | complètement |
| 淑人君子 | 淑人君子 | shū rén jūn zi | virtuous gentleman (idiom) | (idiome) homme vertueux |
| 淡泊名利 | 淡泊名利 | dàn bó míng lì | not caring about fame and wealth (idiom) ; indifferent to worldly rewards | |
| 淡泊寡味 | 淡泊寡味 | dàn bó guǎ wèi | insipid and tasteless (idiom) | |
| 淤浊不清 | 淤濁不清 | yū zhuó bù qīng | muddied and unclear (idiom) | |
| 淫风甚炽 | 淫風甚熾 | yín fēng shèn chì | blazing wantonness abounds (idiom) | |
| 深不可测 | 深不可測 | shēn bù kě cè | deep and unmeasurable (idiom); unfathomable depths ; incomprehensible ; enigmatic and impossible to predict | |
| 深信不疑 | 深信不疑 | shēn xìn bù yí | to believe firmly without any doubt (idiom) ; absolute certainty about sth | |
| 深入人心 | 深入人心 | shēn rù rén xīn | to enter deeply into people's hearts ; to have a real impact on the people (idiom) | (idiome) entrer profondément dans le cÅur des gens, avoir un impact réel sur la population |
| 深山野岙 | 深山野嶴 | shēn shān yě ào | deep in the mountains and fields (idiom) | |
| 深恶痛绝 | 深惡痛絕 | shēn wù tòng jué | to detest bitterly (idiom) ; implacable hatred ; to abhor ; anathema | |
| 深情厚意 | 深情厚意 | shēn qíng hòu yì | profound love, generous friendship (idiom) | (idiome) amour profond, amitié généreuse |
| 深更半夜 | 深更半夜 | shēn gēng bàn yè | in the dead of night (idiom) | dans la nuit profonde |
| 深藏若虚 | 深藏若虛 | shēn cáng ruò xū | to hide one's treasure away so that no-one knows about it (idiom); fig. modest about one's talents ; to hide one's light under a bushel | |
| 深谋远虑 | 深謀遠慮 | shēn móu yuǎn lǜ | lit. deep plans and distant thoughts ; to plan far ahead (idiom) | |
| 深闭固拒 | 深閉固拒 | shēn bì gù jù | deep, closed and refusing (idiom); obstinate ; stubborn and perverse | |
| 混世魔王 | 混世魔王 | hùn shì mó wáng | devil incarnate (idiom) ; fiend in human form | |
| 混为一谈 | 混為一談 | hùn wéi yī tán | to confuse one thing with another (idiom); to muddle | |
| 混水摸鱼 | 混水摸魚 | hún shuǐ mō yú | to fish in troubled water (idiom); to take advantage of a crisis for personal gain ; also written 渾水摸魚|浑水摸鱼 | |
| 混淆是非 | 混淆是非 | hùn xiáo shì fēi | to confuse right and wrong (idiom) | |
| 混淆视听 | 混淆視聽 | hùn xiáo shì tīng | to obscure the facts (idiom); to mislead the public with prevarication and deliberate falsehoods | |
| 清恬 | 清恬 | qīng tián | pure and quiet (of life) ; tranquil and comfortable | |
| 清新自然 | 清新自然 | qīng xīn zì rán | as fresh and clean as nature (idiom) | |
| 清风两袖 | 清風兩袖 | qīng fēng liǎng xiù | honest and upright (idiom) | |
| 清风劲节 | 清風勁節 | qīng fēng jìng jié | pure and high-minded (idiom) | |
| 清风明月 | 清風明月 | qīng fēng míng yuè | lit. cool breeze and bright moon (idiom); unattached and at leisure | |
| 渊海 | 淵海 | yuān hǎi | abyss of ocean ; vast and profound (idiom) | |
| 渤澥桑田 | 渤澥桑田 | bó xiè sāng tián | lit. blue seas where once was mulberry fields (idiom, from 史記|史记[Shi3 ji4], Record of the Grand Historian); time brings great changes ; life's vicissitudes | |
| 温情脉脉 | 溫情脈脈 | wēn qíng mò mò | full of tender feelings (idiom); tender-hearted | (idiome) plein de tendresse |
| 温故知新 | 溫故知新 | wēn gù zhī xīn | to review the old and know the new (idiom, from the Analects) ; to recall the past to understand the future | |
| 温故而知新 | 溫故而知新 | wēn gù ér zhī xīn | to review the old and know the new (idiom, from the Analects) ; to recall the past to understand the future | |
| 温文尔雅 | 溫文爾雅 | wēn wén ěr yǎ | cultured and refined (idiom); gentle and cultivated | |
| 温良恭俭让 | 溫良恭儉讓 | wēn liáng gōng jiǎn ràng | kind-hearted and moderate (idiom); temperate and gentle | |
| 游刃有余 | 遊刃有餘 | yóu rèn yǒu yú | handling a butcher's cleaver with ease (idiom); to do sth skillfully and easily | |
| 游客止步 | 游客止步 | yóu kè zhǐ bù | visitors are not admitted (idiom) | |
| 渺乎其微 | 渺乎其微 | miǎo hū qí wēi | remote and insignificant (idiom) | |
| 渺无人烟 | 渺無人煙 | miǎo wú rén yān | remote and uninhabited (idiom); deserted ; God-forsaken | |
| 湋 | 湋 | wéi | to flow back (of water) | |
| 湖光山色 | 湖光山色 | hú guāng shān sè | scenic lakes and mountain (idiom); beautiful lake and mountain landscape | |
| 源源不断 | 源源不斷 | yuán yuán bùduàn | a steady flow (idiom); an unending stream | sans arrêt; régulièrement |
| 源远流长 | 源遠流長 | yuán yuǎn liú cháng | lit. source is distant and the flow is long (idiom); fig. sth goes back to the dim and distant past ; a lot of water has flowed under the bridge since then | |
| 溘先朝露 | 溘先朝露 | kè xiān zhāo lù | the morning dew will swiftly dissipate (idiom); fig. ephemeral and precarious nature of human existence | |
| 溜须拍马 | 溜鬚拍馬 | liū xū pāi mǎ | to smooth whiskers and pat a horse's bottom (idiom); to use flatter to get what one wants ; to toady ; boot-licking | ramper ; flagorner ; courtiser ; flatter |
| 溯源 | 溯源 | sù yuán | to investigate the origin of sth ; to trace a river upstream back to its source | remonter à la source (ou à l'origine); |
| 滔滔不绝 | 滔滔不絕 | tāo tāo bù jué | unceasing torrent (idiom) ; talking non-stop ; gabbling forty to the dozen | ne pas tarir; parler à jet continu; |
| 滚油煎心 | 滾油煎心 | gǔn yóu jiān xīn | to suffer mental anguish (idiom) | |
| 滚瓜烂熟 | 滾瓜爛熟 | gǔn guā làn shú | lit. ripe as a melon that rolls from its vine (idiom); fig. to know fluently ; to know sth inside-out ; to know sth by heart | réciter couramment sa lecon ; su par coeur ; gravé dans la mémoire |
| 满不在乎 | 滿不在乎 | mǎn bù zài hu | not in the least concerned (idiom) ; reckless ; couldn't give a damn about it ; unperturbed ; couldn't care less ; harum scarum | |
| 满城风雨 | 滿城風雨 | mǎn chéng fēng yǔ | lit. wind and rain through the town (idiom); fig. a big scandal ; an uproar ; the talk of the town | (un scandale) parcourir toute la ville ; (un bruit) courir partout |
| 满堂彩 | 滿堂彩 | mǎn táng cǎi | everyone present applauds ; universal acclaim ; a standing ovation ; to bring the house down | |
| 满打满算 | 滿打滿算 | mǎn dǎ mǎn suàn | taking everything into account (idiom) ; when all is said and done | |
| 满招损，谦受益 | 滿招損，謙受益 | mǎn zhāo sǔn , qiān shòu yì | (idiom) complacency leads to loss, modesty brings profit ; pride comes before a fall | |
| 满目琳琅 | 滿目琳琅 | mǎn mù lín láng | lit. to fill one’s eyes with glittering jewels ; a literary masterpiece or sb of extraordinary talent (idiom) | |
| 满脸风尘 | 滿臉風塵 | mǎn liǎn fēng chén | lit. with a face full of dust ; showing the hardships of travel (idiom) | |
| 满腹牢骚 | 滿腹牢騷 | mǎn fù láo sāo | lit. belly full of complaints (idiom) ; discontent ; always moaning and complaining | |
| 满腹经纶 | 滿腹經綸 | mǎn fù jīng lún | full of political wisdom (idiom) ; politically astute ; with encyclopedic experience of state policy | |
| 滥杀无辜 | 濫殺無辜 | làn shā wú gū | willfully slaughter the innocent (idiom) | |
| 滥竽充数 | 濫竽充數 | làn yú chōng shù | lit. to play the yu 竽 mouth organ to make up numbers (idiom); fig. to make up the numbers with inferior products ; to masquerade as having an ability ; token member of a group | |
| 滴水石穿 | 滴水石穿 | dī shuǐ shí chuān | dripping water penetrates the stone (idiom); constant perseverance yields success ; You can achieve your aim if you try hard without giving up. ; Persistent effort overcomes any difficulty. | |
| 滴水穿石 | 滴水穿石 | dī shuǐ chuān shí | dripping water penetrates the stone (idiom); constant perseverance yields success ; You can achieve your aim if you try hard without giving up. ; Persistent effort overcomes any difficulty. | |
| 漂浮 | 漂浮 | piāo fú | to float ; to hover ; to drift (also fig., to lead a wandering life) ; to rove ; showy ; superficial | flotter; |
| 漆黑一团 | 漆黑一團 | qī hēi yī tuán | all black, no daylight (idiom); a world without justice | |
| 漏泄天机 | 漏洩天機 | lòu xiè tiān jī | to divulge the will of heaven (idiom); to leak a secret ; to let the cat out of the bag | |
| 漏洞百出 | 漏洞百出 | lòu dòng bǎi chū | lit. one hundred loopholes (idiom); full of mistakes (of speech or article) | |
| 漏网之鱼 | 漏網之魚 | lòu wǎng zhī yú | fish that escaped the net (idiom); fugitive ; homeless exile | |
| 漏网游鱼 | 漏網遊魚 | lòu wǎng yóu yú | fish that escaped the net (idiom); fugitive ; homeless exile | |
| 漏脯充饥 | 漏脯充飢 | lòu fǔ chōng jī | to bury one’s head in the sand (idiom) | |
| 漠不关心 | 漠不關心 | mò bù guān xīn | not in the least concerned (idiom); quite indifferent | |
| 漠然置之 | 漠然置之 | mò rán zhì zhī | to set to one side and ignore (idiom); quite indifferent ; cold and uncaring | |
| 漫山遍野 | 漫山遍野 | màn shān biàn yě | lit. hiding the mountains and covering the plains (idiom); fig. as far as the eye can see ; covering everything ; omnipresent | |
| 漫漫长夜 | 漫漫長夜 | màn màn cháng yè | endless night (idiom); fig. long suffering | |
| 潇潇细雨 | 瀟瀟細雨 | xiāo xiāo xì yǔ | the sound of light rain or drizzle (idiom) | |
| 潜神默记 | 潛神默記 | qián shén mò jì | to devote oneself to a task in silence (idiom) | Livre de Néhémie |
| 潜逃无踪 | 潛逃無蹤 | qián táo wú zōng | to abscond without leaving a trace (idiom) | |
| 澡垢索疵 | 澡垢索疵 | zǎo gòu suǒ cī | to wash the dirt to find a defect (idiom); to find fault ; to nitpick | |
| 澡身浴德 | 澡身浴德 | zǎo shēn yù dé | to bathe the body and cleanse virtue (idiom); to improve oneself by meditation ; cleanliness is next to godliness | |
| 激浊扬清 | 激濁揚清 | jī zhuó yáng qīng | lit. drain away filth and bring in fresh water (idiom); fig. dispel evil and usher in good ; eliminate vice and exalt virtue | |
| 濯锦以鱼 | 濯錦以魚 | zhuó jǐn yǐ yú | to make the ugly beautiful (idiom) | |
| 火上加油 | 火上加油 | huǒ shàng jiā yóu | to add oil to the fire (idiom); fig. to aggravate a situation ; to enrage people and make matters worse | |
| 火上浇油 | 火上澆油 | huǒ shàng jiāo yóu | to pour oil on the fire (idiom); fig. to aggravate a situation ; to enrage people and make matters worse | |
| 火海刀山 | 火海刀山 | huǒ hǎi dāo shān | lit. seas of flames and mountains of daggers ; fig. extreme dangers (idiom) | |
| 火烧眉毛 | 火燒眉毛 | huǒ shāo méi mao | lit. the fire burns one's eyebrows (idiom); fig. desperate situation ; extreme emergency | très urgent ; en toute urgence |
| 火眼金睛 | 火眼金睛 | huǒ yǎn jīn jīng | lit. fiery eyes and golden pupils ; discerning eyes (idiom) | |
| 火眼金睛识真假 | 火眼金睛識真假 | huǒ yǎn jīn jīng shí zhēn jiǎ | fiery eyes and golden pupils can discern truth from falsehood (idiom) | |
| 灭此朝食 | 滅此朝食 | miè cǐ zhāo shí | lit. not to have breakfast until the enemy is destroyed ; anxious to do battle (idiom) | |
| 灯红酒绿 | 燈紅酒綠 | dēng hóng jiǔ lǜ | lanterns red, wine green (idiom); feasting and pleasure-seeking ; debauched and corrupt environment | |
| 灰不溜丢 | 灰不溜丟 | huī bù liū diū | gloomy and dull (idiom); boring and gray ; unpleasantly murky | |
| 灰头土脸 | 灰頭土臉 | huī tóu tǔ liǎn | lit. head and face filthy with grime (idiom); fig. dejected and depressed | |
| 灵丹妙药 | 靈丹妙藥 | líng dān miào yào | effective cure, miracle medicine (idiom); fig. wonder-cure for all problems ; panacea ; elixir | |
| 灵机一动 | 靈機一動 | líng jī yī dòng | a bright idea suddenly occurs (idiom); to hit upon an inspiration ; to be struck by a brainwave | |
| 灿若繁星 | 燦若繁星 | càn ruò fán xīng | bright as a multitude of stars (idiom); extremely able talent | |
| 炙手可热 | 炙手可熱 | zhì shǒu kě rè | lit. burn your hand, feel the heat (idiom); arrogance of the powerful ; a mighty figure no-one dares approach | (homme) puissant devant qui tout doit plier |
| 炮火连天 | 砲火連天 | pào huǒ lián tiān | cannon firing for days on end (idiom); enveloped in the flames of war | |
| 点头咂嘴 | 點頭咂嘴 | diǎn tóu zā zuǐ | to approve by nodding one's head and smacking one's lips (idiom) | |
| 点头哈腰 | 點頭哈腰 | diǎn tóu hā yāo | to nod one's head and bow (idiom); bowing and scraping ; unctuous fawning | faire une génuflexion |
| 点水 | 點水 | diǎn shuǐ | to skim ; lightly touching the water (as the dragonfly in the idiom 蜻蜓點水|蜻蜓点水) ; skin deep | |
| 点水不漏 | 點水不漏 | diǎn shuǐ bù lòu | not one drop of water leaks (idiom); fig. thoughtful and completely rigorous ; watertight | |
| 点睛 | 點睛 | diǎn jīng | to dot in the eyes ; fig. to add finishing touch ; abbr. for idiom 畫龍點睛|画龙点睛, to paint a dragon and dot in the eyes ; the crucial point that brings the subject to life | |
| 点睛之笔 | 點睛之筆 | diǎn jīng zhī bǐ | the brush stroke that dots in the eyes (idiom); fig. to add the vital finishing touch ; the crucial point that brings the subject to life ; a few words to clinch the point | |
| 点石成金 | 點石成金 | diǎn shí chéng jīn | to touch base matter and turn it to gold (idiom); fig. to turn crude writing into a literary gem | |
| 点金成铁 | 點金成鐵 | diǎn jīn chéng tiě | to transform gold into base metal (idiom); fig. to edit sb else's beautiful prose and ruin it | |
| 点铁成金 | 點鐵成金 | diǎn tiě chéng jīn | to touch base matter and turn it to gold (idiom); fig. to turn crude writing into a literary gem | |
| 点题 | 點題 | diǎn tí | to bring out the main theme ; to make the point ; to bring out the substance concisely | |
| 烈 | 烈 | liè | ardent ; intense ; fierce ; stern ; upright ; to give one's life for a noble cause ; exploits ; achievements | fort; violent; |
| 烈火干柴 | 烈火乾柴 | liè huǒ gān chái | lit. intense fire to dry wood (idiom); inferno in a woodpile ; fig. consuming passion between lovers | |
| 烘云托月 | 烘雲托月 | hōng yún tuō yuè | lit. to shade in the clouds to offset the moon (idiom); fig. a foil ; a contrasting character to a main hero | |
| 烟熏火燎 | 煙燻火燎 | yān xūn huǒ liǎo | smoke and baking fire (idiom); surrounded by flames and smoke | |
| 烟花粉柳 | 煙花粉柳 | yān huā fěn liǔ | prostitutes like powdered willows (idiom) | |
| 烟花风月 | 煙花風月 | yān huā fēng yuè | refers to love-making (idiom) | |
| 热情洋溢 | 熱情洋溢 | rè qíng yáng yì | brimming with enthusiasm (idiom); full of warmth | (idiome) débordant d'enthousiasme |
| 热泪盈眶 | 熱淚盈眶 | rè lèi yíng kuàng | eyes brimming with tears of excitement (idiom) ; extremely moved | les yeux pleins de larme; avoir les larmes aux yeux |
| 热血沸腾 | 熱血沸騰 | rè xuè fèi téng | to be burning with anger (idiom) | |
| 烽火四起 | 烽火四起 | fēng huǒ sì qǐ | the fire of war in all four directions (idiom); the confusion of war | |
| 烽烟四起 | 烽煙四起 | fēng yān sì qǐ | lit. fire beacons in all four directions (idiom); the confusion of war | |
| 烽烟四起，战火纷飞 | 烽煙四起，戰火紛飛 | fēng yān sì qǐ , zhàn huǒ fēn fēi | lit. fire beacons in all four directions (idiom); the confusion of war | |
| 烽烟遍地 | 烽煙遍地 | fēng yān biàn dì | fire beacons on all sides (idiom); enveloped in the flames of war | |
| 焕然一新 | 煥然一新 | huàn rán yī xīn | to look completely new (idiom); brand new ; changed beyond recognition | flambant neuf; changer complètement d'aspect |
| 焚砚 | 焚硯 | fén yàn | to destroy one's ink-slab ; to write no more because others write so much better (idiom) | |
| 焚膏继晷 | 焚膏繼晷 | fén gāo jì guǐ | to burn the midnight oil (idiom); to work continuously night and day | |
| 焦头烂额 | 焦頭爛額 | jiāo tóu làn é | lit. beaten head and scorched brow (idiom); beaten black and blue ; fig. in trouble ; in terrible shape ; hard pressed ; overwrought | |
| 煞 | 煞 | shā | fiend ; baleful ; to bring to a stop ; very | très; génie malfaisant; |
| 煞有介事 | 煞有介事 | shà yǒu jiè shì | to pretend to be serious about doing sth (idiom) | |
| 煞费苦心 | 煞費苦心 | shà fèi kǔ xīn | to take a lot of trouble (idiom); painstaking ; at the cost of a lot of effort | se casser la tête ; se donner beaucoup de mal |
| 照猫画虎 | 照貓畫虎 | zhào māo huà hǔ | lit. drawing a tiger using a cat as a model (idiom); fig. to pretend to do sth without understanding it | |
| 照葫芦画瓢 | 照葫蘆畫瓢 | zhào hú lu huà piáo | lit. to draw a painting inside a gourd (idiom); fig. a model ; a world in a nutshell | |
| 煮豆燃萁 | 煮豆燃萁 | zhǔ dòu rán qí | burning beanstalks to cook the beans (idiom); to cause internecine strife | |
| 熊腰虎背 | 熊腰虎背 | xióng yāo hǔ bèi | waist of a bear and back of a tiger ; tough and stocky build | |
| 熏陶成性 | 熏陶成性 | xūn táo chéng xìng | (idiom) nurture makes second nature ; good habits come by long assimilation | |
| 熏风徐来 | 熏風徐來 | xūn fēng xú lái | a warm southerly breeze is always gentle (idiom) | |
| 熙来攘往 | 熙來攘往 | xī lái rǎng wǎng | a place buzzing with activity (idiom) | |
| 熙熙攘攘 | 熙熙攘攘 | xī xī rǎng rǎng | bustling with activity (idiom) | un va-et-vient bruyant; (rue) affairée et trépidante; (foule) grouillante; |
| 熟能生巧 | 熟能生巧 | shú néng shēng qiǎo | with familiarity you learn the trick (idiom); practice makes perfect | |
| 熟语 | 熟語 | shóu yǔ | idiom | expression (figée) |
| 燃眉之急 | 燃眉之急 | rán méi zhī jí | lit. the fire burns one's eyebrows (idiom); fig. desperate situation ; extreme emergency | urgent comme si les sourcils menacaient de brûler; être extrêmement urgent; une situation pressante; un besoin pressant (urgent); |
| 燕雀处堂 | 燕雀處堂 | yàn què chù táng | lit. a caged bird in a pavilion (idiom); fig. to lose vigilance by comfortable living ; unaware of the disasters ahead ; a fool's paradise | |
| 燕雀安知鸿鹄之志 | 燕雀安知鴻鵠之志 | yàn què ān zhī hóng hú zhī zhì | 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? | |
| 燕雀焉知鸿鹄之志 | 燕雀焉知鴻鹄之志 | yàn què yān zhī hóng gǔ zhī zhì | 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? | |
| 燕雀相贺 | 燕雀相賀 | yàn què xiàng hè | lit. sparrow and swallow's congratulation (idiom); fig. to congratulate sb on completion of a building project ; congratulations on your new house! | |
| 爬山涉水 | 爬山涉水 | pá shān shè shuǐ | to climb mountains and wade rivers (idiom); fig. to make a long and difficult journey | |
| 爱不忍释 | 愛不忍釋 | ài bù rěn shì | to love sth too much to part with it (idiom) | |
| 爱不释手 | 愛不釋手 | ài bù shì shǒu | to love sth too much to part with it (idiom); to fondle admiringly | aimer tellement une chose qu'on ne peut pas la lâcher; |
| 爱之如命 | 愛之如命 | ài zhī rú mìng | inordinately fond of sth ; lit. to love it as one's life | |
| 爱屋及乌 | 愛屋及烏 | ài wū jí wū | lit. love the house and its crow (idiom); involvement with sb and everyone connected ; Love me, love my dog. | Qui m'aime aime mon chien; Qui me amat, amat et canem meum |
| 爱屋及鸟 | 愛屋及鳥 | ài wū jí niǎo | variant of 愛屋及烏|爱屋及乌 ; lit. love the house and its crow (idiom); involvement with sb and everyone connected ; Love me, love my dog. | |
| 爱莫能助 | 愛莫能助 | ài mò néng zhù | unable to help however much one would like to (idiom); Although we sympathize, there is no way to help you. ; My hands are tied. | ne pouvoir aider celui qu'on aime; n'y pouvoir rien malgré sa bonne volonté; |
| 牛山濯濯 | 牛山濯濯 | niú shān zhuó zhuó | treeless hills (idiom) | |
| 牛溲马勃 | 牛溲馬勃 | niú sōu mǎ bó | cow's piss, horse's ulcer (idiom); worthless nonsense ; insignificant | |
| 牛骥同槽 | 牛驥同槽 | niú jì tóng cáo | cow and famous steed at the same trough (idiom); fig. the common and the great are treated alike ; also written 牛驥同皂|牛骥同皂[niu2 ji4 tong2 zao4] | |
| 牛骥同皂 | 牛驥同皂 | niú jì tóng zào | cow and famous steed at the same trough (idiom); fig. the common and the great are treated alike | |
| 牝牡骊黄 | 牝牡驪黃 | pìn mǔ lí huáng | a black stallion or possibly a yellow mare (idiom); don't judge by outward appearance | |
| 牝鸡司晨 | 牝雞司晨 | pìn jī sī chén | female chicken crows at daybreak (idiom); a woman usurps authority ; women meddle in politics ; The female wears the trousers. | |
| 牝鸡牡鸣 | 牝雞牡鳴 | pìn jī mǔ míng | female chicken crows at daybreak (idiom); a woman usurps authority ; women meddle in politics ; The female wears the trousers. | |
| 牡丹虽好，全仗绿叶扶 | 牡丹雖好，全仗綠葉扶 | mǔ dan suī hǎo , quán zhàng lǜ yè fú | Although the peony is beautiful, it depends entirely on help from the green leaves (idiom). However brilliant you may be, you can't do anything without support from others. | |
| 牡丹虽好，全仗绿叶扶持 | 牡丹雖好，全仗綠葉扶持 | mǔ dan suī hǎo , quán zhàng lǜ yè fú chí | Although the peony is beautiful, it depends entirely on help from the green leaves (idiom). However brilliant you may be, you can't do anything without support from others. | |
| 牡丹虽好，全凭绿叶扶持 | 牡丹雖好，全憑綠葉扶持 | mǔ dan suī hǎo , quán píng lǜ yè fú chí | Although the peony is beautiful, it depends entirely on help from the green leaves (idiom). However brilliant you may be, you can't do anything without support from others. | |
| 牡丹虽好，终须绿叶扶持 | 牡丹雖好，終須綠葉扶持 | mǔ dan suī hǎo , zhōng xū lǜ yè fú chí | Although the peony is beautiful, it depends entirely on help from the green leaves (idiom). However brilliant you may be, you can't do anything without support from others. | |
| 物以稀为贵 | 物以稀為貴 | wù yǐ xī wéi guì | highly valuable due to rarity (idiom) | |
| 物以类聚 | 物以類聚 | wù yǐ lèi jù | similar things come together (idiom); like draws like ; Birds of a feather flock together. | |
| 物以类聚，人以群分 | 物以類聚，人以群分 | wù yǐ lèi jù , rén yǐ qún fēn | Similar things group together, similar people fit together (idiom); Birds of a feather flock together. | |
| 物各有主 | 物各有主 | wù gè yǒu zhǔ | everything has a rightful owner (idiom) | |
| 牵 | 牽 | qiān | to pull (an animal on a tether) ; to lead along ; to hold hands | tenir; tirer; |
| 牵强附会 | 牽強附會 | qiān qiǎng fù huì | far-fetched and hard to believe (idiom) | |
| 牵手 | 牽手 | qiān shǒu | hold hands (romance) | |
| 牵羊担酒 | 牽羊擔酒 | qiān yáng dān jiǔ | pulling a lamb and bringing wine on a carrying pole (idiom); fig. to offer elaborate congratulations ; to kill the fatted calf | |
| 牵肠挂肚 | 牽腸掛肚 | qiān cháng guà dù | deeply worried (idiom); to feel anxious | |
| 牵马到河易，强马饮水难 | 牽馬到河易，強馬飲水難 | qiān mǎ dào hé yì , qiáng mǎ yǐn shuǐ nán | You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink. (idiom) | |
| 牺牲 | 犧牲 | xī shēng | to sacrifice oneself ; to lay down one's life ; to do sth at the expense of ; beast slaughtered for sacrifice ; sacrifice | animal sacrifié; sacrifier; se sacrifier ; renoncer à; |
| 犹未为晚 | 猶未為晚 | yóu wèi wéi wǎn | it is not too late (idiom) | |
| 狂三诈四 | 狂三詐四 | kuáng sān zhà sì | to deceive and swindle across the board (idiom) | |
| 狂奴故态 | 狂奴故態 | kuáng nú gù tài | to be set in one’s ways (idiom) | |
| 狂饮暴食 | 狂飲暴食 | kuáng yǐn bào shí | drunken gluttony (idiom); eating and drinking to excess | |
| 狎妓冶游 | 狎妓冶游 | xiá jì yě yóu | to be intimate with prostitutes and frequent brothels (idiom) | |
| 狐假虎威 | 狐假虎威 | hú jiǎ hǔ wēi | lit. the fox exploits the tiger's might (idiom); fig. to use powerful connections to intimidate people | |
| 狐朋狗友 | 狐朋狗友 | hú péng gǒu yǒu | a pack of rogues (idiom); a gang of scoundrels | |
| 狐狸尾巴 | 狐狸尾巴 | hú li wěi ba | lit. fox's tail (idiom); visible sign of evil intentions ; to reveal one's evil nature ; evidence that reveals the villain | |
| 狐群狗党 | 狐群狗黨 | hú qún gǒu dǎng | a pack of rogues ; a gang of scoundrels (idiom) | bande de chenapans ; association de malfaiteurs ; gang |
| 狗仗人势 | 狗仗人勢 | gǒu zhàng rén shì | a dog threatens based on master's power (idiom); to use one's position to bully others | |
| 狗拿耗子 | 狗拿耗子 | gǒu ná hào zi | lit. a dog who catches mice ; to be meddlesome (idiom) | |
| 狗窦大开 | 狗竇大開 | gǒu dòu dà kāi | dog hole wide open (idiom); fig. gap caused by missing teeth (used mockingly) | |
| 狗血淋头 | 狗血淋頭 | gǒu xuè lín tóu | lit. to pour dogs blood on ; to curse or berate sb (idiom) | |
| 狗逮老鼠 | 狗逮老鼠 | gǒu dài lǎo shǔ | lit. a dog who catches mice ; to be meddlesome (idiom) | |
| 狞恶可怖 | 獰惡可怖 | níng è kě bù | of fierce and terrifying appearance (idiom) | |
| 狡兔三窟 | 狡兔三窟 | jiǎo tù sān kū | lit. a crafty rabbit has three burrows ; a sly individual has more than one plan to fall back on (idiom) | |
| 独一无二 | 獨一無二 | dú yī wú èr | unique and unmatched (idiom); unrivalled ; nothing compares with it | unique en son genre; hors pair; sans pareil; |
| 独具匠心 | 獨具匠心 | dú jù jiàng xīn | original and ingenious (idiom); to display creativity | |
| 独出心裁 | 獨出心裁 | dú chū xīn cái | to display originality (idiom); to do things differently | |
| 独占鳌头 | 獨佔鰲頭 | dú zhàn áo tóu | to monopolize the turtle head (idiom, refers to carved marble steps of the palace); to come first in triennial palace examinations ; the champion ; the very best in any field | |
| 独占鼇头 | 獨佔鼇頭 | dú zhàn áo tóu | variant of 獨佔鰲頭|独占鳌头, to monopolize the turtle head (idiom, refers to carved marble steps of the palace); to come first in triennial palace examinations ; the champion ; the very best in any field | |
| 独夫民贼 | 獨夫民賊 | dú fū mín zéi | tyrant and oppressor of the people (idiom); traitorous dictator | |
| 独当一面 | 獨當一面 | dú dāng yī miàn | to assume personal responsibility (idiom); to take charge of a section | |
| 独断专行 | 獨斷專行 | dú duàn zhuān xíng | to decide and act alone (idiom); to take arbitrary action ; a law unto oneself | de manière arbitraire |
| 独断独行 | 獨斷獨行 | dú duàn dú xíng | to decide and act alone (idiom); to take arbitrary action ; a law unto oneself | |
| 独来独往 | 獨來獨往 | dú lái dú wǎng | coming and going alone (idiom); a lone operator ; keeping to oneself ; unsociable ; maverick | |
| 独树一帜 | 獨樹一幟 | dú shù yī zhì | lit. to fly one's banner on a solitary tree (idiom); fig. to act as a loner ; to stand out ; to develop one's own school ; to have attitude of one's own | hisser sa propre bannière ; se distinguer par ; faire école |
| 独立自主 | 獨立自主 | dú lì zì zhǔ | independent and autonomous (idiom); self-determination ; to act independently ; to maintain control over one's own affairs | |
| 独胆英雄 | 獨膽英雄 | dú dǎn yīng xióng | bold and courageous hero (idiom) | |
| 独行其是 | 獨行其是 | dú xíng qí shì | to go one's own way (idiom); to act independently without asking others | |
| 独辟蹊径 | 獨辟蹊徑 | dú pì xī jìng | to blaze a new trail (idiom); to display originality | |
| 独霸一方 | 獨霸一方 | dú bà yī fāng | to exercise sole hegemony (idiom); to dominate a whole area (market, resources etc) ; to hold as one's personal fiefdom | |
| 狼号鬼哭 | 狼號鬼哭 | láng háo guǐ kū | lit. wolves howling, devils groaning (idiom); pathetic screams | |
| 狼吞虎咽 | 狼吞虎咽 | láng tūn hǔ yàn | to wolf down one's food (idiom); to devour ravenously ; to gorge oneself | engloutir, dévorer sa nourriture ; manger comme un ogre ; bouffer comme un chancre, un morfale (idiome) |
| 狼奔豕突 | 狼奔豕突 | láng bēn shǐ tū | the wolf runs and the wild boar rushes (idiom); crowds of evil-doers mill around like wild beasts | |
| 狼子野心 | 狼子野心 | láng zǐ yě xīn | ambition of wild wolves (idiom); rapacious designs | ambition sournoise (ou effrénée) ; folle ambition |
| 狼烟四起 | 狼煙四起 | láng yān sì qǐ | fire beacons on all sides (idiom); enveloped in the flames of war | (idiome) Les fumées d'alarme se font voir de toutes parts |
| 狼狈为奸 | 狼狽為奸 | láng bèi wéi jiān | villains collude together (idiom); to work hand in glove with sb (to nefarious ends) | |
| 狼顾 | 狼顧 | láng gù | to look out for the wolf ; taking care to watch one's back | |
| 猫哭老鼠 | 貓哭老鼠 | māo kū lǎo shǔ | the cat weeps for the dead mouse (idiom); hypocritical pretence of condolence ; crocodile tears | |
| 猫哭耗子 | 貓哭耗子 | māo kū hào zi | the cat weeps for the dead mouse (idiom); hypocritical pretence of condolence ; crocodile tears | |
| 献出 | 獻出 | xiàn chū | to offer ; to give (as tribute) ; to devote (one's life) ; to sacrifice (oneself) | |
| 献身 | 獻身 | xiàn shēn | to commit one's energy to ; to devote oneself to ; to sacrifice one's life for | se consacrer à; se donner à; |
| 献身殉职 | 獻身殉職 | xiàn shēn xùn zhí | to sacrifice one's life in the line of duty | |
| 率兽食人 | 率獸食人 | shuài shòu shí rén | lit. to lead beasts to eat the people (idiom); fig. tyrannical government oppresses the people | |
| 率尔操觚 | 率爾操觚 | shuài ěr cāo gū | to compose in off-hand way (idiom); to dash off | |
| 率由卓章 | 率由卓章 | shuài yóu zhuó zhāng | (idiom); conservative | |
| 玉洁冰清 | 玉潔冰清 | yù jié bīng qīng | clear as ice and clean as jade (idiom); spotless ; irreproachable ; incorruptible | |
| 玉珉 | 玉珉 | yù mín | jade and jade-like stone ; impossible to distinguish the genuine from the fake (idiom) | |
| 玉石俱焚 | 玉石俱焚 | yù shí jù fén | to burn both jade and common stone ; to destroy indiscriminately (idiom) | Pièce de jade, bloc de pierre, tout est la proie des flammes. Bons et méchants enveloppés tous dans le même malheur. |
| 玉露如珠 | 玉露如珠 | yù lù rú zhū | jade dew like pearls (idiom) | |
| 王顾左右而言他 | 王顧左右而言他 | wáng gù zuǒ yòu ér yán tā | the king looked left and right and then talked of other things ; to digress from the topic of discussion (idiom) | |
| 玩世不恭 | 玩世不恭 | wán shì bù gōng | to trifle without respect (idiom); to despise worldly conventions ; frivolous | |
| 玩儿命 | 玩兒命 | wán r mìng | to gamble with life ; to take reckless risks | |
| 玩火自焚 | 玩火自焚 | wán huǒ zì fén | to play with fire and get burnt (idiom); fig. to play with evil and suffer the consequences ; to get one's fingers burnt | |
| 玩物丧志 | 玩物喪志 | wán wù sàng zhì | lit. trifling destroys the will (idiom); infatuation with fine details prevents one making progress ; excessive attention to trivia saps the will | |
| 现世 | 現世 | xiàn shì | this life ; to lose face ; to be disgraced | |
| 现学现用 | 現學現用 | xiàn xué xiàn yòng | to immediately put into practice something one has just learned (idiom) | |
| 现量相违 | 現量相違 | xiàn liàng xiāng wéi | to not fit one’s perception of sth (idiom) | |
| 珉玉杂淆 | 珉玉雜淆 | mín yù zá xiáo | scholars of various talents (idiom) | |
| 珍馐美味 | 珍饈美味 | zhēn xiū měi wèi | delicacy and fine taste (idiom); a wonderful treat | |
| 珍馐美馔 | 珍饈美饌 | zhēn xiū měi zhuàn | delicacy and fine taste (idiom); a wonderful treat | |
| 珠流璧转 | 珠流璧轉 | zhū liú bì zhuǎn | lit. pearl flows, jade moves on (idiom); fig. the passage of time ; water under the bridge | |
| 珠玉在侧 | 珠玉在側 | zhū yù zài cè | gems at the side (idiom); flanked by genius | |
| 珠联璧合 | 珠聯璧合 | zhū lián bì hé | string of pearl and jade (idiom); ideal combination ; perfect pair | |
| 班荆相对 | 班荊相對 | bān jīng xiāng duì | to treat sb with courtesy (idiom) | |
| 班门弄斧 | 班門弄斧 | bān mén nòng fǔ | to display one's slight skill before an expert (idiom) | manier la hache devant la porte du maître charpentier Lu Ban; apprendre aux poissons à nager; étaler son peu de savoir devant un éminent maître en la matière; |
| 理屈词穷 | 理屈詞窮 | lǐ qū cí qióng | faulty argument and poor rhetoric (idiom); unable to put forward any convincing arguments ; without a leg to stand on | |
| 理所当然 | 理所當然 | lǐ suǒ dāng rán | as it should be by rights (idiom); proper and to be expected as a matter of course ; inevitable and right | certainement |
| 理直气壮 | 理直氣壯 | lǐ zhí qì zhuàng | in the right and self-confident (idiom); bold and confident with justice on one's side ; to have the courage of one's convictions ; just and forceful | être fort de son droit; être dans le vrai et avoir pleine confiance en soi-même; parler (ou : répliquer) d'un ton péremptoire |
| 琳琅满目 | 琳瑯滿目 | lín láng mǎn mù | glittering jewels to delight the eye (idiom) ; fig. a dazzling line-up | riche collection d'objets d'art; |
| 琴剑飘零 | 琴劍飄零 | qín jiàn piāo líng | floating between zither and sword (idiom); fig. wandering aimlessly with no tenured position | |
| 琼楼玉宇 | 瓊樓玉宇 | qióng lóu yù yǔ | bejeweled jade palace (idiom); sumptuous dwelling | |
| 琼浆玉液 | 瓊漿玉液 | qióng jiāng yù yè | bejeweled nectar (idiom); ambrosia of the immortals ; superb liquor ; top quality wine | |
| 瑕不掩瑜 | 瑕不掩瑜 | xiá bù yǎn yú | lit. a blemish does not obscure jade's luster ; the pros outweigh the cons (idiom) | |
| 璀璨夺目 | 璀璨奪目 | cuǐ càn duó mù | dazzling (idiom) | |
| 瓜熟蒂落 | 瓜熟蒂落 | guā shú dì luò | when the melon is ripe, it falls (idiom); problems sort themselves out in the fullness of time | |
| 瓮中之鳖 | 甕中之鱉 | wèng zhōng zhī biē | lit. like a turtle in a jar ; to be trapped (idiom) | comme une tortue dans une jarre (elle ne peut échapper) (idiome) |
| 瓮中捉鳖 | 甕中捉鳖 | wèng zhōng zhuō biē | lit. to catch a turtle in a jar ; to chase easy prey (idiom) | |
| 瓮声瓮气 | 甕声甕气 | wèng shēng wèng qì | to speak in a low muffled voice (idiom) | |
| 甘之如饴 | 甘之如飴 | gān zhī rú yí | lit. as sweet as syrup (idiom, from Book of Songs); to endure hardship gladly ; a glutton for punishment | |
| 甘心情愿 | 甘心情願 | gān xīn qíng yuàn | willingly and gladly (idiom) | (idiome) volontiers et avec plaisir |
| 甘言蜜语 | 甘言蜜語 | gān yán mì yǔ | sweet speech and honeyed words ; hypocritical flattery (idiom) ; see also 甜言蜜語|甜言蜜语[tian2 yan2 mi4 yu3] | |
| 甚嚣尘上 | 甚囂塵上 | shèn xiāo chén shàng | clamor raises the dust (idiom); a tremendous clamor ; to raise a tremendous stink | clameur soulève la poussière (idiom); une immense clameur; soulever une énorme puanteur |
| 甜言密语 | 甜言密語 | tián yán mì yǔ | sweet words and honeyed phrases (idiom); elegant but insincere words ; cheating wheedling ; dishonest rhetoric | |
| 甜言美语 | 甜言美語 | tián yán měi yǔ | sweet words, beautiful phrases (idiom); hypocritical flattery | |
| 甜言蜜语 | 甜言蜜語 | tián yán mì yǔ | sweet speech and honeyed words (idiom); hypocritical flattery | paroles mielleuses (doucereuses) ; belles paroles (idiome) |
| 生 | 生 | shēng | to be born ; to give birth ; life ; to grow ; raw, uncooked | vie; existence ; élève; cru ; inconnu; étranger; accoucher; naître ; pousser ; vivre; |
| 生不逢时 | 生不逢時 | shēng bù féng shí | born at the wrong time (idiom); unlucky (esp. to complain about one's fate) ; born under an unlucky star ; ahead of his time | |
| 生于优患，死于安乐 | 生於優患，死於安樂 | shēng yú yōu huàn , sǐ yú ān lè | thrive in calamity and perish in soft living ; life springs from sorrow and calamity, death comes from ease and pleasure (idiom) | |
| 生产自救 | 生產自救 | shēng chǎn zì jiù | self-help (idiom) | |
| 生养 | 生養 | shēng yǎng | to bring up (children) ; to raise ; to bear | |
| 生前 | 生前 | shēng qián | during one's life ; while living ; one's lifetime | de son vivant; de son vivant |
| 生吞活剥 | 生吞活剝 | shēng tūn huó bō | to swallow whole (idiom); fig. to apply uncritically | |
| 生命 | 生命 | shēng mìng | life ; living ; biological | vie; |
| 生命不息，战斗不止 | 生命不息，戰鬥不止 | shēng mìng bù xī , zhàn dòu bù zhǐ | while there is life, the fight continues (idiom); to fight to the last | |
| 生命周期 | 生命週期 | shēng mìng zhōu qī | life cycle | cycle de vie |
| 生命在于运动 | 生命在於運動 | shēng mìng zài yú yùn dòng | life is motion (popular saying with many possible interpretations) ; Physical effort is vital for our bodies to function (Aristotle). ; Life derives from physical exercise. | |
| 生命延续 | 生命延續 | shēng mìng yán xù | life | |
| 生命期望 | 生命期望 | shēng mìng qī wàng | life | espérance de vie |
| 生命的遗迹 | 生命的遺跡 | shēng mìng de yí jī | trace of life ; vestige of life | |
| 生命科学 | 生命科學 | shēng mìng kē xué | life sciences | sciences de la Vie |
| 生命素质 | 生命素質 | shēng mìng sù zhì | quality of life | |
| 生命迹象 | 生命跡象 | shēng mìng jī xiàng | sign of life | |
| 生平 | 生平 | shēng píng | one's entire life | vie; biographie; |
| 生态 | 生態 | shēng tài | way of life ; ecology | écologie; |
| 生拉活扯 | 生拉活扯 | shēng lā huó chě | to wildly exaggerate the meaning of sth (idiom) | |
| 生机 | 生機 | shēng jī | opportunity to live ; to reprieve from death ; life force ; vitality | |
| 生杀大权 | 生殺大權 | shēng shā dà quán | life-and-death power ; ultimate power | |
| 生死 | 生死 | shēng sǐ | life or death | la vie et la mort; |
| 生死关头 | 生死關頭 | shēng sǐ guān tóu | the critical moment ; life and death crisis | |
| 生死存亡 | 生死存亡 | shēng sǐ cún wáng | matter of life and death | |
| 生死攸关 | 生死攸關 | shēng sǐ yōu guān | matter of life and death | |
| 生死肉骨 | 生死肉骨 | shēng sǐ ròu gǔ | lit. the dead returning to life ; a miracle (idiom) | |
| 生活 | 生活 | shēng huó | life ; activity ; to live ; livelihood | vie; existence; vivre; exister; |
| 生活形态 | 生活形態 | shēng huó xíng tài | life pattern ; ecology | |
| 生活方式 | 生活方式 | shēng huó fāng shì | way of life ; lifestyle | |
| 生活素质 | 生活素質 | shēng huó sù zhì | quality of life | |
| 生活资料 | 生活資料 | shēng huó zī liào | consumer goods ; means of livelihood ; means of subsistence ; documents relating to sb's life | |
| 生灭 | 生滅 | shēng miè | life and death | |
| 生炒热卖 | 生炒熱賣 | shēng chǎo rè mài | to sell while it's still hot (idiom); fig. in a great hurry to publish or sell (and no time to improve the product) | |
| 生物 | 生物 | shēng wù | organism ; living creature ; life form ; biological | être vivants ; biologie; |
| 生猛 | 生猛 | shēng měng | full of life ; violent ; brave ; fresh (of seafood) | |
| 生离死别 | 生離死別 | shēng lí sǐ bié | separated in life and death ; to part for ever | |
| 生米做成熟饭 | 生米做成熟飯 | shēng mǐ zuò chéng shú fàn | lit. the raw rice is now cooked (idiom); fig. it is done and can't be changed ; It's too late to change anything now. ; also written 生米煮成熟飯|生米煮成熟饭 | (idiom) le riz est cuit; ce qui est fait est fait ; il est trop tard pour changer quoi que ce soit |
| 生米煮成熟饭 | 生米煮成熟飯 | shēng mǐ zhǔ chéng shú fàn | the rice is cooked ; what's done is done ; it's too late to change anything now (idiom) | (idiom) le riz est cuit; ce qui est fait est fait ; il est trop tard pour changer quoi que ce soit |
| 生米熟饭 | 生米熟飯 | shēng mǐ shú fàn | abbr. for 生米煮成熟飯|生米煮成熟饭, lit. the raw rice is now cooked (idiom); fig. it is done and can't be changed ; It's too late to change anything now. | (idiom) riz cru est maintenant cuit; ce qui est fait ne peut être annulée; il est trop tard pour changer quoi que ce soit |
| 生育 | 生育 | shēng yù | to bear ; to give birth ; to grow ; to rear ; to bring up (children) | enfanter; engendrer; |
| 生荣死哀 | 生榮死哀 | shēng róng sǐ āi | to be respected in life and lamented in death (idiom) | |
| 生财有道 | 生財有道 | shēng cái yǒu dào | lit. there are principles behind making money (idiom); fig. to have a knack for good business ; knowing how to accumulate wealth ; good at feathering one's own nest | |
| 生路 | 生路 | shēng lù | lit. the path to life ; way out of a predicament | |
| 用武之地 | 用武之地 | yòng wǔ zhī dì | ample scope for abilities ; favorable position for the use of one's skills (idiom) | |
| 甩包袱 | 甩包袱 | shuǎi bāo fu | lit. to fling off a bundle ; fig. to abandon one's responsibility for sth ; to wash one's hands of the matter | |
| 电光朝露 | 電光朝露 | diàn guāng zhāo lù | flash of lightning, morning dew (idiom); fig. ephemeral ; impermanent | |
| 男儿有泪不轻弹 | 男兒有淚不輕彈 | nán ér yǒu lèi bù qīng tán | real men do not easily cry (idiom) | (idiome) les vrais hommes ne pleurent pas facilement |
| 画图 | 畫圖 | huà tú | to draw designs, maps etc ; picture (e.g. of life in the city) | |
| 画荻教子 | 畫荻教子 | huà dí jiào zǐ | to arrange reed figures to teach reading (idiom); mother's admirable dedication to her children's education | |
| 画虎类犬 | 畫虎類犬 | huà hǔ lèi quǎn | drawing a tiger like a dog (idiom); to make a fool of oneself by excessive ambition | |
| 画蛇添足 | 畫蛇添足 | huà shé tiān zú | lit. draw legs on a snake (idiom); fig. to ruin the effect by adding sth superfluous ; to overdo it | ajouter des pattes au serpent qu'on vient de dessiner; superfétation; amplification inutile; c'est la cinquième roue d'un carrosse |
| 画饼充饥 | 畫餅充飢 | huà bǐng chōng jī | lit. to allay one's hunger using a picture of a cake ; to feed on illusions (idiom) | |
| 画龙点睛 | 畫龍點睛 | huà lóng diǎn jīng | to paint a dragon and dot in the eyes (idiom); fig. to add the vital finishing touch ; the crucial point that brings the subject to life ; a few words to clinch the point | |
| 畅所欲言 | 暢所慾言 | chàng suǒ yù yán | lit. fluently saying all one wants (idiom); to preach freely on one's favorite topic ; to hold forth to one's heart's content | dire ce qu'on a à dire; vider son sac; |
| 畏缩不前 | 畏縮不前 | wèi suō bù qián | to shrink back in fear (idiom); too cowardly to advance | |
| 畏首畏尾 | 畏首畏尾 | wèi shǒu wèi wěi | afraid of the head, terrified of the tail (idiom); ever fearful and nervous ; afraid of the slightest thing | être indécis (timoré); avoir des doutes et des craintes sur toute chose; voir les obstacles partout; |
| 留一手 | 留一手 | liú yī shǒu | to hold back a trick ; not to divulge all one's trade secrets | |
| 留得青山在，不怕没柴烧 | 留得青山在，不怕沒柴燒 | liú de qīng shān zài , bù pà méi chái shāo | While the green hills last, there'll be wood to burn (idiom). Where there's life there's hope. | |
| 留成 | 留成 | liú chéng | a retained portion (of a sum of money) ; to hold back a percentage (of the takings) | |
| 留成儿 | 留成兒 | liú chéng r | a retained portion (of a sum of money) ; to hold back a percentage (of the takings) | |
| 留种 | 留種 | liú zhǒng | to keep a seed stock ; seed held back for planting | |
| 略见一斑 | 略見一斑 | l//v//è jiàn yī bān | to glimpse one spot (idiom); to judge at a single glance ; anecdotal evidence | |
| 略迹原情 | 略跡原情 | l//v//è jì yuán qíng | to overlook past faults (idiom); to forgive and forget | (idiome) oublier les fautes passées; pardonner et oublier |
| 疏不见亲 | 疏不見親 | shū bù jiàn qīn | lit. casual aquaintances should not come between relatives ; blood is thicker than water (idiom) | |
| 疏水箪瓢 | 疏水簞瓢 | shū shuǐ dān piáo | little water and few utensils ; to live a frugal life (idiom) | |
| 疏而不漏 | 疏而不漏 | shū ér bù lòu | loose, but allows no escape (idiom, from Laozi 老子); the way of Heaven is fair, but the guilty will not escape | |
| 疏财仗义 | 疏財仗義 | shū cái zhàng yì | distributing money, fighting for virtue (idiom); fig. generous in helping the needy | |
| 疏财重义 | 疏財重義 | shū cái zhòng yì | distributing money, supporting virtue (idiom); fig. to give generously in a public cause | |
| 疮痍满目 | 瘡痍滿目 | chuāng yí mǎn mù | lit. bumps and bruises everywhere (idiom); fig. an ugly shambles ; devastation everywhere | |
| 疲于奔命 | 疲於奔命 | pí yú bēnmìng | lit. tired of constantly running for one's life (idiom); terribly busy ; up to one's ears in work | (phrase) être tout le temps à courir; être surchargé de besognes; ne pas avoir un instant de répit; |
| 疾恶如仇 | 疾惡如仇 | jí wù rú chóu | hating evil as an enemy (idiom); to hate the wicked as personal foes | |
| 疾风劲草 | 疾風勁草 | jí fēng jìng cǎo | the storm put strong grass to the test (idiom); fig. troubled times test a faithful minister ; to show one's true colors after a stern test | |
| 疾风知劲草 | 疾風知勁草 | jí fēng zhī jìng cǎo | the storm put strong grass to the test (idiom); fig. troubled times test a faithful minister ; to show one's true colors after a stern test ; also written 疾風勁草|疾风劲草 | |
| 疾风知劲草，烈火见真金 | 疾風知勁草，烈火見真金 | jí fēng zhī jìn cǎo , liè huǒ jiàn zhēn jīn | the storm put strong grass to the test, fire tests true gold (idiom); fig. troubled times test a faithful minister ; to show one's true colors after a stern test | |
| 病从口入 | 病從口入 | bìng cóng kǒu rù | Illness enters by the mouth (idiom). Mind what you eat! ; fig. A loose tongue may cause a lot of trouble. | |
| 病从口入，祸从口出 | 病從口入，禍從口出 | bìng cóng kǒu rù , huò cóng kǒu chū | Illness enters by the mouth, trouble comes out by the mouth (idiom). A loose tongue may cause a lot of trouble. | |
| 病入膏肓 | 病入膏肓 | bìng rù gāo huāng | lit. the disease has attacked the vitals (idiom); fig. beyond cure ; the situation is hopeless | être malade à la dernière extrémité; être atteint d'une maladie incurable; être miné par une maladie incurable; maladie mortelle; |
| 病急乱投医 | 病急亂投醫 | bìng jí luàn tóu yī | lit. to turn to any doctor one can find when critically ill (idiom); fig. to try anyone or anything in a crisis | |
| 病来如山倒，病去如抽丝 | 病來如山倒，病去如抽絲 | bìng lái rú shān dǎo , bìng qù rú chōu sī | sickness comes like a landslide, but goes slowly like spinning silk (idiom); expect to convalesce slowly | |
| 病民害国 | 病民害國 | bìng mín hài guó | to damage the people and harm the country (idiom) | |
| 病民蛊国 | 病民蠱國 | bìng mín gǔ guó | to damage the people and harm the country (idiom) | |
| 痛改前非 | 痛改前非 | tòng gǎi qián fēi | completely correcting one's former misdeeds (idiom); to repent past mistakes and turn over a new leaf ; a reformed character | |
| 痴人痴福 | 痴人痴福 | chī rén chī fú | a fool suffers foolish fortune (idiom) | |
| 痴心妄想 | 癡心妄想 | chī xīn wàng xiǎng | to labor under a delusion (idiom); wishful thinking ; trad. form 痴心妄想 also used | |
| 瘦骨嶙峋 | 瘦骨嶙峋 | shòu gǔ lín xún | skinny; emaciated (idiom) | |
| 登庸人才 | 登庸人才 | dēng yōng rén cái | to employ talent (idiom) | |
| 登高望远 | 登高望遠 | dēng gāo wàng yuǎn | to stand tall and see far (idiom); taking the long and broad view ; acute foresight | |
| 白头偕老 | 白頭偕老 | bái tóu xié lǎo | (to live together until the) white hairs of old age (idiom); to live to a ripe old age in conjugal bliss ; until death do us part | |
| 白头到老 | 白頭到老 | bái tóu dào lǎo | (to live together until the) white hairs of old age (idiom); to live to a ripe old age in conjugal bliss ; until death do us part | |
| 白旄黄钺 | 白旄黃鉞 | bái máo huáng yuè | white banner and yellow battle-ax (idiom); refers to military expedition | |
| 白苋紫茄 | 白莧紫茄 | bái xiàn zǐ qié | white amaranth, purple eggplant (idiom); common foodstuff, unpretentious lifestyle | |
| 白费唇舌 | 白費唇舌 | bái fèi chún shé | to whistle down the wind ; to waste one’s breath (idiom) | |
| 白面书生 | 白面書生 | bái miàn shū shēng | lit. pale-faced scholar (idiom); young and inexperienced person without practical experience ; still wet behind the ears | étudiant au visage pâle; jeune intellectuel sans expérience; |
| 白驹过隙 | 白駒過隙 | bái jū guò xì | a white steed flits past a crack (idiom); How time flies! | |
| 百不咋 | 百不咋 | bǎi bù za | of no consequence (idiom) | |
| 百事俱废 | 百事俱廢 | bǎi shì jù fèi | to go to pot (idiom) | |
| 百卉千葩 | 百卉千葩 | bǎi huì qiān pā | myriad plants and flowers (idiom); rich and colorful | (idiome) d'innombrables plantes et fleurs; riche et coloré |
| 百发百中 | 百發百中 | bǎi fā bǎi zhòng | lit. one hundred shots, one hundred hits ; to carry out a task with great precision ; to shoot with unfailing accuracy ; be a crack shot (idiom) | faire mouche à tous les coups; Toutes les flèches décochées sont au centre de la cible.Autant de coups de partis,autant de buts atteints.; |
| 百姿千态 | 百姿千態 | bǎi zī qiān tài | in different poses and with different expressions ; in thousands of postures (idiom) | |
| 百家争鸣 | 百家爭鳴 | bǎi jiā zhēng míng | a hundred schools of thought contend (idiom); refers to the classical philosophic schools of the Warring States period 475-221 BC | Que cent écoles rivalisent; |
| 百尺竿头，更尽一步 | 百尺竿頭，更盡一步 | bǎi chǐ gān tóu , gèng jìn yī bù | lit. hundred foot pole, progress still further (idiom); fig. much accomplished, still some work to do ; to continue to further successes ; not to rest on one's laurels | |
| 百年树人 | 百年樹人 | bǎi nián shù rén | It takes ten years to nurture a tree, but a hundred years to train a man (idiom). A good education program takes a long time to develop. ; refers to the idiom 十年樹木,百年樹人|十年树 | (idiome) Il faut dix ans pour nourrir un arbre, mais une centaine d'années pour former un homme |
| 百废俱兴 | 百廢俱興 | bǎi fèi jù xīng | all neglected tasks are being undertaken (idiom) ; work is now underway | reconstruire,entreprendre à la fois tout ce qui a été délaiss; |
| 百废待举 | 百廢待舉 | bǎi fèi dài jǔ | many things waiting to be done (idiom) ; a thousand things to do | |
| 百废待兴 | 百廢待興 | bǎi fèi dài xīng | many things waiting to be done (idiom) ; a thousand things to do | |
| 百弊丛生 | 百弊叢生 | bǎi bì cóng shēng | All the ill effects appear. (idiom) | |
| 百战不殆 | 百戰不殆 | bǎi zhàn bù dài | to come unscathed through a hundred battles (idiom, from Sunzi's Art of War 孫子兵法|孙子兵法[Sun1 zi3 Bing1 fa3]); to win every fight | |
| 百无禁忌 | 百無禁忌 | bǎi wú jìn jì | all taboos are off (idiom); anything goes ; nothing is taboo | |
| 百无聊赖 | 百無聊賴 | bǎi wú liáo lài | bored to death (idiom) ; bored stiff ; overcome with boredom | être rongé d'ennui; s'ennuyer à mourir; se sentir vide; las de tout; lasse de tout; |
| 百般刁难 | 百般刁難 | bǎi bān diāo nán | to put up innumerable obstacles ; to create all kinds of difficulties (idiom) | |
| 百般巴结 | 百般巴結 | bǎi bān bā jié | to flatter someone in a hundred different ways ; assiduous fawning (idiom) | |
| 百花齐放 | 百花齊放 | bǎi huā qí fàng | a hundred flowers bloom (idiom); let the arts have free expression | (phrase) Que cent fleurs éclosent; libre expression de courants artistiques variés; |
| 百花齐放，百家争鸣 | 百花齊放，百家爭鳴 | bǎi huā qí fàng , bǎi jiā zhēng míng | a hundred flowers bloom, a hundred schools of thought contend (idiom); refers to the classical philosophic schools of the Warring States period 475-221 BC, but adopted for Mao's campaign of 1956 | |
| 百计千方 | 百計千方 | bǎi jì qiān fāng | to exhaust every means to achieve sth (idiom) | |
| 百闻不如一见 | 百聞不如一見 | bǎi wén bù rú yī jiàn | seeing once is better than hearing a hundred times (idiom); seeing for oneself is better than hearing from many others ; seeing is believing | Il vaut mieux voir une fois de ses propres yeux que d'entendre parler cent fois.Il faut le voir pour le croire.; |
| 皇亲国戚 | 皇親國戚 | huáng qīn guó qī | the emperor relatives (idiom); person with powerful connections | (idiome) parents de l'empereur; personne ayant des relations importantes |
| 皇天不负苦心人 | 皇天不負苦心人 | huáng tiān bù fù kǔ xīn rén | Heaven will not disappoint the person who tries (idiom). If you try hard, you're bound to succeed eventually. | |
| 皇天后土 | 皇天后土 | huáng tiān hòu tǔ | heaven and earth (idiom) | |
| 皎皎者易污 | 皎皎者易污 | jiǎo jiǎo zhě yì wū | Virtue is easily sullied. (idiom) | |
| 皓首苍颜 | 皓首蒼顏 | hào shǒu cāng yán | white hair and gray sunken cheeks (idiom); decrepit old age | |
| 皓齿明眸 | 皓齒明眸 | hào chǐ míng móu | white teeth and bright eyes (idiom); lovely young woman | |
| 皓齿朱唇 | 皓齒硃唇 | hào chǐ zhū chún | white teeth and vermilion lips (idiom); lovely young woman | |
| 皮开肉绽 | 皮開肉綻 | pí kāi ròu zhàn | flogging-lacerated skin (idiom) | |
| 盂方水方 | 盂方水方 | yú fāng shuǐ fāng | If the basin is square, the water in it will also be square. (idiom) | |
| 益胃生津 | 益胃生津 | yì wèi shēng jīn | to benefit the stomach and increase fluids (idiom) | |
| 盖棺定论 | 蓋棺定論 | gài guān dìng lùn | definitive conclusion on the coffin lid (idiom); You can only judge a person's merits or demerits after death. ; don't pass judgment until you've seen the end | |
| 盖棺论定 | 蓋棺論定 | gài guān lùn dìng | definitive conclusion on the coffin lid (idiom); You can only judge a person's merits or demerits after death. ; don't pass judgment until you've seen the end | |
| 盘旋曲折 | 盤旋曲折 | pán xuán qū zhé | lit. windy and circuitous ; difficult (idiom) | |
| 盘根究底 | 盤根究底 | pán gēn jiū dǐ | lit. to examine roots and inquire at the base (idiom); to get to the bottom of sth | |
| 盘根错节 | 盤根錯節 | pán gēn cuò jié | twisted roots and intertwined joints (idiom); complicated and very tricky ; knotty and deeply-rooted difficulties | (phrase) très compliqué; difficile à résoudre; embrouillé; |
| 盘根问底 | 盤根問底 | pán gēn wèn dǐ | lit. to examine roots and inquire at the base (idiom); to get to the bottom of sth | |
| 盘龙卧虎 | 盤龍臥虎 | pán lóng wò hǔ | coiled dragon, crouching tiger (idiom); fig. talented individuals in hiding ; concealed talent | |
| 盛年 | 盛年 | shèng nián | the prime of one's life | |
| 盟山誓海 | 盟山誓海 | méng shān shì hǎi | to pledge undying love (idiom); oath of eternal love ; to swear by all the Gods | |
| 盥 | 盥 | guàn | wash (especially hands) | se laver la figure et les mains; faire la toilette; |
| 目不交睫 | 目不交睫 | mù bù jiāo jié | lit. the eyelashes cannot come together (idiom); fig. unable to sleep | |
| 目不忍见 | 目不忍見 | mù bù rěn jiàn | lit. the eye cannot bear to see it (idiom); a scene too pitiful to behold | |
| 目不忍视 | 目不忍視 | mù bù rěn shì | lit. the eye cannot bear to see it (idiom); a scene too pitiful to behold | |
| 目不暇接 | 目不暇接 | mù bùxiá jiē | lit. too much for the eye to take in (idiom); a feast for the eyes | n'avoir pas le temps de promener ses regards sur toutes les belles choses; une profusion (ou: succession) d'objets précieux s'offre à sa vue; |
| 目不暇给 | 目不暇給 | mù bù xiá gěi | the eye cannot take it all in (idiom); too many good things to see ; a feast for the eyes | |
| 目不窥园 | 目不窺園 | mù bù kuī yuán | lit. not even peek at the garden ; fig. to be absorbed in one's studies (idiom) | |
| 目不见睫 | 目不見睫 | mù bù jiàn jié | lit. the eye cannot see the eyelashes (idiom); fig. unable to see one's own faults ; to lack self-awareness ; truths too close to home | |
| 目不识丁 | 目不識丁 | mù bù shí dīng | lit. the eye cannot recognize the letter T (idiom); totally illiterate | être illettré, analphabète |
| 目不转睛 | 目不轉睛 | mù bù zhuǎn jīng | unable to take one's eyes off (idiom); to gaze steadily ; to stare | fixer ses regards sur ; dévorer des yeux ; regarder sans quitter des yeux |
| 目中无人 | 目中無人 | mù zhōng wú rén | to consider everyone else beneath one (idiom); so arrogant that no-one else matters ; condescending ; to go about with one's nose in the air | ne pas daigner regarder les gens; regarder quelqu'un par-dessus l'épaule; avoir un air dédaigneux; être hautain |
| 目光呆滞 | 目光呆滯 | mù guāng dāi zhì | to have a lifeless look in one’s eyes (idiom) | |
| 目怔口呆 | 目怔口呆 | mù zhēng kǒu dāi | lit. eye startled, mouth struck dumb (idiom); stunned ; stupefied | |
| 目挑心招 | 目挑心招 | mù tiǎo xīn zhāo | the eye incites, the heart invites (idiom); flirtatious ; making eyes at sb | |
| 目无光泽 | 目無光澤 | mù wú guāng zé | to have eyes without luster (idiom) | |
| 目无全牛 | 目無全牛 | mù wú quán niú | to see the ox already cut up into joints (idiom); extremely skilled ; able to see through the problem at one glance | |
| 目无法纪 | 目無法紀 | mù wú fǎ jì | with no regard for law or discipline (idiom); flouting the law and disregarding all rules ; in complete disorder | faire fi des lois et de la discipline ; méconnaître les lois et la discipline |
| 目眩神迷 | 目眩神迷 | mù xuàn shén mí | to be dazzled and stunned (idiom) | |
| 目瞪口呆 | 目瞪口呆 | mù dèng kǒu dāi | dumbstruck (idiom); stupefied ; stunned | rester bouche bée; être frappé de stupeur; être abasourdi, ahuri, stupéfait, ébahi; |
| 目空一切 | 目空一切 | mù kōng yī qiè | the eye can see nothing worthwhile all around (idiom); arrogant ; condescending ; supercilious | ne trouver rien qui soit digne de son regard ; se placer au-dessus de tout ; être arrogant ; se croire supérieur à tout le monde |
| 目空四海 | 目空四海 | mù kōng sì hǎi | the eye can see nothing worthwhile all around (idiom); arrogant ; condescending ; supercilious | |
| 目迷五色 | 目迷五色 | mù mí wǔ sè | the eye is bewildered by five colors (idiom); a dazzling riot of colors | |
| 盲人摸象 | 盲人摸象 | máng rén mō xiàng | blind people touch an elephant (idiom, from Nirvana sutra 大般涅槃經|大般涅盘经[da4 ban1 Nie4 pan2 jing1]); fig. unable to see the big picture ; to mistake the part for the whole ; unable to see | |
| 直情径行 | 直情徑行 | zhí qíng jìng xíng | straightforward and honest in one's actions (idiom) | (idiome) simple et honnête dans ses actions |
| 直截了当 | 直截了當 | zhí jié liǎo dàng | direct and plain speaking (idiom); blunt ; straightforward | franc-parler; direct |
| 直来直去 | 直來直去 | zhí lái zhí qù | there and back without delay | aller et retour sans retard |
| 直言不讳 | 直言不諱 | zhí yán bù huì | straight talk, nothing taboo (idiom); frank and straightforward ; to speak bluntly without euphemism | déballage; franc-parler; déballer; appeler |
| 直言无讳 | 直言無諱 | zhí yán wú huì | to speak one’s mind ; to speak candidly (idiom) | |
| 直道而行 | 直道而行 | zhí dào ér xíng | lit. to go straight (idiom, from Analects); to act with integrity | |
| 相亲相爱 | 相親相愛 | xiāng qīn xiāng ài | to be kind and love one another (idiom); bound by deep emotions | |
| 相体裁衣 | 相體裁衣 | xiàng tǐ cái yī | lit. tailor the clothes to fit the body (idiom); fig. act according to real circumstances | |
| 相向突击 | 相向突擊 | xiāng xiàng tū jī | sudden attack from the opposite direction (idiom) | |
| 相形见绌 | 相形見絀 | xiāng xíng jiàn chù | pale by comparison (idiom) | |
| 相提并论 | 相提并論 | xiāng tí bìng lùn | to discuss two disparate things together (idiom); to mention on equal terms ; to place on a par with ; (often with negatives: impossible to mention X in the same breath as Y) | |
| 相机行事 | 相機行事 | xiāng jī xíng shì | to act as circumstances dictate (idiom) | |
| 相濡以沫 | 相濡以沫 | xiāng rú yǐ mò | to moisten with spittle (idiom); sharing meager resources ; mutual help in humble circumstances | |
| 相见恨晚 | 相見恨晚 | xiāng jiàn hèn wǎn | to regret not having met earlier (idiom); It is nice to meet you finally. ; It feels like we have known each other all along. | |
| 相辅相成 | 相輔相成 | xiāng fǔ xiāng chéng | to complement one another (idiom) | se compléter mutuellement |
| 盼既示复 | 盼既示覆 | pàn jì shì fù | to long for a reply (idiom) | |
| 眉开眼笑 | 眉開眼笑 | méi kāi yǎn xiào | brows raised in delight, eyes laughing (idiom); beaming with joy ; all smiles | |
| 眉来眼去 | 眉來眼去 | méi lái yǎn qù | lit. eyes and eyebrows come and go (idiom); to make eyes ; to exchange flirting glances with sb | (idiome) faire de l'oeil à quelqu'un; faire les yeux doux |
| 看破红尘 | 看破紅塵 | kān pò hóng chén | to see through the world of mortals (idiom, of Buddhist monk) ; disillusioned with human society ; to reject the world for a monastic life | |
| 看菜吃饭 | 看菜吃飯 | kān cài chī fàn | eat depending on the dish (idiom); fig. to act according to actual circumstances ; to live within one's means | |
| 看菜吃饭，量体裁衣 | 看菜吃飯，量體裁衣 | kān cài chī fàn , liáng tǐ cái yī | eat depending on the dish, cut cloth according to the body (idiom); to fit the appetite to the dishes and the dress to the figure ; to act according to actual circumstances ; to live within one's means | |
| 真伪莫辨 | 真偽莫辨 | zhēn wěi mò biàn | can't judge true or false (idiom); unable to distinguish the genuine from the fake ; not to know whether to believe (what one reads in the news) | |
| 真凭实据 | 真憑實據 | zhēn píng shí jù | reliable evidence (idiom); conclusive proof ; definitive evidence | |
| 真刀真枪 | 真刀真槍 | zhēn dāo zhēn qiāng | real swords, real spears (idiom) ; real weapons ; very much for real ; every bit real ; the genuine article | |
| 真心实意 | 真心實意 | zhēn xīn shí yì | genuine and sincere regards (idiom); in good faith | |
| 真情实意 | 真情實意 | zhēn qíng shí yì | out of genuine friendship (idiom) ; sincere feelings | (idiome) sentiments sincères |
| 真是 | 真是 | zhēn shì | (idiom) "it is truly..." | (qui exprime une arrogance, un mécontentement) |
| 真相大白 | 真相大白 | zhēn xiàng dà bái | the whole truth is revealed (idiom); everything becomes clear | |
| 真相毕露 | 真相畢露 | zhēn xiàng bì lù | real face fully revealed (idiom); fig. to unmask and expose the whole truth | |
| 真金不怕火炼 | 真金不怕火煉 | zhēn jīn bù pà huǒ liàn | True gold fears no fire. (idiom) | |
| 眼不见为净 | 眼不見為淨 | yǎn bù jiàn wéi jìng | what remains unseen is deemed to be clean ; what the eye doesn't see, the heart doesn't grieve over (idiom) | |
| 眼不转睛 | 眼不轉睛 | yǎn bù zhuàn jīng | with fixed attention (idiom) | |
| 眼泪横流 | 眼淚橫流 | yǎn lèi hèng liú | to be overflowing with tears (idiom) | |
| 眼皮哭肿 | 眼皮哭腫 | yǎn pí kū zhǒng | to have eyelids swollen from crying ; very unhappy (idiom) | |
| 眼瞎耳聋 | 眼瞎耳聾 | yǎn xiā ěr lóng | to be deaf and blind (idiom) | |
| 眼穿肠断 | 眼穿腸斷 | yǎn chuān cháng duàn | the eyes bore through, the belly hungers (idiom); in eager anticipation ; keenly awaiting | |
| 眼观六路耳听八方 | 眼觀六路耳聽八方 | yǎn guān liù lù ěr tīng bā fāng | lit. the eyes watch six roads and the ears listen in all directions ; to be observant and alert (idiom) | |
| 眼露杀气 | 眼露殺氣 | yǎn lù shā qì | to have a murderous look in one’s eyes (idiom) | |
| 眼馋肚饱 | 眼饞肚飽 | yǎn chán dù bǎo | to have eyes bigger than one’s belly (idiom) | |
| 眼高手低 | 眼高手低 | yǎn gāo shǒu dī | to have high standards but little ability ; to be fastidious but incompetent (idiom) | |
| 着手成春 | 著手成春 | zhuó shǒu chéng chūn | lit. set out and it becomes spring (idiom); to effect a miracle cure (of medical operation) ; to bring back the dead ; once it starts, everything goes well | |
| 着着失败 | 著著失敗 | zhuó zhuó shī bài | to fail at every step of the way (idiom) | |
| 瞎子摸象 | 瞎子摸象 | xiā zi mō xiàng | blind people touch an elephant (idiom, from Nirvana sutra 大般涅槃經|大般涅盘经[da4 ban1 Nie4 pan2 jing1]); fig. unable to see the big picture ; to mistake the part for the whole ; unable to see | |
| 瞒天过海 | 瞞天過海 | mán tiān guò hǎi | to cross the sea under cover ; to escape by a clever vanishing act (idiom) | parvenir à son but dérobé au moyen d'une tromperie; |
| 瞪目凝视 | 瞪目凝視 | dèng mù níng shì | in a catatonic state ; shocked and stunned (idiom) | |
| 瞬息万变 | 瞬息萬變 | shùn xī wàn biàn | in an instant a myriad changes (idiom); rapid substantial change | |
| 瞻前顾后 | 瞻前顧後 | zhān qián gù hòu | to look forward and back ; to consider prudently ; overcautious | regarder en avant et en arrière; considérer avec prudence; frileux; surprudent |
| 瞻顾 | 瞻顧 | zhān gù | to look forward and back cautiously | |
| 矜功不立 | 矜功不立 | jīn gōng bù lì | boasts a lot, but nothing comes of it (idiom) | |
| 知书达理 | 知書達理 | zhī shū dá lǐ | educated and well-balanced (idiom) | |
| 知己知彼 | 知己知彼 | zhī jǐ zhī bǐ | Know yourself, know your enemy (idiom, from Sunzi's Art of War 孫子兵法|孙子兵法[Sun1 zi3 Bing1 fa3]) | (phrase) connais ton adversaire et connais-toi toi-même; se connaître et connaître autrui; |
| 知己知彼，百战不殆 | 知己知彼，百戰不殆 | zhī jǐ zhī bǐ , bǎi zhàn bù dài | Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated (idiom, from Sunzi's Art of War 孫子兵法|孙子兵法[Sun1 zi3 Bing1 fa3]). | |
| 知彼知己 | 知彼知己 | zhī bǐ zhī jǐ | to know the enemy and know oneself (idiom, from Sunzi's Art of War) | |
| 知彼知己，百战不殆 | 知彼知己，百戰不殆 | zhī bǐ zhī jǐ , bǎi zhàn bù dài | Knowing the enemy and yourself will get you unscathed through a hundred battles (idiom, from Sunzi's Art of War). | |
| 知悭识俭 | 知慳識儉 | zhī qiān shí jiǎn | to know how to be economical (idiom) | |
| 知法犯法 | 知法犯法 | zhī fǎ fàn fǎ | to know the law and break it (idiom); consciously going against the rules | |
| 知足常乐 | 知足常樂 | zhī zú cháng lè | satisfied with what one has (idiom) | |
| 知过改过 | 知過改過 | zhī guò gǎi guò | to acknowledge one’s faults and correct them (idiom) | |
| 知难而退 | 知難而退 | zhī nán ér tuì | to sound out the difficulties and retreat to avoid defeat (idiom); fig. to back out of an awkward situation ; to get out on finding out what it's really like | |
| 矫枉过正 | 矯枉過正 | jiǎo wǎng guò zhèng | to over-correct a defect (idiom); to over-compensate ; to push sth too far the other way ; fig. inverse discrimination | |
| 矫枉过直 | 矯枉過直 | jiǎo wǎng guò zhí | to over-correct a defect (idiom); to over-compensate ; to push sth too far the other way ; fig. inverse discrimination | |
| 短中抽长 | 短中抽長 | duǎn zhōng chōu cháng | to make the best of a bad job ; to make the best use of limited resources (idiom) | |
| 短兵相接 | 短兵相接 | duǎn bīng xiāng jiē | lit. short-weaponed soldiery fight one another (idiom); fierce hand-to-hand infantry combat ; to fight at close quarters | combat corps à corps ; lutte serrée |
| 短小精悍 | 短小精悍 | duǎn xiǎo jīng hàn | small but robust (idiom); concise and forceful | petite taille ,mais grande énergie ; court mais concis |
| 矮小精悍 | 矮小精悍 | ǎi xiǎo jīng hàn | short but intrepid (idiom) | |
| 砌词捏控 | 砌詞捏控 | qì cí niē kòng | to make an accusation based on fabricated evidence (idiom) | |
| 砚兄砚弟 | 硯兄硯弟 | yàn xiōng yàn dì | lit. older scholar and younger scholar ; close friends (idiom) | |
| 砚田之食 | 硯田之食 | yàn tián zhī shí | to make a living by writing (idiom) | |
| 破旧立新 | 破舊立新 | pò jiù lì xīn | to get rid of the old to bring in the new (idiom); to innovate | |
| 破涕为笑 | 破涕為笑 | pò tì wéi xiào | to turn tears into laughter (idiom); to turn grief into happiness | |
| 破竹之势 | 破竹之勢 | pò zhú zhī shì | lit. a force to smash bamboo (idiom); fig. irresistible force | |
| 破竹建瓴 | 破竹建瓴 | pò zhú jiàn líng | lit. smash bamboo, overturn water tank (idiom); fig. irresistible force | |
| 破绽 | 破綻 | pò zhàn | hole or tear in cloth ; mistake or gap in a speech or theory (idiom) | défaut ; point faible |
| 破绽百出 | 破綻百出 | pò zhàn bǎi chū | lit. one hundred splits (idiom); fig. full of mistakes (of speech or written article) | |
| 破罐破摔 | 破罐破摔 | pò guàn pò shuāi | lit. to smash a cracked pot (idiom); crazy despair in the face of a blemish, defect, error or setback | |
| 破胆寒心 | 破膽寒心 | pò dǎn hán xīn | lit. to bust guts and freeze the heart (idiom); terrifying ; to scare sb badly | |
| 破釜沉舟 | 破釜沉舟 | pò fǔ chén zhōu | lit. to break the cauldrons and sink the boats (idiom); fig. to cut off one's means of retreat ; to burn one's boats | briser les marmites et faire couler les vaisseaux ; être décidé à vaincre ou à mourir (idiome) |
| 破镜重圆 | 破鏡重圓 | pò jìng chóng yuán | a shattered mirror put back together (idiom) ; (of marriage) to pick up the pieces and start anew ; for a separated couple to reconcile and reunite | se réunir après une longue séparation (ou une rupture) ; époux séparés reprenant la vie commune |
| 破门而入 | 破門而入 | pò mén ér rù | to break the door and enter ; to force a door open (idiom) | forcer la porte |
| 破除迷信 | 破除迷信 | pò chú mí xìn | to eliminate superstition (idiom) | |
| 硕果仅存 | 碩果僅存 | shuò guǒ jǐn cún | only remaining of the great (idiom); one of the few greats extant | personnages éminents encore en vie; Les seules choses de valeur qui restent après le triage; unique exemplaire conservé; |
| 确凿不移 | 確鑿不移 | què záo bù yí | established and irrefutable (idiom) | |
| 碍口识羞 | 礙口識羞 | ài kǒu shí xiū | tongue-tied for fear of embarrassment (idiom) | |
| 碍难从命 | 礙難從命 | ài nán cōng mìng | difficult to obey orders (idiom); much to my embarrassment, I am unable to comply | |
| 碎心裂胆 | 碎心裂膽 | suì xīn liè dǎn | in mortal fear (idiom) | |
| 碧水苍天 | 碧水蒼天 | bì shuǐ cāng tiān | jade waters below and blue heavens above (idiom) | |
| 碧海青天 | 碧海青天 | bì hǎi qīng tiān | green sea, blue sky (idiom); sea and sky merge in one shade ; loneliness of faithful widow | |
| 碧草如茵 | 碧草如茵 | bì cǎo rú yīn | green grass like cushion (idiom); green meadow so inviting to sleep on | |
| 磊落大方 | 磊落大方 | lěi luò dà fāng | to be generous in the extreme (idiom) | |
| 磨嘴皮子 | 磨嘴皮子 | mó zuǐ pí zi | to wear out the skin of one's teeth (idiom); pointlessly blather ; to talk incessant nonsense ; blah blah | |
| 磨杵成针 | 磨杵成針 | mó chǔ chéng zhēn | to grind an iron bar down to a fine needle (idiom); fig. to persevere in a difficult task ; to study diligently | |
| 磨破嘴皮子 | 磨破嘴皮子 | mó pò zuǐ pí zi | to wear out one's lips (idiom) ; to talk until one is blue in the face ; to repeat again and again | |
| 磨穿铁砚 | 磨穿鐵硯 | mó chuān tiě yàn | to grind one's way through an ink stone ; to persevere in a difficult task (idiom) ; to study diligently (idiom) | |
| 礼乐崩坏 | 禮樂崩壞 | lǐ yuè bēng huài | rites and music are in ruins (idiom); fig. society in total disarray | |
| 礼坏乐崩 | 禮壞樂崩 | lǐ huài yuè bēng | rites and music are in ruins (idiom); fig. society in total disarray | |
| 礼尚往来 | 禮尚往來 | lǐ shàng wǎnglái | lit. proper behaviour is based on reciprocity (idiom) ; fig. to return politeness for politeness | Répondre à la courtoisie par la courtoisie.; La courtoisie exige la réciprocité.; Donnant donnant. ; traiter la personne de la manière dont elle m'a traité; |
| 礼崩乐坏 | 禮崩樂壞 | lǐ bēng yuè huài | rites collapse, music spoilt (idiom); degeneration of feudal religious rites ; Things ain't what they used to be. | |
| 礼废乐崩 | 禮廢樂崩 | lǐ fèi yuè bēng | rites and music are in ruins (idiom); fig. society in total disarray | |
| 礼轻人意重 | 禮輕人意重 | lǐ qīng rén yì zhòng | slight present but weighty meaning (idiom); It's not the present the counts, it's the thought behind it. | |
| 礼轻人意重，千里送鹅毛 | 禮輕人意重，千里送鵝毛 | lǐ qīng rén yì zhòng , qiān lǐ sòng é máo | goose feather sent from afar, a slight present but weighty meaning (idiom); It's not the present the counts, it's the thought behind it. | |
| 礼轻情意重 | 禮輕情意重 | lǐ qīng qíng yì zhòng | goose feather sent from afar, a trifling present with a weighty thought behind it (idiom); It's not the gift that counts, but the thought behind it. | |
| 祁奚之荐 | 祁奚之薦 | qí xī zhī jiàn | Qi Xi's recommendation (idiom); recommending the best person for the job independent of factional loyalty | |
| 祛邪除灾 | 祛邪除災 | qū xié chú zāi | to drive away demons to prevent calamity (idiom) | |
| 神乎其技 | 神乎其技 | shén hū qí jì | (idiom) brilliant ; extremely skillful ; virtuosic | |
| 神出鬼没 | 神出鬼沒 | shén chū guǐ mò | lit. Gods appear and devils vanish (idiom); to appear and disappear unpredictably ; to change rapidly | (idiom) apparaître et disparaître de façon imprévisible; changer rapidement |
| 神劳形瘁 | 神勞形瘁 | shén láo xíng cuì | to look worn out and feel weary (idiom) | |
| 神奇 | 神奇 | shén qí | magical ; mystical ; miraculous | mythique; miraculeux; prodigieux; magique; |
| 神工鬼斧 | 神工鬼斧 | shén gōng guǐ fǔ | supernaturally fine craft (idiom); the work of the Gods ; uncanny workmanship ; superlative craftsmanship | |
| 神差鬼使 | 神差鬼使 | shén chāi guǐ shǐ | the work of gods and devils (idiom); unexplained event crying out for a supernatural explanation ; curious coincidence | |
| 神爱世人 | 神愛世人 | shén ài shì rén | the gods love the common people (idiom) | (idiome) les dieux aiment les gens communs |
| 神通 | 神通 | shén tōng | remarkable ability ; magical power | talents surnaturels; pouvoirs spirituels; habileté remarquable; |
| 神采奕奕 | 神采奕奕 | shén cǎi yì yì | in glowing spirits (idiom); bursting with life ; radiating health and vigor | |
| 神采飞扬 | 神采飛揚 | shén cǎi fēi yáng | in high spirits (idiom); glowing with health and vigor | |
| 神魂颠倒 | 神魂顛倒 | shén hún diān dǎo | lit. spirit and soul upside-down (idiom); infatuated and head over heels in love ; fascinated ; captivated | être détraqué |
| 祸不单行 | 禍不單行 | huò bù dān xíng | Misfortune does not come singly (idiom). ; It never rains but it pours. | |
| 祸不旋踵 | 禍不旋踵 | huò bù xuán zhǒng | trouble is never far away (idiom) | |
| 祸从口出 | 禍從口出 | huò cóng kǒu chū | Trouble issues from the mouth (idiom). A loose tongue may cause a lot of trouble. | |
| 祸福无常 | 禍福無常 | huò fú wú cháng | disaster and happiness do not follow rules (idiom); future blessings and misfortunes are unpredictable | |
| 祸首罪魁 | 禍首罪魁 | huò shǒu zuì kuí | main offender, criminal ringleader (idiom); main culprit ; fig. main cause of a disaster | |
| 禀复 | 稟復 | bǐng fù | to report back (to a superior) | |
| 禁受时间的考验 | 禁受時間的考驗 | jīn shòu shí jiān de kǎo yàn | to stand the test of time (idiom) | résister à l'épreuve du temps |
| 禁止令行 | 禁止令行 | jìn zhǐ lìng xíng | lit. if he orders you go, he forbids you stop (idiom); fig. to demand exact compliance with instructions ; to ensure strictly obedience | |
| 禄命 | 祿命 | lù mìng | person's lot through life | |
| 禅门五宗 | 禪門五宗 | chán mén wǔ zōng | the five schools of Chan Buddhism (idiom) | |
| 福如东海 | 福如東海 | fú rú dōng hǎi | lucky as immense as the East sea (idiom); a lucky sign | |
| 福寿绵长 | 福壽綿長 | fú shòu mián cháng | good luck and long life | |
| 福星高照 | 福星高照 | fú xīng gāo zhào | lucky star in the ascendant (idiom); a lucky sign | |
| 离乡背井 | 離鄉背井 | lí xiāng bèi jǐng | to live far from home (idiom) ; away from one's native place ; to leave for a foreign land | |
| 离情别绪 | 離情別緒 | lí qíng bié xù | sad feeling at separation (idiom) | (idiome) sentiment de tristesse à la séparation |
| 秀发垂肩 | 秀髮垂肩 | xiù fà chuí jiān | beautiful shoulder length hair (idiom) | |
| 私谋叛国 | 私謀叛國 | sī móu pàn guó | to secretly plan treason (idiom) | |
| 秉公办理 | 秉公辦理 | bǐng gōng bàn lǐ | conducting business impartially (idiom); to act justly | |
| 秋后算帐 | 秋後算帳 | qiū hòu suàn zhàng | lit. settling accounts after the autumn harvest (idiom); to wait until the time is ripe to settle accounts ; to bide time for revenge | |
| 秋后算账 | 秋後算賬 | qiū hòu suàn zhàng | lit. to settle accounts after autumn ; settle scores at an opportune moment (idiom) | |
| 秋毫无犯 | 秋毫無犯 | qiū háo wú fàn | lit. not harming a new feather (idiom); not commit the slightest offense against the people (of soldiers) ; would not hurt a fly | |
| 秋荼密网 | 秋荼密網 | qiū tú mì wǎng | flowering autumn grass, fine net (idiom); fig. abundant and exacting punishments prescribed by law | |
| 秋菊傲霜 | 秋菊傲霜 | qiū jú ào shuāng | the autumn chrysanthemum braves the frost (idiom) | |
| 秋风扫落叶 | 秋風掃落葉 | qiū fēng sǎo luò yè | lit. as the autumn gale sweeps away the fallen leaves (idiom); to drive out the old and make a clean sweep | |
| 秋风过耳 | 秋風過耳 | qiū fēng guò ěr | lit. as the autumn breeze passes the ear (idiom); not in the least concerned | |
| 秋风送爽 | 秋風送爽 | qiū fēng sòng shuǎng | the cool autumn breeze (idiom) | |
| 秋风飒飒 | 秋風颯颯 | qiū fēng sà sà | the autumn wind is soughing (idiom) | |
| 种瓜得瓜，种豆得豆 | 種瓜得瓜，種豆得豆 | zhòng guā dé guā , zhòng dòu dé dòu | lit. Sow melon and you get melon, sow beans and you get beans (idiom); fig. As you sow, so shall you reap. ; One must live with the consequences of one's actions. ; You've made your bed, now must lie on it. | |
| 秤砣虽小压千斤 | 秤砣雖小壓千斤 | chèng tuó suī xiǎo yā qiān jīn | although small, a steelyard weight may tip a hundred pounds (idiom) ; apparently insignificant details can have a large impact ; for want of a nail the battle was lost | |
| 秩然不紊 | 秩然不紊 | zhì rán bù wěn | to be in complete order (idiom) | |
| 积不相能 | 積不相能 | jī bù xiāng néng | always at loggerheads (idiom); never able to agree with sb ; unable to get on with sb | |
| 积习难改 | 積習難改 | jī xí nán gǎi | old habits are hard to change (idiom); It is hard to throw off ingrained habits. | |
| 积于忽微 | 積於忽微 | jī yú hū wēi | to accumulate tiny quantities (idiom) | |
| 积劳成疾 | 積勞成疾 | jī láo chéng jí | accumulate work causes sickness (idiom); to fall ill from constant overwork | tomber malade par suite de surmenage; se tuer au travail; maladie due à une longue fatigue; |
| 积少成多 | 積少成多 | jī shǎo chéng duō | Many little things add up to sth great. ; Many little drops make an ocean. (idiom) | |
| 积恶余殃 | 積惡餘殃 | jī è yú yāng | Accumulated evil will be repaid in suffering (idiom). | |
| 积重难返 | 積重難返 | jī zhòng nán fǎn | ingrained habits are hard to overcome (idiom); bad old practices die hard | |
| 积金累玉 | 積金累玉 | jī jīn lěi yù | to accumulate gold and jewels (idiom); prosperous | |
| 积非成是 | 積非成是 | jī fēi chéng shì | a wrong repeated becomes right (idiom); a lie or an error passed on for a long time may be taken for the truth | |
| 称心如意 | 稱心如意 | chènxīn rúyì | after one's heart (idiom); gratifying and satisfactory ; everything one could wish | éprouver une douce satisfaction; |
| 移情别恋 | 移情別戀 | yí qíng bié liàn | change of affection, shift of love (idiom); to change one's feelings to another love ; to fall in love with sb else | (idiome) tomber amoureux de quelqu'un d'autre |
| 移花接木 | 移花接木 | yí huā jiē mù | lit. to graft flowers onto a tree ; to surreptiously substitute one thing for another (idiom) | |
| 稚气未脱 | 稚氣未脫 | zhì qì wèi tuō | still possessing the innocence of childhood (idiom) | |
| 稳坐钓鱼台 | 穩坐釣魚臺 | wěn zuò diào yú tái | lit. sitting at ease in a fishing boat despite storms (idiom); to stay calm during tense situation ; a cool head in a crisis | |
| 稳操胜券 | 穩操勝券 | wěn cāo shèng quàn | grasp it and victory is assured ; to have success within one's grasp (idiom) | |
| 稳步不前 | 穩步不前 | wěn bù bù qián | to mark time and make no advances (idiom) | (idiome) marquer le temps et ne faire aucun progrès |
| 稽古振今 | 稽古振今 | jī gǔ zhèn jīn | studying the old to promote the new (idiom) | |
| 究其根源 | 究其根源 | jiū qí gēn yuán | to trace something to its source (idiom) | |
| 穷奢极侈 | 窮奢極侈 | qióng shē jí chǐ | extravagant in the extreme (idiom) | |
| 穷奢极欲 | 窮奢極欲 | qióng shē jí yù | to indulge in a life of luxury (idiom); extreme extravagance | |
| 穷山恶水 | 窮山惡水 | qióng shān è shuǐ | barren hills and treacherous rapids (idiom); inhospitable natural environment | |
| 穷当益坚 | 窮當益堅 | qióng dāng yì jiān | poor but ambitious (idiom); hard-pressed but determined ; the worse one's position, the harder one must fight back | |
| 穷当益坚，老当益壮 | 窮當益堅，老當益壯 | qióng dāng yì jiān , lǎo dāng yì zhuàng | poor but ambition, old but vigorous (idiom); robust and determined to hold one's position despite poverty and old age | |
| 穷竭心计 | 窮竭心計 | qióng jié xīn jì | to remain cunning even though exhausted (idiom) | |
| 穷途末路 | 窮途末路 | qióng tú mò lù | lit. the path exhausted, the end of the road (idiom); an impasse ; in a plight with no way out ; things have reached a dead end | à bout de ressources ; au bout du rouleau |
| 空中楼阁 | 空中樓閣 | kōngzhōng lóu gé | pavilion in the air (idiom); unrealistic Utopian construction ; castles in Spain ; imaginary future plans | pavillons suspendus dans les airs; château en Espagne; mirage; illusions; chimères; projets impraticable; |
| 空城计 | 空城計 | kōng chéng jì | empty city strategy ; double bluff strategy (idiom) | |
| 空室清野 | 空室清野 | kōng shì qīng yě | empty room, clean field (idiom); clean out everything to leave nothing for the enemy ; scorched earth policy | |
| 空无所有 | 空無所有 | kōng wú suǒ yǒu | having nothing (idiom); utterly destitute ; without two sticks to rub together | |
| 空洞无物 | 空洞無物 | kōng dòng wú wù | empty cave, nothing there (idiom); devoid of substance ; nothing new to show | |
| 空穴来风 | 空穴來風 | kōng xué lái fēng | wind from an empty cave (idiom); story without foundation ; coming out of thin air ; when negated: not baseless ; not out of thin air | |
| 空穴来风未必无因 | 空穴來風未必無因 | kòng xué lái fēng wèi bì wú yīn | wind does not come from an empty cave without reason ; there's no smoke without fire (idiom) | |
| 空空如也 | 空空如也 | kōng kōng rú yě | as empty as anything (idiom); completely bereft ; to have nothing ; vacuous ; hollow ; empty (argument, head etc) | |
| 空谷足音 | 空谷足音 | kōng gǔ zú yīn | sound of footsteps in an empty valley (idiom); a rare occurrence ; That's sth you don't often hear! | |
| 穿凿附会 | 穿鑿附會 | chuān záo fù huì | to give a forced interpretation (idiom); draw far-fetched analogies | |
| 穿回 | 穿回 | chuān huí | to put on (clothes) ; to put (clothes) back on | |
| 穿梭 | 穿梭 | chuān suō | to travel back and forth ; to shuttle | faire la navette; |
| 穿金戴银 | 穿金戴銀 | chuān jīn dài yín | richly bedecked ; dripping with gold and silver (idiom) | |
| 穿针引线 | 穿針引線 | chuān zhēn yǐn xiàn | lit. a leading-line to thread a needle (idiom); fig. a go-between | |
| 突发奇想 | 突發奇想 | tū fā qí xiǎng | suddenly have a thought (idiom) ; suddenly be inspired to do something | |
| 突破 | 突破 | tū pò | to break through ; to make a breakthrough ; to surmount or break the back of (a task etc) ; (of ball sports) to break through a defense | percer ; excéder; dépasser; |
| 窃国者侯，窃钩者诛 | 竊國者侯，竊鉤者誅 | qiè guó zhě hóu , qiè gōu zhě zhū | steal the whole country and they make you a prince, steal a hook and they hang you (idiom, from Daoist classic Zhuangzi 莊子|庄子) | |
| 窃钩者诛，窃国者侯 | 竊鉤者誅，竊國者侯 | qiè gōu zhě zhū , qiè guó zhě hóu | steal a hook and they hang you, steal the whole country and they make you a prince (idiom, from Daoist classic Zhuangzi 莊子|庄子) | |
| 窗明几净 | 窗明幾淨 | chuāng míng jī jìng | lit. clear window and clean table (idiom); fig. bright and clean | |
| 窥豹一斑 | 窺豹一斑 | kuī bào yī bān | lit. see one spot on a leopard (idiom); fig. a restricted view | |
| 窬墙窥视 | 窬牆窺視 | yú qiáng kuī shì | to spy on sb through a peephole (idiom) | |
| 立地成佛 | 立地成佛 | lì dì chéng fó | to become a Buddha on the spot (idiom); instant rehabilitation ; to repent and be absolved of one's crimes | |
| 立杆见影 | 立杆見影 | lì gān jiàn yǐng | lit. put up a pole and see the shadow (idiom); to expect instant results | |
| 立竿见影 | 立竿見影 | lì gān jiàn yǐng | lit. set up a pole and see the shadow (idiom); fig. instant effect ; quick results | |
| 章甫荐履 | 章甫薦履 | zhāng fǔ jiàn lǚ | court crown beneath straw shoe (idiom); everything turned upside-down | |
| 童叟无欺 | 童叟無欺 | tóng sǒu wú qī | cheating neither old nor young (idiom); treating youngsters and old folk equally scrupulously ; Our house offers sincere treatment to all and fair trade to old and young alike. | |
| 竭尽全力 | 竭盡全力 | jié jìn quán lì | to spare no effort (idiom); to do one's utmost | faire l'impossible pour; s'évertuer à; faire tous ses efforts; faire tout son possible; |
| 端 | 端 | duān | end ; extremity ; item ; port ; to hold sth level with both hands ; to carry ; regular | extrémité bout ; motif; cause; droit; correct; porter à deux mains; |
| 竹篮打水 | 竹籃打水 | zhú lán dǎ shuǐ | using a wicker basket to draw water (idiom); wasted effort | |
| 竹篮打水，一场空 | 竹籃打水，一場空 | zhú lán dǎ shuǐ , yī chǎng kōng | using a wicker basket to draw water (idiom); wasted effort | |
| 笑不可仰 | 笑不可仰 | xiào bù kě yǎng | to double up with laughter (idiom) | |
| 笑容可掬 | 笑容可掬 | xiào róng kě jū | smiling wholeheartedly (idiom); beaming from ear to ear | |
| 笑脸相迎 | 笑臉相迎 | xiào liǎn xiāng yíng | to welcome sb with a smiling face (idiom) | |
| 笑贫不笑娼 | 笑貧不笑娼 | xiào pín bù xiào chāng | the notion in society that it's better to get ahead in the world by abandoning one's scruples than to suffer poverty ; lit. despising poverty but not prostitution (idiom) | |
| 笑逐颜开 | 笑逐顏開 | xiào zhú yán kāi | smile spread across the face (idiom); beaming with pleasure ; all smiles ; joy written across one's face | |
| 笑里藏刀 | 笑裡藏刀 | xiào lǐ cáng dāo | lit. a dagger hidden in smiles (idiom); friendly manners belying hypocritical intentions ; when the fox preaches, look to the geese | cacher un poignard derrière son sourire ; dissimuler des intentions criminelles derrière ses sourires |
| 笔胜于刀文比武强 | 筆勝於刀文比武強 | bǐ shèng yú dāo wén bǐ wǔ qiáng | the pen is mightier than the sword (idiom) | |
| 笞背 | 笞背 | chī bèi | to flog or whip the back | |
| 笥匮囊空 | 笥匱囊空 | sì kuì náng kōng | extremely destitute (idiom) | |
| 笨鸟先飞 | 笨鳥先飛 | bèn niǎo xiān fēi | lit. the clumsy bird flies early (idiom); fig. to work hard to compensate for one's limited abilities | Un oiseau lent devrait partir plus tôt.; |
| 笼鸟槛猿 | 籠鳥檻猿 | lóng niǎo jiàn yuán | bird in a basket, monkey in a cage (idiom); prisoner | |
| 等因奉此 | 等因奉此 | děng yīn fèng cǐ | to be an expert at paperwork (but have no real abilities) (idiom) | |
| 筋斗云 | 筋斗雲 | jīn dǒu yún | Sun Wukong's magical cloud | |
| 筋疲力尽 | 筋疲力盡 | jīn pí lì jìn | body weary, strength exhausted (idiom); extremely tired ; spent | exténué ; harassé, épuisé de fatigue ; à bout de force |
| 筑室道谋 | 築室道謀 | zhù shì dào móu | lit. ask passers-by how to build one's house (idiom); fig. to have no idea what to do ; without a clue | |
| 策划 | 策劃 | cè huà | to plot ; to scheme ; to bring about ; to engineer ; planning ; producer ; planner | projeter; tramer; |
| 筚门闺窦 | 篳門閨竇 | bì mén guī dòu | wicker door, hole window (idiom); fig. wretched hovel ; living in poverty | |
| 管中窥豹 | 管中窺豹 | guǎn zhōng kuī bào | lit. to see a leopard through a narrow tube (idiom); fig. to miss the big picture | |
| 管见所及 | 管見所及 | guǎn jiàn suǒ jí | in my humble opinion (idiom) | |
| 篝火狐鸣 | 篝火狐鳴 | gōu huǒ hú míng | to tell fox ghost stories around a bonfire and incite rebellion ; an uprising is afoot (idiom) | |
| 簌簌发抖 | 簌簌發抖 | sù sù fā dǒu | shivering ; trembling (idiom) | |
| 粉墨登场 | 粉墨登場 | fěn mò dēng chǎng | to make up and go on stage (idiom); to embark on a career (esp. in politics or crime) | mettre du fard pour entrer en scène; se maquiller pour entrer en scène; monter sur la scène politique; |
| 粉身碎骨 | 粉身碎骨 | fěn shēn suì gǔ | (lit.) torn body and crushed bones ; die horribly ; sacrifice one's life | avoir le corps pulvérisé et les os brisés ; souffrir mille morts ; tomber en poussière ; se fracasser ; être réduit en poussière |
| 粗制滥造 | 粗製濫造 | cū zhì làn zào | to churn out large quantities without regard for quality (idiom); rough and slipshod work | travailler sans soin ; faire quelque choseh à la va-vite ; être de fabrication grossière |
| 粗枝大叶 | 粗枝大葉 | cū zhī dà yè | thick stems and broad leaves (idiom) ; boorish ; rough and ready ; sloppy | grosso modo ; sans entrer ; dans les détails; être négligent ; ne pas travailler soigneusement |
| 粘皮带骨 | 粘皮帶骨 | nián pí dài gǔ | to glue skin and bind the bones (idiom); insistent unrelenting conduct | |
| 粘皮著骨 | 粘皮著骨 | nián pí zhù gǔ | to glue skin and bind the bones (idiom); insistent unrelenting conduct | |
| 精卫填海 | 精衛填海 | jīng wèi tián hǎi | lit. mythical bird Jingwei tries to fill the ocean with stones (idiom); futile ambition ; task of Sisyphus ; determination in the face of impossible odds | |
| 精彫細刻 | 精彫細刻 | jīng diāo xì kè | lit. fine sculpting (idiom); fig. to work with extreme care and precision ; also written 精雕細刻|精雕细刻 | |
| 精明强干 | 精明強幹 | jīng míng qiáng gàn | intelligent and capable (idiom) | |
| 精疲力尽 | 精疲力盡 | jīng pí lì jìn | spirit weary, strength exhausted (idiom); spent ; drained ; washed out | exténué; fatigué; épuisé; usé |
| 精疲力竭 | 精疲力竭 | jīng pí lì jié | spirit weary, strength exhausted (idiom); spent ; drained ; washed out | |
| 精益求精 | 精益求精 | jīng yì qiú jīng | to perfect sth that is already outstanding (idiom); constantly improving | perfectionner sans cesse son art (ou travail); chercher toujours à améliorer son métier; faire de mieux en mieux; chercher sans cesse à progresser; |
| 精神抖擞 | 精神抖擻 | jīng shén dǒu sǒu | spirit trembling with excitement (idiom); in high spirits ; lively and full of enthusiasm ; full of energy ; con brio | |
| 精神满腹 | 精神滿腹 | jīng shén mǎn fù | full of wisdom (idiom); astute and widely experienced | |
| 精神焕发 | 精神煥發 | jīng shén huàn fā | in high spirits (idiom); glowing with health and vigor | |
| 精神生活 | 精神生活 | jīng shén shēng huó | spiritual or moral life | vie morale ou spirituelle |
| 精神百倍 | 精神百倍 | jīng shén bǎi bèi | lit. vitality a hundredfold (idiom); refreshed ; one's vigor thoroughly restored | |
| 精神饱满 | 精神飽滿 | jīng shén bǎo mǎn | full of vigor (idiom) ; lively ; in high spirits | |
| 精讲多练 | 精講多練 | jīng jiǎng duō liàn | to speak concisely and practice frequently (idiom) | |
| 精诚所加，金石为开 | 精誠所加，金石為開 | jīng chéng suǒ jiā , jīn shí wèi kāi | lit. sincerity splits open metal and metal (idiom); if you put your heart to it, you can break up metal and rocks ; With a will, you can achieve anything. | |
| 精诚所至 | 精誠所至 | jīng chéng suǒ zhì | with a will, you can achieve anything (idiom); cf 精誠所至,金石為開|精诚所至,金石为开 | |
| 精诚所至，金石为开 | 精誠所至，金石為開 | jīng chéng suǒ zhì , jīn shí wèi kāi | lit. sincerity splits open metal and metal (idiom); if you put your heart to it, you can break up metal and rocks ; With a will, you can achieve anything. | |
| 精雕细刻 | 精雕細刻 | jīng diāo xì kè | lit. fine sculpting (idiom); fig. to work with extreme care and precision | |
| 素不相识 | 素不相識 | sù bù xiāng shí | to be total strangers (idiom) | |
| 素昧平生 | 素昧平生 | sù mèi píng shēng | to have never met sb before (idiom); entirely unacquainted ; a complete stranger ; not to know sb from Adam | |
| 索命 | 索命 | suǒ mìng | to demand sb's life | |
| 紧湊 | 緊湊 | jǐn còu | pace (e.g. of modern life) ; tempo | |
| 紧缩 | 緊縮 | jǐn suō | to reduce ; to tighten ; to cut back (budget etc) ; recession | réduire, compresser, resserrer; compression; resserrement |
| 紧要关头 | 緊要關頭 | jǐn yào guān tóu | urgent and important moment (idiom); critical juncture | |
| 紧迫盯人 | 緊迫盯人 | jǐn pò dīng rén | to keep a close eye on sb (idiom) | |
| 紧随其后 | 緊隨其後 | jǐn suí qí hòu | to follow closely behind sb or sth (idiom) | |
| 繁荣昌盛 | 繁榮昌盛 | fán róng chāng shèng | glorious and flourishing (idiom); thriving | |
| 繈 | 繈 | qiǎng | cloth for carrying baby on back | |
| 红杏出墙 | 紅杏出墻 | hóng xìng chū qiáng | lit. the red apricot tree leans over the garden wall ; fig. unfaithful spouse (idiom) | |
| 红男绿女 | 紅男綠女 | hóng nán lǜ nǚ | young people decked out in gorgeous clothes (idiom) | |
| 红颜薄命 | 紅顏薄命 | hóng yán bó mìng | beautiful women suffer unhappy fates (idiom) | |
| 纣 | 紂 | zhòu | saddle crupper (harness strap on horse's back) | |
| 纤悉无遗 | 纖悉無遺 | xiān xī wú yí | detailed and nothing left out (idiom); meticulous and comprehensive ; not missing an iota | |
| 纤手 | 纖手 | xiān shǒu | delicate hands ; woman's tender and soft hands | |
| 约定俗成 | 約定俗成 | yuē dìng sú chéng | established by popular usage (idiom); common usage agreement ; customary convention | |
| 约法三章 | 約法三章 | yuē fǎ sān zhāng | to agree on three laws (idiom); provisional agreement made by new dynastic government with the people | |
| 纳 | 納 | nà | to receive ; to accept ; to enjoy ; to bring into ; to pay (tax etc) ; nano- (one billionth) ; to reinforce sole of shoes or stockings by close sewing | recevoir; accepter ; payer; |
| 纳入 | 納入 | nà rù | to bring or channel into | intégrer; mettre; |
| 纳福 | 納福 | nà fú | to accept a life of ease ; to enjoy a comfortable retirement | |
| 纵横交错 | 縱橫交錯 | zòng héng jiāo cuò | criss-crossed (idiom) | |
| 纷至沓来 | 紛至沓來 | fēn zhì tà lái | to come thick and fast (idiom) | venir l'un après l'qutre; arriver à flot continu; se succéder sans trêve; |
| 纸上谈兵 | 紙上談兵 | zhǐ shàng tán bīng | lit. military tactics on paper (idiom); fig. theoretical discussion that is worse than useless in practice ; armchair strategist ; idle theorizing ; cf Zhao Kuo 趙括|赵括 leading an army of 400,000 to total annihilation at battle o | discuter de stratégie sur le papier; |
| 纸醉金迷 | 紙醉金迷 | zhǐ zuì jīn mí | lit. dazzling with paper and gold (idiom); fig. indulging in a life of luxury | mener une vie fastueuse et dépravée |
| 纹丝不动 | 紋絲不動 | wén sī bù dòng | to not move a single jot (idiom) | |
| 细声细气 | 細聲細氣 | xì shēng xì qì | in a fine voice (idiom); softly spoken | |
| 织当访婢 | 織當訪婢 | zhī dāng fǎng bì | if it's weaving, ask the maid (idiom); when managing a matter, consult the appropriate specialist | |
| 终南捷径 | 終南捷徑 | zhōng nán jié jìng | lit. Mt Zhongnan is a shortcut to a ministerial job (idiom); fig. to take a shortcut to promotion | |
| 终天 | 終天 | zhōng tiān | all day long ; all one's life | |
| 终成泡影 | 終成泡影 | zhōng chéng pào yǐng | finally a soap bubble (idiom); grandiose plans that end up with nothing ; pie in the sky | |
| 终成眷属 | 終成眷屬 | zhōng chéng juàn shǔ | Love will find a way to come together. (idiom) | |
| 终生 | 終生 | zhōng shēng | throughout one's life ; lifetime ; lifelong | toute la vie; |
| 终而复始 | 終而復始 | zhōng ér fù shǐ | lit. the end comes back to the start (idiom); the wheel comes full circle | |
| 终身 | 終身 | zhōng shēn | lifelong ; all one's life ; marriage | toute la vie; |
| 终身监禁 | 終身監禁 | zhōng shēn jiān jìn | life sentence | emprisonnement à vie; |
| 经历风雨 | 經歷風雨 | jīng lì fēng yǔ | to go through thick and thin (idiom) | |
| 结党营私 | 結黨營私 | jié dǎng yíng sī | to gang up for personal interest (idiom) ; to form a clique | former une coterie (clique ou bande) qui poursuit ses intérêts privés ; former des clans au service de ses ambitions personnelles |
| 结草衔环 | 結草銜環 | jié cǎo xián huán | deep gratitude up to death (idiom) | |
| 结队成群 | 結隊成群 | jié duì chéng qún | to form a large group (idiom) | |
| 绕来绕去 | 繞來繞去 | rào lái rào qù | meandering and circuitous (idiom); to go around in circles and never get anywhere | (idiome) méandres et détours; tourner en rond et ne jamais rien faire |
| 绕梁三日 | 繞梁三日 | rào liáng sān rì | reverberates around the rafters for three days (idiom); fig. sonorous and resounding (esp. of singing voice) | |
| 绕膝承欢 | 繞膝承歡 | rào xī chéng huān | to live with one’s parents thus bringing them happiness (idiom) | |
| 绘声绘色 | 繪聲繪色 | huì shēng huì sè | vivid and colorful (idiom); true to life ; lively and realistic | vivant ; expressif |
| 络绎不绝 | 絡繹不絕 | luò yì bù jué | continuously; in an endless stream (idiom) | ininterrompu |
| 绝世佳人 | 絕世佳人 | jué shì jiā rén | a woman of unmatched beauty (idiom) | (idiome) une femme d'une beauté inégalée |
| 绝代佳人 | 絕代佳人 | jué dài jiā rén | beauty unmatched in her generation (idiom); woman of peerless elegance ; prettiest girl ever | |
| 绝处逢生 | 絕處逢生 | jué chǔ féng shēng | to come back from death's door (idiom); unexpected rescue from danger ; fig. to recover from a seemingly impossible situation ; to find a way out of a predicament | |
| 绝无仅有 | 絕無僅有 | jué wú jǐn yǒu | one and only (idiom); rarely seen ; unique of its kind | rare ; hors pair ; unique en son genre |
| 绝顶聪明 | 絕頂聰明 | jué dǐng cōng ming | extremely bright (idiom) | |
| 继往开来 | 繼往開來 | jì wǎng kāi lái | to follow the past and herald the future (idiom); part of a historical transition ; forming a bridge between earlier and later stages | |
| 绰绰有余 | 綽綽有餘 | chuò chuò yǒu yú | enough and to spare (idiom) | largement suffisant; abondant; |
| 绳之以法 | 繩之以法 | shéng zhī yǐ fǎ | to punish according to the law ; to bring to justice | |
| 维妙维肖 | 維妙維肖 | wéi miào wéi xiào | imitate to perfection ; be remarkably true to life | |
| 绵邈 | 綿邈 | mián miǎo | far back in time ; faraway ; remote | |
| 绵里藏针 | 綿里藏針 | mián lǐ cáng zhēn | lit. a needle concealed in silk floss (idiom); fig. ruthless character behind a gentle appearance ; a wolf in sheep's clothing ; an iron fist in a velvet glove | |
| 绿女红男 | 綠女紅男 | lǜ nǚ hóng nán | young people decked out in gorgeous clothes (idiom) | |
| 绿草如茵 | 綠草如茵 | lǜ cǎo rú yīn | green grass like cushion (idiom); green meadow so inviting to sleep on | |
| 缓不济急 | 緩不濟急 | huǎn bù jì jí | lit. slow no aid to urgent (idiom); slow measures will not address a critical situation ; too slow to meet a pressing need | |
| 缓急轻重 | 緩急輕重 | huǎn jí qīng zhòng | slight or important, urgent or non-urgent (idiom); to deal with important matters first ; sense of priority ; also written 輕重緩急|轻重缓急 | |
| 缕息仅存 | 縷息僅存 | lǚ xī jǐn cún | one’s life hangs by a thread (idiom) | |
| 缘木求鱼 | 緣木求魚 | yuán mù qiú yú | lit. climb a tree to catch a fish (idiom); fig. to attempt the impossible | |
| 缠夹不清 | 纏夾不清 | chán jiā bù qīng | to muddle things together (idiom) ; to bother sb with annoying muddle-headed talk | |
| 缠绵悱恻 | 纏綿悱惻 | chán mián fěi cè | too sad for words (idiom) ; exceedingly sentimental ; a real tear-jerker | |
| 缩 | 縮 | suō | to withdraw ; to pull back ; to contract ; to shrink ; to reduce ; abbreviation | réduire; contracter ; se pelotonner; se retirer; |
| 缩手缩脚 | 縮手縮腳 | suō shǒu suō jiǎo | bound hand and foot (idiom); constrained | |
| 缴枪不杀 | 繳槍不殺 | jiǎo qiāng bù shā | ”surrender and your life will be spared” (idiom) | |
| 缵不可能的事 | 纘不可能的事 | zuǎn bù kě néng de shì | pigs might fly (idiom) | |
| 罄竹难书 | 罄竹難書 | qìng zhú nán shū | so many that the bamboo slats have been exhausted ; innumerable crimes (idiom) ; see also 罄筆難書|罄笔难书[qing4 bi3 nan2 shu1] | innombrables ; trop nombreux pour être énumérés |
| 罄笔难书 | 罄筆難書 | qìng bǐ nán shū | too numerous to be cited (of atrocities or misdeeds) (idiom) ; see also 罄竹難書|罄竹难书[qing4 zhu2 nan2 shu1] | |
| 网开一面 | 網開一面 | wǎng kāi yī miàn | open the net on one side (idiom); let the caged bird fly ; to give one's opponent a way out ; lenient treatment | |
| 网开三面 | 網開三麵 | wǎng kāi sān miàn | to leave the net open on three side (idiom); let the caged bird fly ; to give one's opponent a way out ; lenient treatment | |
| 罗圈儿揖 | 羅圈兒揖 | luó quān r yī | to bow around with hands joined (to people on all sides) | |
| 罗掘 | 羅掘 | luó jué | to scrape around for money ; hard pressed for cash ; cf 羅雀掘鼠|罗雀掘鼠 to net birds and dig for rats (idiom) | |
| 罗雀掘鼠 | 羅雀掘鼠 | luó què jué shǔ | lit. to net birds and dig for rats (idiom); fig. hard pressed for cash ; on the verge of bankruptcy | |
| 罢黜百家，独尊儒术 | 罷黜百家，獨尊儒術 | bà chù bǎi jiā , dú zūn rú shù | Dismiss the hundred schools, revere only the Confucian (idiom) ; sole dominant ideology | |
| 罪大恶极 | 罪大惡極 | zuì dà è jí | lit. crime is great, evil extreme (idiom) | (le crime est énorme et le mal extrême) être coupable des crimes (forfaits) les plus odieux (horribles) |
| 罪恶滔天 | 罪惡滔天 | zuì è tāo tiān | evil crimes fill heaven (idiom) | |
| 罪有应得 | 罪有應得 | zuì yǒu yīng dé | guilty and deserves to be punished (idiom); entirely appropriate chastisement ; the punishment fits the crime | |
| 罪魁祸首 | 罪魁禍首 | zuì kuí huò shǒu | criminal ringleader, main offender (idiom); main culprit ; fig. main cause of a disaster | |
| 置之不理 | 置之不理 | zhì zhī bùlǐ | to pay no heed to; to ignore; to brush aside (idiom) | ignorer; rester indifférent; |
| 置之不问 | 置之不問 | zhì zhī bù wèn | to pass by without showing interest (idiom) | |
| 置之死地 | 置之死地 | zhì zhī sǐ dì | to place sb on field of death ; to confront with mortal danger ; to give sb no way out ; with one's back to the wall ; looking death in the eye ; part of idiom 置之死地而後生|置之死地 | |
| 置若罔闻 | 置若罔聞 | zhì ruò wǎng wén | to turn a deaf ear to (idiom); to pretend not to hear | faire la sourde oreille ; rester indifférent à |
| 置诸高阁 | 置諸高閣 | zhì zhū gāo gé | lit. place on a high shelf ; to pay no attention to (idiom) | |
| 羊毛出在羊身上 | 羊毛出在羊身上 | yáng máo chū zài yáng shēn shàng | lit. wool comes from the sheep's back (idiom); One gets the benefit, but the price has been paid. ; Nothing comes for free. | |
| 羊肠小道 | 羊腸小道 | yáng cháng xiǎo dào | road as twisty as sheep's intestine (idiom); narrow and winding road ; fig. complicated and tricky job | sentier en zig-zag |
| 羊触藩篱 | 羊觸藩籬 | yáng chù fān lí | lit. billy goat's horns caught in the fence (idiom from Book of Changes 易經|易经); impossible to advance or to retreat ; without any way out of a dilemma ; trapped ; in an impossible situation | |
| 羌无故实 | 羌無故實 | qiāng wú gù shí | to have no basis in fact (idiom) | |
| 美不胜收 | 美不勝收 | měi bù shèng shōu | nothing more beautiful can be imagined (idiom) | |
| 美中不足 | 美中不足 | měi zhōng bù zú | everything is fine except for one small defect (idiom); the fly in the ointment | une tache sur une pièce d'albâtre; Il laisse encore à désirer./Il manque encore quelque chose pour que ce soit parfait./Il y a une ombre au tableau.; |
| 美轮美奂 | 美輪美奐 | měi lún měi huàn | splendid and magnificent houses (idiom); a sumptuous mansion | |
| 羝羊触藩 | 羝羊觸藩 | dī yáng chù fān | lit. billy goat's horns caught in the fence (idiom from Book of Changes 易經|易经); impossible to advance or to retreat ; without any way out of a dilemma ; trapped ; in an impossible situation | |
| 羞于启齿 | 羞於啟齒 | xiū yú qǐ chǐ | to be too shy to speak one's mind (idiom) | |
| 羞口难开 | 羞口難開 | xiū kǒu nán kāi | to be too embarrassed for words (idiom) | |
| 羞怯成怒 | 羞怯成怒 | xiū qiè chéng nù | to feel ashamed to the point of annoyance (idiom) | |
| 羞愧难当 | 羞愧難當 | xiū kuì nán dāng | to feel ashamed (idiom) | |
| 群英毕集 | 群英畢集 | qún yīng bì jí | all the heroes assembled (idiom) | |
| 群起而攻之 | 群起而攻之 | qún qǐ ér gōng zhī | the masses rise to attack it (idiom); Everyone is against the idea. ; universally abhorrent | |
| 群雄逐鹿 | 群雄逐鹿 | qún xióng zhú lù | great heroes pursue deer in the central plains (idiom); fig. many vie for supremacy | |
| 羹藜含糗 | 羹藜含糗 | gēng lí hán qiǔ | nothing but herb soup and dry provisions to eat (idiom); to survive on a coarse diet ; à la guerre comme à la guerre | |
| 羹藜唅糗 | 羹藜唅糗 | gēng lí hān qiǔ | nothing but herb soup and dry provisions to eat (idiom); to survive on a coarse diet ; à la guerre comme à la guerre | |
| 翘居群首 | 翹居群首 | qiáo jū qún shǒu | head and shoulders above the crowd (idiom); preeminent ; outstanding | |
| 翘舌音 | 翹舌音 | qiáo shé yīn | retroflex ; consonants zh, ch, sh, r produced on the back of the tongue | |
| 翘足引领 | 翹足引領 | qiào zú yǐn lǐng | waiting expectantly on tiptoes (idiom); to look forward eagerly ; to long for | |
| 翘足而待 | 翹足而待 | qiào zú ér dài | waiting expectantly on tiptoes (idiom); to look forward eagerly ; to long for | |
| 翻云覆雨 | 翻雲覆雨 | fān yún fù yǔ | to produce clouds and rain with a turn of the hand (idiom); fig. to shift one's ground ; tricksy and inconstant | |
| 翻天覆地 | 翻天覆地 | fān tiān fù dì | sky and the earth turning upside down (idiom); fig. complete confusion ; everything turned on its head | bouleversant |
| 翻山越岭 | 翻山越嶺 | fān shān yuè lǐng | to pass over mountains ridges (idiom); fig. hardships of the journey | |
| 翻悔 | 翻悔 | fān huǐ | to renege ; to go back (on a deal) ; to back out (of a promise) | manquer à sa parole |
| 翻手为云覆手变雨 | 翻手為雲覆手變雨 | fān shǒu wéi yún fù shǒu biàn yǔ | lit. turning his hand palm up he gathers the clouds, turning his hand palm down he turns them to rain ; very powerful and capable (idiom) | |
| 翻空出奇 | 翻空出奇 | fān kōng chū qí | to overturn empty convention, and display originality (idiom); new and different ideas | |
| 翻箱倒箧 | 翻箱倒篋 | fān xiāng dǎo qiè | to overturn trunks and boxes ; to make a thorough search (idiom) | |
| 耀武扬威 | 耀武揚威 | yào wǔ yáng wēi | to show off one's military strength (idiom); to strut around ; to bluff ; to bluster | |
| 老于世故 | 老於世故 | lǎo yú shì gù | experienced in the ways of the world (idiom); worldly-wise ; sophisticated | |
| 老大徒伤悲 | 老大徒傷悲 | lǎo dà tú shāng bēi | vain regrets of old age (idiom) | |
| 老婆孩子热炕头 | 老婆孩子熱炕頭 | lǎo pó hái zi rè kàng tou | wife kids and a warm bed (common saying); the simple and good life ; longa est vita si plena est ; la dolce vita | |
| 老当益壮 | 老當益壯 | lǎo dāng yì zhuàng | old but vigorous (idiom); hale and hearty despite the years | |
| 老气横秋 | 老氣橫秋 | lǎo qì héng qiū | old and decrepit ; proud of one's age and experience (idiom) | vieux et décrépit; (idiome) fier de son âge et de son expérience |
| 老烟枪 | 老煙槍 | lǎo yān qiāng | heavy smoker ; chain smoker ; life-long smoker | |
| 老牛吃嫩草 | 老牛吃嫩草 | lǎo niú chī nèn cǎo | lit. an old cow eats young grass (idiom) ; fig. a May-December relationship ; a romance where the man is significantly older than the woman | |
| 老眼昏花 | 老眼昏花 | lǎo yǎn hūn huā | blurred vision of an old person (idiom) | |
| 老调重弹 | 老調重彈 | lǎo diào chóng tán | to play the same old tune (idiom); unoriginal | |
| 老谋深算 | 老謀深算 | lǎo móu shēn suàn | rigorous schemes and deep foresight (idiom); astute and circumspect | |
| 老马嘶风 | 老馬嘶風 | lǎo mǎ sī fēng | old horse sniffs the wind (idiom); fig. aged person with great aspirations | |
| 老马恋栈 | 老馬戀棧 | lǎo mǎ liàn zhàn | lit. the old horse loves his stable ; fig. sb old but reluctant to relinquish their post (idiom) | |
| 老马识途 | 老馬識途 | lǎo mǎ shí tú | an old horse knows the way (idiom); an experience worker know what to do ; an old hand knows the ropes | |
| 老骥伏枥 | 老骥伏枥 | lǎo jì fú lì | lit. an old steed in the stable still aspires to gallop 1000 miles (idiom); fig. aged person with great aspirations | |
| 老骥伏枥，志在千里 | 老驥伏櫪，志在千里 | lǎo jì fú lì , zhì zài qiān lǐ | lit. an old steed in the stable still aspires to gallop 1000 miles (idiom); fig. old people may still cherish high aspirations | |
| 老骥嘶风 | 老驥嘶風 | lǎo jì sī fēng | old steed sniffs the wind (idiom); fig. aged person with great aspirations | |
| 耍嘴皮子 | 耍嘴皮子 | shuǎ zuǐ pí zi | to play with lips (idiom); to talk glibly ; to boast ; to pay lip service | |
| 耕当问奴 | 耕當問奴 | gēng dāng wèn nú | if it's plowing, ask the laborer (idiom); when managing a matter, consult the appropriate specialist | |
| 耕当问奴，织当访婢 | 耕當問奴，織當訪婢 | gēng dāng wèn nú , zhī dāng fǎng bì | if it's plowing ask the laborer, if it's weaving ask the maid (idiom); when managing a matter, consult the appropriate specialist | |
| 耳熟能详 | 耳熟能詳 | ěr shóu néng xiáng | what's frequently heard can be repeated in detail (idiom) | |
| 耸人听闻 | 聳人聽聞 | sǒng rén tīng wén | to sensationalize (idiom); deliberate exaggeration to scare people | nombre de personnes tuées; nombre de décès |
| 耿耿于怀 | 耿耿於懷 | gěng gěng yú huái | to take troubles to heart (idiom); brooding | |
| 联产到组 | 聯產到組 | lián chǎn dào zǔ | to pay remuneration according to output (idiom) | |
| 联手 | 聯手 | lián shǒu | lit. to join hands ; to act together | |
| 聚沙成塔 | 聚沙成塔 | jù shā chéng tǎ | sand grains accumulate to make a tower a tower (idiom); by gathering small amounts one gets a huge quantity ; many a mickle makes a muckle | |
| 聚精会神 | 聚精會神 | jù jīng huì shén | to concentrate one's attention (idiom) | concentrer toute son attention sur quelque chose; s'absorber dans quelque chose; |
| 聚萤映雪 | 聚螢映雪 | jù yíng yìng xuě | lit. to collect fireflies and study by their light (idiom); fig. ambitious student from impoverished background ; burning the midnight oil | |
| 聪明反被聪明误 | 聰明反被聰明誤 | cōng míng fǎn bèi cōng míng wù | a clever person may become the victim of his own ingenuity (idiom); cleverness may overreach itself ; too smart for one's own good | |
| 肃然起敬 | 肅然起敬 | sù rán qǐ jìng | to feel deep veneration for sb (idiom) | éprouver des sentiments graves et respectueux ; montrer des égards ; avoir de la déférence pour... |
| 肉包子打狗 | 肉包子打狗 | ròu bāo zi dǎ gǒu | what's gone can never come back | |
| 肉眼凡胎 | 肉眼凡胎 | ròu yǎn fán tāi | ignoramus (idiom) | |
| 肝肠寸断 | 肝腸寸斷 | gān cháng cùn duàn | lit. liver and guts cut to pieces (idiom); broken hearted ; all cut up | |
| 肝胆相照 | 肝膽相照 | gān dǎn xiāng zhào | to treat one another with absolute sincerity (idiom); to show total devotion | |
| 股栗 | 股栗 | gǔ lì | to shake like an aspen ; to shiver with fear (idiom) | |
| 股栗肤粟 | 股栗膚粟 | gǔ lì fū sù | with shuddering thighs and skin like gooseflesh (idiom) | |
| 肱三头肌 | 肱三頭肌 | gōng sān tóu jī | triceps brachii (back of the upper arm) | |
| 育 | 育 | yù | to have children ; to raise or bring up ; to educate | éducation; procréer; enfanter ; nourrir; instruire; |
| 胄裔繁衍 | 胄裔繁衍 | zhòu yì fán yǎn | Descendants are great in numbers. (idiom) | |
| 背 | 背 | bēi | the back of a body or object ; to turn one's back ; to hide something from ; to learn by heart ; to recite from memory | dos |
| 背井离乡 | 背井離鄉 | bèi jǐng lí xiāng | to leave one's native place, esp. against one's will (idiom) | déracinement; exil; exiler |
| 背侧 | 背側 | bèi cè | back ; back side | |
| 背信弃义 | 背信棄義 | bèi xìn qì yì | breaking faith and abandoning right (idiom); to betray ; treachery ; perfidy | perfidie |
| 背光 | 背光 | bèi guāng | be in a poor light ; do something with one's back to the light ; stand in one's own light | être ombragé; être couvert d'ombre; être abrité de la lumière directe; |
| 背后 | 背後 | bèi hòu | behind ; at the back ; in the rear ; behind sb's back | derrière ; dans le dos de qn; |
| 背地里 | 背地裏 | bèi dì li | behind sb's back | |
| 背地风 | 背地風 | bèi dì fēng | behind sb's back ; privately ; on the sly | en cachette; dans le dos de qn. |
| 背城借一 | 背城借一 | bèi chéng jiè yī | to make a last-ditch stand before the city wall (idiom); to fight to the last ditch ; to put up a desperate struggle | se battre jusqu'au bout |
| 背对背 | 背對背 | bèi duì bèi | back to back | dos à dos |
| 背山 | 背山 | bēi shān | with back to the mountain (favored location) | |
| 背山临水 | 背山臨水 | bēi shān lín shuǐ | with back to the mountain and facing the water (favored location) | |
| 背影 | 背影 | bèi yǐng | rear view ; figure seen from behind ; view of the back (of a person or object) | silhouette; |
| 背影儿 | 背影兒 | bèi yǐng r | erhua variant of 背影[bei4 ying3], rear view ; figure seen from behind ; view of the back (of a person or object) | |
| 背板 | 背板 | bèi bǎn | panel ; back panel | |
| 背水一战 | 背水一戰 | bèi shuǐ yī zhàn | lit. fight with one's back to the river (idiom); fig. to fight to win or die | prêt à livrer bataille ayant le fleuve à dos; jouer le tout pour le tout; |
| 背着手 | 背著手 | bèi zhe shǒu | with one's hands clasped behind one's back | une main dans le dos |
| 背篓 | 背簍 | bēi lǒu | a basket carried on the back | hotte |
| 背约 | 背約 | bèi yuē | to break an agreement ; to go back on one's word ; to fail to keep one's promise | manquer à ses engagements; violer un traité; |
| 背脊 | 背脊 | bèi jǐ | the back of the human body | dos |
| 背负 | 揹負 | bēi fù | bear ; carry on the back ; have on one's shoulder | porter sur le dos; avoir quelque chose sur l'épaule; |
| 背道而驰 | 背道而馳 | bèi dào ér chí | to run in the opposite direction (idiom); to run counter to | démenti; àl'encontre de; contredire |
| 背阔肌 | 背闊肌 | bèi kuò jī | latissimus dorsi muscle (back of the chest) | |
| 背靠背 | 背靠背 | bèi kào bèi | back to back | |
| 背面 | 背面 | bèi miàn | the back ; the reverse side ; the wrong side | dos; envers; revers |
| 胡作非为 | 胡作非為 | hú zuò fēi wéi | to run amok (idiom); to commit outrages | faire les quatre cents coups |
| 胡吹乱捧 | 胡吹亂捧 | hú chuī luàn pěng | indiscriminate admiration (idiom) | |
| 胡思乱想 | 胡思亂想 | hú sī luàn xiǎng | to indulge in flights of fancy (idiom); to let one's imagination run wild ; to have a bee in one's bonnet ; unrealistic utopian fantasy | dévergondage; divagation; déraillement; dérailler |
| 胡搅蛮缠 | 鬍攪蠻纏 | hú jiǎo mán chán | to pester endlessly (idiom); an annoying troublemaker | |
| 胡言乱语 | 胡言亂語 | hú yán luàn yǔ | babbling nonsense (idiom); crazy and unfounded ravings ; double Dutch | dire des bêtises; parler à tort et à travers; déraisonner; |
| 胡诌乱傍 | 胡謅亂傍 | hú zhōu luàn bàng | to talk random nonsense (idiom); to say whatever comes into one's head | |
| 胡诌乱扯 | 胡謅亂扯 | hú zhōu luàn chě | to talk nonsense (idiom); saying whatever comes into his head | |
| 胡诌乱说 | 胡謅亂說 | hú zhōu luàn shuō | to talk random nonsense (idiom); to say whatever comes into one's head | |
| 胡诌乱道 | 胡謅亂道 | hú zhōu luàn dào | to talk nonsense (idiom); saying whatever comes into his head | |
| 胡诌八扯 | 胡謅八扯 | hú zhōu bā chě | to talk random nonsense (idiom); to say whatever comes into one's head | |
| 胯下之辱 | 胯下之辱 | kuà xià zhī rǔ | lit. forced to crawl between sb's legs as humiliation (idiom) ; humiliation | |
| 胳膊肘朝外拐 | 胳膊肘朝外拐 | gē bo zhǒu cháo wài guǎi | the elbow turns the wrong way ; to favor an outsider instead of someone on one's own side (idiom) | |
| 胸怀坦荡 | 胸懷坦蕩 | xiōng huái tǎn dàng | open and candid (idiom); not hiding anything ; ingenuous ; open hearted ; unselfish ; magnanimous ; broad-minded | |
| 胸无城府 | 胸無城府 | xiōng wú chéng fǔ | open and candid (idiom); not hiding anything ; ingenuous | |
| 胸无宿物 | 胸無宿物 | xiōng wú sù wù | open and candid (idiom); not hiding anything ; ingenuous | |
| 胸有城府 | 胸有城府 | xiōng yǒu chéng fǔ | subtle way of thinking (idiom); hard to fathom ; deep and shrewd | |
| 胸有成略 | 胸有成略 | xiōng yǒu chéng l//v//è | the hero has plans already laid (idiom); to have plans ready in advance ; forewarned is forearmed | |
| 胸有成竹 | 胸有成竹 | xiōng yǒu chéng zhú | to plan in advance (idiom); a card up one's sleeve ; forewarned is forearmed | Avoir une image de bambou bien claire dans son esprit avant de le dessiner; avoir un bon plan, stratagème en tête; être sûr de ce qu'on va faire; |
| 胸有成算 | 胸有成算 | xiōng yǒu chéng suàn | the hero has plans already laid (idiom); to have plans ready in advance ; forewarned is forearmed | |
| 能伸能屈 | 能伸能屈 | néng shēn néng qū | can bow and submit, or can stand tall (idiom, from Book of Changes); ready to give and take ; flexible | |
| 能写善算 | 能寫善算 | néng xiě shàn suàn | to be literate and numerate (idiom) | |
| 能屈能伸 | 能屈能伸 | néng qū néng shēn | can bow and submit, or can stand tall (idiom, from Book of Changes); ready to give and take ; flexible | |
| 能弱能强 | 能弱能強 | néng ruò néng qiáng | to be either weak or strong both have their purpose (idiom) | |
| 能歌善舞 | 能歌善舞 | néng gē shàn wǔ | can sing and dance (idiom); fig. a person of many talents | (se dit à l'oral) chante et danse bien |
| 能者多劳 | 能者多勞 | néng zhě duō láo | abler people do more work (idiom); It is because you are so capable that we (or they) leave everything to you. | |
| 能言善辩 | 能言善辯 | néng yán shàn biàn | glib of tongue (idiom) ; eloquent | |
| 能说会道 | 能說會道 | néng shuō huì dào | can talk really well (idiom); the gift of the gab | |
| 脊 | 脊 | jǐ | spine ; back ; ridge ; Taiwan pr. ji2 or ji3 | colonne vertébrale ; faîte; crête; |
| 脊背 | 脊背 | jǐ bèi | back | |
| 脍炙人口 | 膾炙人口 | kuài zhì rénkǒu | appealing to the masses ; universally appreciated (idiom) | être l'objet de l`admiration générale |
| 脑后 | 腦後 | nǎo hòu | the back of the head | |
| 脖颈儿 | 脖頸兒 | bó jǐng er | back of the neck ; nape | |
| 脚正不怕鞋歪 | 腳正不怕鞋歪 | jiǎo zhèng bù pà xié wāi | lit. a straight foot has no fear of a crooked shoe ; an upright man is not afraid of gossip (idiom) | |
| 脚踏两条船 | 腳踏兩條船 | jiǎo tà liǎng tiáo chuán | lit. to stand with each foot in a different boat (idiom) ; fig. to have it both ways ; to run after two hares ; (especially) to have two lovers at the same time | |
| 脚踏实地 | 腳踏實地 | jiǎo tà shí dì | to have one's feet firmly planted on the ground (idiom); realistic without flights of fancy ; steady and serious character | |
| 脢 | 脢 | méi | meat on the back of an animal | |
| 脱缰之马 | 脫韁之馬 | tuō jiāng zhī mǎ | lit. a horse that has thrown off the reins (idiom); runaway horse ; out of control | |
| 脱胎换骨 | 脫胎換骨 | tuō tāi huàn gǔ | to shed one's mortal body and exchange one's bones (idiom); born again Daoist ; to turn over a new leaf ; fig. to change wholly ; to create from other material (story, artwork etc) | |
| 脱颖而出 | 脫穎而出 | tuō yǐng ér chū | lit. a sharp point sticks out ; innate talent will reveal itself (idiom) | |
| 脱骨换胎 | 脫骨換胎 | tuō gǔ huàn tāi | to shed one's mortal body and exchange one's bones (idiom); born again Daoist ; to turn over a new leaf ; fig. to change wholly | |
| 脸盆 | 臉盆 | liǎn pén | washbowl ; basin for washing hands and face | cuvette |
| 脸红筋暴 | 臉紅筋暴 | liǎn hóng jīn bào | red and tense with anger (idiom) | |
| 脸红筋涨 | 臉紅筋漲 | liǎn hóng jīn zhǎng | red and tense with anger (idiom) | |
| 腕隧道症候群 | 腕隧道症候群 | wàn suì dào zhèng hòu qún | carpal tunnel syndrome (pain in the hands due to pressure on the median nerve) ; median neuropathy at the wrist | |
| 腘窝 | 膕窩 | guó wō | popliteal (anatomy) ; hollow at the back of the knee | |
| 腰 | 腰 | yāo | waist ; lower back ; pocket ; middle ; loins | reins; taille; |
| 腰板 | 腰板 | yāo bǎn | waist and back ; fig. upright and still healthy | |
| 腰缠万贯 | 腰纏萬貫 | yāo chán wàn guàn | lit. ten thousand strings of cash in money belt (idiom); carrying lots of money ; extremely wealthy ; loaded | |
| 腰部 | 腰部 | yāo bù | waist ; small of the back | lombes; rein; ceinture |
| 腰金衣紫 | 腰金衣紫 | yāo jīn yī zǐ | golden seal at the waist, purple gown (idiom); in official position | |
| 腹笥便便 | 腹笥便便 | fù sì pián pián | a learned person (idiom) | |
| 腹笥甚宽 | 腹笥甚寬 | fù sì shèn kuān | well-read (idiom) | |
| 腹背相亲 | 腹背相親 | fù bèi xiāng qīn | to be on intimate terms with sb (idiom) | (idome) être intime avec quelqu'un |
| 自不必说 | 自不必說 | zì bù bì shuō | to not need dwell on (idiom) | |
| 自以为是 | 自以為是 | zì yǐ wéi shì | to believe oneself infallible (idiom) ; to be opinionated | |
| 自作主张 | 自作主張 | zì zuò zhǔ zhāng | to think for oneself and act accordingly (idiom); to act on one's own initiative | |
| 自作聪明 | 自作聰明 | zì zuò cōng míng | to think oneself clever (idiom) ; self-styled genius ; a smart aleck | |
| 自力更生 | 自力更生 | zì lì gēng shēng | regeneration through one's own effort (idiom) ; self-reliance | (phrase) compter sur ses propres forces; voler de ses propres ailes; opérer une renaissance par ses propres moyens; |
| 自取其咎 | 自取其咎 | zì qǔ qí jiù | to have only oneself to blame (idiom) ; to bring trouble through one's own actions | |
| 自取灭亡 | 自取滅亡 | zì qǔ miè wáng | to court disaster (idiom) ; to dig one's own grave | courir à sa propre perte ; aller au devant de sa destruction |
| 自吹自擂 | 自吹自擂 | zì chuī zì léi | to blow one's own trumpet (idiom) | se vanter de ; faire le fanfaron ; se prévaloir |
| 自命清高 | 自命清高 | zì mìng qīng gāo | to think of oneself as high and pure (idiom); smug and self-righteous ; holier-than-thou | |
| 自奉俭约 | 自奉儉約 | zì fèng jiǎn yuē | to live frugally (idiom) | |
| 自奉甚俭 | 自奉甚儉 | zì fèng shèn jiǎn | to allow oneself few comforts or pleasures (idiom) | |
| 自始至终 | 自始至終 | zì shǐ zhì zhōng | from start to finish (idiom) | du début à la fin; tout au long de; |
| 自寻烦恼 | 自尋煩惱 | zì xún fán nǎo | to bring trouble on oneself (idiom) | |
| 自带 | 自帶 | zì dài | to bring one's own ; BYO | |
| 自愧不如 | 自愧不如 | zì kuì bù rú | ashamed of being inferior (idiom) ; to feel inferior to others | |
| 自愧弗如 | 自愧弗如 | zì kuì fú rú | to feel ashamed at being inferior (idiom) | |
| 自找 | 自找 | zì zhǎo | to suffer as a consequence of one's own actions ; you asked for it ; to bring it on oneself (sth unpleasant) | subir les conséquences de ses actes |
| 自找苦吃 | 自找苦吃 | zì zhǎo kǔ chī | to bring trouble on oneself | |
| 自生自灭 | 自生自滅 | zì shēng zì miè | to emerge and perish on its own; to run its course (idiom) | |
| 自由自在 | 自由自在 | zì yóu zì zài | free and easy (idiom); carefree ; leisurely | |
| 自相残杀 | 自相殘殺 | zì xiāng cán shā | to massacre one another (idiom); internecine strife | |
| 自相鱼肉 | 自相魚肉 | zì xiāng yú ròu | butchering one another as fish and flesh (idiom); killing one another ; internecine strife | |
| 自知理亏 | 自知理虧 | zì zhī lǐ kuī | to know that one is in the wrong (idiom) | |
| 自私自利 | 自私自利 | zì sī zì lì | everything for self and selfish profit (idiom); with no regard for others ; selfish ; mercenary | égoïsme |
| 自繇自在 | 自繇自在 | zì yóu zì zai | free and easy (idiom); carefree ; leisurely | |
| 自视清高 | 自視清高 | zì shì qīng gāo | to think highly of oneself (idiom); giving oneself airs ; arrogant and self-important | |
| 自视甚高 | 自視甚高 | zì shì shèn gāo | to think highly of oneself (idiom); giving oneself airs ; arrogant and self-important | |
| 自身难保 | 自身難保 | zì shēn nán bǎo | powerless to defend oneself (idiom); helpless | |
| 自食其力 | 自食其力 | zì shí qí lì | lit. to eat off one's own strength; fig. to stand on one's own feet; to earn one's own living (idiom) | vivre de son propre travail ; vivre de ses bras ; gagner son pain à la sueur de son front |
| 自食其果 | 自食其果 | zì shí qí guǒ | to eat one's own fruit (idiom); fig. suffering the consequences of one's own action ; to reap what one has sown | récolter ce qu'on a semé; en payer les conséquence; en payer les conséquences; subir les conséquences de ses actes; n'avoir que ce qu'on mérite; |
| 自高自大 | 自高自大 | zì gāo zì dà | to think of oneself as terrific (idiom); arrogant | infatué de soi-même ; prétentieux ; présomptueux |
| 臭气熏天 | 臭氣熏天 | chòu qì xūn tiān | overwhelming stench (idiom) | |
| 致命 | 致命 | zhì mìng | fatal ; mortal ; deadly ; to sacrifice one's life | mortel; fatal; |
| 臻于完善 | 臻於完善 | zhēn yú wán shàn | to attain perfection (idiom) | |
| 臻于郅治 | 臻於郅治 | zhēn yú zhì zhì | to attain a state of perfect governance (idiom) | |
| 舌尖后音 | 舌尖後音 | shé jiān hòu yīn | retroflex ; consonants zh, ch, sh, r produced on the back of the tongue | |
| 舌根 | 舌根 | shé gēn | back of tongue ; tongue root ; dorsal | racine de la langue; |
| 舍命 | 捨命 | shě mìng | to risk one's life | risquer sa vie; |
| 舍己为人 | 捨己為人 | shě jǐ wèi rén | to abandon self for others (idiom, from Analects); to sacrifice one's own interest for other people ; altruism | se sacrifier pour les autres ; sacrifier son intérêt personnel pour autrui |
| 舍己为公 | 捨己為公 | shě jǐ wèi gōng | to give up one's private interests for the public good (idiom); to behave altruistically ; selfless and public spirited | |
| 舍己救人 | 捨己救人 | shě jǐ jiù rén | to abandon self for others (idiom); to sacrifice oneself to help the people ; altruism | |
| 舍正从邪 | 捨正從邪 | shě zhèng cóng xié | to be corrupted by evil influences (idiom) | |
| 舍生取义 | 捨生取義 | shě shēng qǔ yì | to give up life for righteousness (idiom, from Mencius); to choose honor over life ; would rather sacrifice one's life than one's principles | |
| 舍生忘死 | 捨生忘死 | shě shēng wàng sǐ | bravery with no thought of personal safety (idiom); risking life and limb ; undaunted by perils | |
| 舍身 | 捨身 | shě shēn | to give one's life | se sacrifier; risquer sa vie; |
| 舍身求法 | 捨身求法 | shě shēn qiú fǎ | to abandon one's body in the search for Buddha's truth (idiom) | |
| 舜日尧天 | 舜日堯天 | shùn rì yáo tiān | sage Emperors Shun and Yao rule every day (idiom); all for the best in the best of all possible worlds | |
| 舜日尧年 | 舜日堯年 | shùn rì yáo nián | sage Emperors Shun and Yao rule every day (idiom); all for the best in the best of all possible worlds | |
| 船到桥门，自会直 | 船到橋門，自會直 | chuán dào qiáo mén , zì huì zhí | lit. when the ship arrives at the bridge we can deal with the problem ; no point in worrying about sth until it actually happens (idiom) | |
| 船到江心，补漏迟 | 船到江心，補漏遲 | chuán dào jiāng xīn , bǔ lòu chí | It's too late to plug the leak once ship is in the middle of the river. (idiom) | |
| 船到码头，车到站 | 船到碼頭，車到站 | chuán dào mǎ tóu , chē dào zhàn | The ship has docked, the carriage has reached the station. ; The job is over, it's time to relax. (idiom) | |
| 船尾 | 船尾 | chuán wěi | back end of a ship ; aft | |
| 良宵美景 | 良宵美景 | liáng xiāo měi jǐng | fine evening, beautiful scenery (idiom) | |
| 良工心苦 | 良工心苦 | liáng gōng xīn kǔ | expert craft from hard practice (idiom); hard-won skill ; A masterpiece demands suffering. | |
| 良师益友 | 良師益友 | liáng shī yì yǒu | good teacher and helpful friend (idiom); mentor | bon maître et ami secourable (idiome) |
| 良知良能 | 良知良能 | liáng zhī liáng néng | instinctive understanding, esp. of ethical issues (idiom); untrained, but with an inborn sense of right and wrong ; innate moral sense | |
| 良药苦口 | 良藥苦口 | liáng yào kǔ kǒu | good medicine tastes bitter (idiom); fig. frank criticism is hard to swallow | |
| 良辰吉日 | 良辰吉日 | liáng chén jí rì | fine time, lucky day (idiom); fig. good opportunity | |
| 良辰美景 | 良辰美景 | liáng chén měi jǐng | fine time, beautiful scenery (idiom); everything lovely | beau temps et joli paysage ; circonstances heureuses (idiome) |
| 艰深晦涩 | 艱深晦澀 | jiān shēn huì sè | abstruse and unfathomable (idiom) | |
| 艰难险阻 | 艱難險阻 | jiān nán xiǎn zǔ | untold dangers and difficulties (idiom) | |
| 色令智昏 | 色令智昏 | sè lìng zhì hūn | to lose one's head over lust ; sex-crazy (idiom) | |
| 色厉内荏 | 色厲內荏 | sè lì nèi rěn | lit. show strength while weak inside (idiom); appearing fierce while cowardly at heart ; a sheep in wolf's clothing | féroce en apparence mais faible au fond ; lâche au fond sous des dehors de fermeté ; dissimuler sa faiblesse sous un air agressif ; affecter un air rébarbatif pour cacher sa faiblesse |
| 色厉词严 | 色厲詞嚴 | sè lì cí yán | severe in both looks and speech (idiom) | |
| 艾登堡 | 艾登堡 | ài dēng bǎo | Attenborough (name) ; David Attenborough (1926-), British naturalist and broadcaster, author of Life on Earth 地球上的生物[di4 qiu2 shang4 de5 sheng1 wu4] | |
| 节上生枝 | 節上生枝 | jié shàng shēng zhī | a new branch grows out of a knot (idiom); fig. side issues keep arising | |
| 节外生枝 | 節外生枝 | jié wài shēng zhī | a new branch grows out of a knot (idiom); fig. side issues keep arising | excroissance |
| 节衣缩食 | 節衣縮食 | jié yī suō shí | to save on food and clothing (idiom); to live frugally | |
| 芙蓉出水 | 芙蓉出水 | fú róng chū shuǐ | lit. lotus rises from the water (idiom); fig. to blossom (of poem or art) | |
| 芝兰之室 | 芝蘭之室 | zhī lán zhī shì | lit. a room with irises and orchids (idiom); fig. in wealthy and pleasant company | |
| 芝兰玉树 | 芝蘭玉樹 | zhī lán yù shù | lit. orchids and jade trees (idiom); fig. a child with splendid future prospects | |
| 芝焚蕙叹 | 芝焚蕙歎 | zhī fén huì tàn | lit. when one grass burns the other grass sighs (idiom); fig. to have sympathy with a like-minded person in distress | |
| 花前月下 | 花前月下 | huā qián yuè xià | in flowers by moonlight (idiom); fig. courtship ; honeymoon | |
| 花天酒地 | 花天酒地 | huā tiān jiǔ dì | to spend one's time in drinking and pleasure (idiom); to indulge in sensual pleasures ; life of debauchery | |
| 花好月圆 | 花好月圓 | huā hǎo yuè yuán | lit. lovely flowers, round moon (idiom); fig. everything is wonderful ; perfect happiness ; conjugal bliss | Les fleurs sont en plein épanouissement et la lune est pleine ; parfait bonheur conjugal |
| 花容月貌 | 花容月貌 | huā róng yuè mào | lit. countenance of a flower, face like the moon (idiom) ; fig. (of a woman) beautiful | |
| 花拳绣腿 | 花拳繡腿 | huā quán xiù tuǐ | flowery of fist with fancy footwork (idiom) ; highly embellished and ineffectual ; fancy but impractical skills ; all show and no go ; pugilistic wankery | |
| 花无百日红 | 花無百日紅 | huā wú bǎi rì hóng | No flower can bloom for a hundred days. ; Good times do not last long. (idiom) | |
| 花枝招展 | 花枝招展 | huā zhī zhāo zhǎn | lit. the flowering branches sway (idiom); fig. gorgeously dressed (woman) | faire étalage de ses charmes |
| 花色繁多 | 花色繁多 | huā sè fán duō | a rich selection of colors and designs (idiom) | |
| 花言巧语 | 花言巧語 | huā yán qiǎo yǔ | graceful words, flowery speech (idiom); elegant but insincere words ; cheating wheedling ; dishonest rhetoric | flatterie ; paroles flatteuses ; paroles spécieuses ; belles paroles |
| 花貌蓬心 | 花貌蓬心 | huā mào péng xīn | florid outside appearance, unkempt interior (idiom) | |
| 苍松翠柏 | 蒼松翠柏 | cāng sōng cuì bǎi | evergreen pine and cypress (idiom); steadfast nobility | |
| 苛捐杂税 | 苛捐雜稅 | kē juān zá shuì | exorbitant taxation (idiom) | impôts exorbitants et taxes multiples ; contributions et taxes excessives |
| 苛政猛于虎 | 苛政猛於虎 | kē zhèng měng yú hǔ | tyrannical government is fiercer than a tiger (idiom) | |
| 苞藏祸心 | 苞藏禍心 | bāo cáng huò xīn | to harbor evil intentions (idiom); concealing malice | |
| 苟且偷安 | 苟且偷安 | gǒu qiě tōu ān | seeking only ease and comfort (idiom); making no attempt to improve oneself ; taking things easily without attending to responsibilities | |
| 苟且偷生 | 苟且偷生 | gǒu qiě tōu shēng | to drift and live without purpose (idiom); to drag out an ignoble existence | |
| 苟存 | 苟存 | gǒu cún | to drift through life | |
| 苟延残喘 | 苟延殘喘 | gǒu yán cán chuǎn | to struggle on whilst at death’s door (idiom) | végéter ; survivre à peine |
| 若无其事 | 若無其事 | ruò wú qí shì | as if nothing had happened (idiom); calmly ; nonchalantly | |
| 若要人不知，除非己莫为 | 若要人不知，除非己莫為 | ruò yào rén bù zhī , chú fēi jǐ mò wéi | If you don't want anyone to know, don't do it (idiom). fig. If you do something bad, people will inevitably hear about it. | |
| 苦中作乐 | 苦中作樂 | kǔ zhōng zuò lè | to find joy in sorrows (idiom); to enjoy sth in spite of one's suffering | |
| 苦口婆心 | 苦口婆心 | kǔ kǒu pó xīn | earnest and well-meaning advice (idiom); to persuade patiently | conseiller avec zèle et avec la meilleure foi du monde; amer au goût |
| 苦大仇深 | 苦大仇深 | kǔ dà chóu shēn | great bitterness, deep hatred (idiom); deeply ingrained long-standing resentment | |
| 苦尽甘来 | 苦盡甘來 | kǔ jìn gān lái | bitterness finishes, sweetness begins (idiom); the hard times are over, the good times just beginning | |
| 苦心孤诣 | 苦心孤詣 | kǔ xīn gū yì | to make painstaking efforts (idiom); after much trouble ; to work hard at sth | |
| 苦思冥想 | 苦思冥想 | kǔ sī míng xiǎng | to consider from all angles (idiom); to think hard ; to rack one's brains | |
| 苦海无边，回头是岸 | 苦海無邊，回頭是岸 | kǔ hǎi wú biān , huí tóu shì àn | The sea of bitterness has no bounds, turn your head to see the shore (idiom). Only Buddhist enlightenment can allow one to shed off the abyss of worldly suffering. ; Repent and ye shall be saved! | |
| 苦海茫茫 | 苦海茫茫 | kǔ hǎi máng máng | sea of bitterness is vast (idiom) | |
| 苦集灭道 | 苦集滅道 | kǔ jí miè dào | the Four Noble Truths (Budd.), namely: all life is suffering 苦, the cause of suffering is desire 集, emancipation comes only by eliminating passions 滅|灭, the way 道 to emancipation is the Eight-fold Noble Way 八Ē | |
| 英勇牺牲 | 英勇犧牲 | yīng yǒng xī shēng | to heroically sacrifice one's life | |
| 英雄所见略同 | 英雄所見略同 | yīng xióng suǒ jiàn l//v//è tóng | lit. heroes usually agree (idiom); Great minds think alike. | |
| 茅塞顿开 | 茅塞頓開 | máo sè dùn kāi | murky darkness suddenly opens (idiom); a sudden flash of insight and all is clear | |
| 茶饭不思 | 茶飯不思 | chá fàn bù sī | no thought for tea or rice (idiom); melancholic and suffering ; to have no appetite | |
| 茶饭无心 | 茶飯無心 | chá fàn wú xīn | no heart for tea or rice (idiom); melancholic and suffering ; to have no appetite | |
| 茶马古道 | 茶馬古道 | chá mǎ gǔ dào | old tea-horse road or southern Silk Road, dating back to 6th century, from Tibet and Sichuan through Yunnan and Southeast Asia, reaching to Bhutan, Sikkim, India and beyond | |
| 荆棘载途 | 荊棘載途 | jīng jí zài tú | lit. a path covered in brambles ; a course of action beset by difficulties (idiom) | |
| 荆榛满目 | 荊榛滿目 | jīng zhēn mǎn mù | thorns and brambles as far as eye can see (idiom); beset by troubles | |
| 草木皆兵 | 草木皆兵 | cǎo mù jiē bīng | lit. every tree or bush an enemy soldier (idiom); fig. to panic and treat everyone as an enemy ; to feel beleaguered | |
| 草满囹圄 | 草满囹圄 | cǎo mǎn líng yǔ | lit. jails overgrown with grass (idiom); fig. peaceful society | |
| 草率收兵 | 草率收兵 | cǎo shuài shōu bīng | to work vaguely then retreat (idiom); sloppy and half-hearted ; half-baked | |
| 草草收兵 | 草草收兵 | cǎo cǎo shōu bīng | to work vaguely then retreat (idiom); sloppy and half-hearted ; half-baked | |
| 草菅人命 | 草菅人命 | cǎo jiān rén mìng | human life as grass (idiom); to kill people like scything grass ; a politician acting with total disregard for the life of his countrymen | |
| 荒无人烟 | 荒無人煙 | huāng wú rén yān | desolate and uninhabited (idiom) | dépeuplement; dépeupler |
| 荒烟蔓草 | 荒煙蔓草 | huāng yān màn cǎo | lit. abandoned by men and choked with weeds ; desolate (idiom) | |
| 荒谬绝伦 | 荒謬絕倫 | huāng miù jué lún | absolutely ridiculous (idiom); preposterous ; the height of folly | |
| 荜门圭窦 | 蓽門圭竇 | bì mén guī dòu | wicker door, hole window (idiom); fig. wretched hovel ; living in poverty | |
| 荣华富贵 | 榮華富貴 | róng huá fù guì | glory, splendor, wealth and rank (idiom); high position and great wealth | honneurs et richesses |
| 荣宗耀祖 | 榮宗耀祖 | róng zōng yào zǔ | to bring honor to one's ancestors (idiom) ; also written 光宗耀祖 | |
| 荷 | 荷 | hé | to carry on one's shoulder or back ; burden ; responsibility | lotus; |
| 荼毒生灵 | 荼毒生靈 | tú dú shēng líng | to torment the people (idiom) | |
| 莅临指导 | 蒞臨指導 | lì lín zhǐ dǎo | to offer a wholehearted welcome to guests and accept their guidance (idiom) | |
| 莫名其妙 | 莫名其妙 | mò míng qí miào | unfathomable mystery (idiom); subtle and ineffable ; unable to make head or tail of it ; boring (e.g. movie) | n'y comprendre rien; s'y perdre; sans raison valable; ne savoir pourquoi; |
| 莫明其妙 | 莫明其妙 | mò míng qí miào | unfathomable mystery (idiom); subtle and ineffable ; unable to make head or tail of it | |
| 莫衷一是 | 莫衷一是 | mò zhōng yī shì | unable to reach a decision (idiom); cannot agree on the right choice ; no unanimous decision ; still a matter of discussion | |
| 莺歌燕舞 | 鶯歌燕舞 | yīng gē yàn wǔ | the warbler sings and the swallow dances ; prosperity abounds (idiom) | |
| 萎靡不振 | 萎靡不振 | wěi mǐ bù zhèn | dispirited and listless (idiom); downcast | |
| 营私舞弊 | 營私舞弊 | yíng sī wǔ bì | fraudulent personal gain (idiom); to engage in corrupt practice | |
| 营谋遂顺 | 營謀遂順 | yíng móu suí shùn | to carry out a plan without hindrance (idiom) | |
| 落井下石 | 落井下石 | luò jǐng xià shí | to throw stones at sb who fell down a well (idiom); to hit a person who is down | |
| 落入法网 | 落入法網 | luò rù fǎ wǎng | to fall into the net of justice (idiom); finally arrested | |
| 落叶归根 | 落葉歸根 | luò yè guī gēn | a falling leaf returns to the roots (idiom); everything has its ancestral home ; In old age, an expatriate longs to return home. | |
| 落落寡交 | 落落寡交 | luò luò guǎ jiāo | aloof and as a result friendless (idiom) | |
| 著书立说 | 著書立說 | zhù shū lì shuō | to write a book advancing one's theory (idiom) | |
| 葬玉埋香 | 葬玉埋香 | zàng yù mái xiāng | lit. burying jade and interring incense (idiom); funeral for a beautiful person | |
| 葱郁 | 蔥鬱 | cōng yù | verdant ; lush green and full of life | |
| 蒙在鼓里 | 蒙在鼓裡 | méng zài gǔ lǐ | variant of 矇在鼓裡|矇在鼓里[meng2 zai4 gu3 li3] ; lit. kept hoodwinked inside a drum (idiom); completely in the dark | |
| 蓄须明志 | 蓄鬚明志 | xù xū míng zhì | to be resolutely opposed to doing sth (idiom) | |
| 蓝田种玉 | 藍田種玉 | lán tián zhòng yù | a marriage made in heaven (idiom) | |
| 蓬户瓮牖 | 蓬戶瓮牖 | péng hù wèng yǒu | thatched house, broken urn windows (idiom); poor person's house ; humble home | |
| 蓬门筚户 | 蓬門篳戶 | péng mén bì hù | overgrown gate, wicker windows (idiom); poor person's house ; humble home | |
| 蓬门荜户 | 蓬門蓽戶 | péng mén bì hù | overgrown gate, wicker windows (idiom); poor person's house ; humble home | |
| 蓬首垢面 | 蓬首垢面 | péng shǒu gòu miàn | lit. with disheveled hair and a dirty face ; of unkempt appearance (idiom) | |
| 藏器待时 | 藏器待時 | cáng qì dài shí | to conceal one's abilities and wait (idiom); to lie low and await the opportune moment | |
| 藏垢纳污 | 藏垢納污 | cáng gòu nà wū | to hide dirt, to conceal corruption (idiom); to shelter evil people and accept wrongdoing ; aiding and abetting wicked deeds | |
| 藏头露尾 | 藏頭露尾 | cáng tóu lù wěi | to hide the head and show the tail (idiom); to give a partial account ; half-truths | |
| 藏污纳垢 | 藏污納垢 | cáng wū nà gòu | to hide dirt, to conceal corruption (idiom); to shelter evil people and accept wrongdoing ; aiding and abetting wicked deeds | |
| 藏龙卧虎 | 藏龍臥虎 | cáng lóng wò hǔ | hidden dragon, crouching tiger (idiom); fig. talented individuals in hiding ; concealed talent | |
| 藕断丝连 | 藕斷絲連 | ǒu duàn sī lián | lit. lotus roots may break, but the fiber remains joined (idiom); lovers part, but still long for one another | ne pouvoir se détacher complètement des liens anciens ; Le rhizome de lotus rompt mais ses filaments tiennent. |
| 虎头蛇尾 | 虎頭蛇尾 | hǔ tóu shé wěi | lit. tiger's head, snake's tail (idiom); fig. a strong start but weak finish | |
| 虎背熊腰 | 虎背熊腰 | hǔ bèi xióng yāo | back of a tiger and waist of a bear ; tough and stocky build | |
| 虎踞龙盘 | 虎踞龍盤 | hǔ jù lóng pán | lit. where tigers crouch and dragons coil (idiom); fig. forbidding terrain | |
| 虎踞龙蟠 | 虎踞龍蟠 | hǔ jù lóng pán | lit. where tigers crouch and dragons coil (idiom); fig. forbidding terrain | |
| 虚与委蛇 | 虛與委蛇 | xū yǔ wēi shé | pretense at complying (idiom); sham gestures of politeness | |
| 虚己以听 | 虛己以聽 | xū jǐ yǐ tīng | to listen to the ideas of others with an open mind (idiom) | |
| 虚席以待 | 虛席以待 | xū xí yǐ dài | to reserve a seat for sb (idiom) | |
| 虚心好学 | 虛心好學 | xū xīn hào xué | modest and studious (idiom) | |
| 虚怀若谷 | 虛懷若谷 | xū huái ruò gǔ | receptive as an echoing canyon (idiom); modest and open-minded | |
| 虚有其表 | 虛有其表 | xū yǒu qí biǎo | lit. its outside face seems good (idiom); fig. looks impressive but is worthless ; not as good as it looks ; a reputation with no substance | |
| 虱多不痒 | 蝨多不痒 | shī duō bù yǎng | many fleas, but unconcerned (idiom); no point in worrying about one debt when one has so many others ; Troubles never come singly. ; It never rains but it pours. | |
| 虽死犹生 | 雖死猶生 | suī sǐ yóu shēng | lit. although dead, as if still alive (idiom); still with us in spirit | |
| 虾兵蟹将 | 蝦兵蟹將 | xiā bīng xiè jiàng | shrimp soldiers and crab generals (in mythology or popular fiction, the army of the Dragon King of the Eastern Sea) ; useless troops (idiom) | |
| 蚁斗蜗争 | 蟻鬥蝸爭 | yǐ dòu wō zhēng | lit. the ant fights, the snail contends (idiom); fig. petty squabbling | |
| 蛾眉皓齿 | 蛾眉皓齒 | é méi hào chǐ | beautiful eyebrow and white teeth (idiom); lovely young woman | |
| 蜀犬吠日 | 蜀犬吠日 | shǔ quǎn fèi rì | lit. Sichuan dogs bark at the sun (idiom); fig. a simpleton will marvel at even the most universal known. ; alludes to the Sichan foggy weather where it's uncommon to see a sunny day | |
| 蜻蜓撼石柱 | 蜻蜓撼石柱 | qīng tíng hàn shí zhù | lit. the dragon-fly shakes the stone tower (idiom); fig. to overestimate one's capabilities | |
| 蜻蜓点水 | 蜻蜓點水 | qīngtíng diǎn shuǐ | lit. the dragonfly touches the water lightly ; superficial contact (idiom) | comme la libellule qui rase la surface de l'eau; ne faire qu'effleurer la question; |
| 螗 | 螗 | táng | variety of small cicada with a green back and a clear song (in ancient books) | |
| 螳蜋捕蝉 | 螳螂捕蟬 | táng láng bǔ chán | the mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind (idiom, from Daoist classic Zhuangzi 莊子|庄子); to pursue a narrow gain while neglecting a greater danger | |
| 螳蜋捕蝉，黄雀在后 | 螳螂捕蟬，黃雀在後 | táng láng bǔ chán , huáng què zài hòu | The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind (idiom, from Daoist classic Zhuangzi 莊子|庄子); to pursue a narrow gain while neglecting a greater danger | |
| 蟏蛸满室 | 蠨蛸滿室 | xiāo shāo mǎn shì | The room is filled with cobwebs. (idiom) | |
| 蠲除苛政 | 蠲除苛政 | juān chú kē zhèng | to alleviate oppressive administration (idiom) | |
| 蠹众木折 | 蠹眾木折 | dù zhòng mù zhé | Danger appears where many harmful factors exist. (idiom) | |
| 蠹国害民 | 蠹國害民 | dù guó hài mín | to rob the state and hurt the people (idiom) | |
| 血亲复仇 | 血親復仇 | xuè qīn fù chóu | blood or family feud (idiom) | |
| 血口喷人 | 血口噴人 | xuè kǒu pēn rén | to spit blood (idiom); venomous slander ; malicious attacks | (idiome) cracher du sang; calomnie; attaques malveillantes |
| 血本无归 | 血本無歸 | xuè běn wú guī | to lose one's life savings (e.g. after a bankruptcy) ; no return for one's hard-earned savings | |
| 血气方刚 | 血氣方剛 | xuè qì fāng gāng | full of sap (idiom); young and vigorous | |
| 血流漂杵 | 血流漂杵 | xuè liú piāo chǔ | enough blood flowing to float pestles (idiom); rivers of blood ; blood bath | |
| 血盆大口 | 血盆大口 | xuè pén dà kǒu | bloody mouth wide open like a sacrificial bowl (idiom); ferocious mouth of beast of prey ; fig. greedy exploiter ; rapacious aggressor | |
| 血肉模糊 | 血肉模糊 | xuè ròu mó hu | to be badly mangled or mutilated (idiom) | |
| 血肉横飞 | 血肉橫飛 | xuè ròu héng fēi | flesh and blood flying (idiom); carnage ; people blown to pieces | |
| 血肉相连 | 血肉相連 | xuè ròu xiāng lián | one's own flesh and blood (idiom); closely related | |
| 行万里路，读万卷书 | 行萬裡路，讀萬卷書 | xíng wàn lǐ lù , dú wàn juǎn shū | Knowledge comes from books and from experience of the world. (idiom) | |
| 行不从径 | 行不從徑 | xíng bù cóng jìng | lit. not following the straight path (idiom); fig. looking for a shortcut to get ahead in work or study | |
| 行不由径 | 行不由徑 | xíng bù yóu jìng | lit. never taking a short-cut (idiom); fig. upright and honest | |
| 行不顾言 | 行不顧言 | xíng bù gù yán | to say one thing and do another (idiom) | |
| 行之有效 | 行之有效 | xíng zhī yǒu xiào | to be effective (idiom) | |
| 行将告罄 | 行將告罄 | xíng jiāng gào qìng | to run short (idiom) | |
| 行将就木 | 行將就木 | xíng jiāng jiù mù | to approach one's coffin (idiom); with one foot in the grave | avoir un pied dans la tombe ; être au seuil de la mort |
| 行有余力 | 行有餘力 | xíng yǒu yú lì | after that, any remaining energy (idiom from Analects); time for extracurricular activities | |
| 行行出状元 | 行行出狀元 | háng háng chū zhuàng yuán | lit. in every trade, a master appears (idiom); fig. You can produce outstanding achievements in any task, provided you put it enough love and diligence | |
| 街头巷尾 | 街頭巷尾 | jiē tóu xiàng wěi | top of streets, bottom of alleys (idiom); everywhere in the city | |
| 衡情酌理 | 衡情酌理 | héng qíng zhuó lǐ | to weight the matter and deliberate the reason (idiom); to weigh and consider ; to deliberate | |
| 衡酌 | 衡酌 | héng zhuó | to weigh and consider ; to deliberate ; short form of idiom 衡情酌理 | |
| 衣单食薄 | 衣單食薄 | yī dān shí bó | thin coat, meager food (idiom); life of wretched poverty ; destitute | |
| 衣锦荣归 | 衣錦榮歸 | yī jǐn róng guī | to come back to one's hometown in silken robes (idiom); to return in glory | |
| 衣锦还乡 | 衣錦還鄉 | yì jǐn huán xiāng | to come back to one's hometown in silken robes (idiom); to return in glory | |
| 衣食住行 | 衣食住行 | yī shí zhù xíng | clothing, food, housing and transport (idiom); people's basic needs | habillement; nourriture , habitation et transport; le vêtement, le vivre, le couvert et les déplacements : nécessités de la vie; |
| 补偏救弊 | 補偏救弊 | bǔ piān jiù bì | to remedy defects and correct errors (idiom); to rectify past mistakes | |
| 补足 | 補足 | bǔ zú | bring up to full strength ; make up a deficiency ; fill (a vacancy, gap etc) | appoint; compléter |
| 表里不一 | 表裡不一 | biǎo lǐ bù yī | outside appearance and inner reality differ (idiom); not what it seems ; saying one thing but meaning sth different | |
| 表里如一 | 表裡如一 | biǎo lǐ rú yī | external appearance and inner thoughts coincide (idiom); to say what one means ; to think and act as one | |
| 袒缚 | 袒縛 | tǎn fù | to surrender after baring oneself to the waist and tying one's hands behind | |
| 袖手旁观 | 袖手旁觀 | xiù shǒu páng guān | to watch with folded arms (idiom); to look on without lifting a finger | |
| 裁 | 裁 | cái | to cut out (as a dress) ; to cut ; to trim ; to reduce ; to diminish ; to cut back (e.g. on staff) ; decision ; judgment | tailler; couper ; réduire; diminuer; renvoyer; |
| 裁汰 | 裁汰 | cái tài | to cut back | |
| 装模作样 | 裝模作樣 | zhuāng mó zuò yàng | to put on an act (idiom); to show affectation ; to indulge in histrionics | |
| 装疯卖傻 | 裝瘋賣傻 | zhuāng fēng mài shǎ | to play the fool (idiom) ; to feign madness | |
| 装神弄鬼 | 裝神弄鬼 | zhuāng shén nòng guǐ | lit. dress up as God, play the devil (idiom); fig. to mystify ; to deceive people ; to scam | |
| 装穷叫苦 | 裝窮叫苦 | zhuāng qióng jiào kǔ | to feign and complain bitterly of being poverty stricken (idiom) | |
| 装酸哭穷 | 裝酸哭窮 | zhuāng suān kū qióng | to dress poorly an plead poverty (even though rich) (idiom) | |
| 裒多益寡 | 裒多益寡 | póu duō yì guǎ | to take from the rich and give to the poor (idiom) | |
| 裒敛无厌 | 裒斂無厭 | póu liǎn wú yàn | to accumulate wealth without satisfaction ; to continually plunder (idiom) | |
| 裹足不前 | 裹足不前 | guǒ zú bù qián | to stand still without advancing (idiom); to hesitate and hold back | piétiner sur place ; hésiter devant les difficultés |
| 褓 | 褓 | bǎo | cloth for carrying baby on back | lange; habit pour porter un enfant dans le dos |
| 襁 | 襁 | qiǎng | cloth for carrying baby on back | － |
| 襟怀坦白 | 襟懷坦白 | jīn huái tǎn bái | open and candid (idiom); not hiding anything ; ingenuous ; open hearted ; unselfish ; magnanimous ; broad-minded | |
| 西子捧心 | 西子捧心 | xī zǐ pěng xīn | famous beauty Xi Shi 西施[Xi1 Shi1] is sick at heart (idiom); beautiful woman morbidly worried about her looks | |
| 要死 | 要死 | yào sǐ | extremely important ; deadly urgent ; matter of life and death | |
| 要死要活 | 要死要活 | yào sǐ yào huó | desperate ; matter of life or death | |
| 覆巢无完卵 | 覆巢無完卵 | fù cháo wú wán luǎn | lit. when the nest overturns no egg remains intact ; no member escapes unscathed from a family disaster (idiom) | |
| 覆水难收 | 覆水難收 | fù shuǐ nán shōu | spilt water is difficult to retrieve (idiom) ; it's no use crying over spilt milk ; what's done is done and can't be reversed ; the damage is done ; once divorced, there's no reuniting | |
| 见义勇为 | 見義勇為 | jiàn yì yǒng wéi | to see what is right and act courageously (idiom, from Analects); to stand up bravely for the truth ; acting heroically in a just cause | |
| 见之实施 | 見之實施 | jiàn zhī shí shī | to put into effect (idiom) | |
| 见仁见智 | 見仁見智 | jiàn rén jiàn zhì | opinions differ (idiom) | Chacun a son point de vue sur le même problème |
| 见利忘义 | 見利忘義 | jiàn lì wàng yì | to see profit and forget morality (idiom); to act from mercenary considerations ; to sell one's soul for gain | |
| 见利思义 | 見利思義 | jiàn lì sī yì | to see profit and remember morality (idiom); to act ethically ; not tempted by riches | |
| 见多识广 | 見多識廣 | jiàn duō shí guǎng | experienced and knowledgeable (idiom) | |
| 见异思迁 | 見異思遷 | jiàn yì sī qiān | to change at once on seeing sth different (idiom); loving fads and novelty ; never satisfied with what one has | |
| 见微知著 | 見微知著 | jiàn wēi zhī zhù | one tiny clue reveals the general trend (idiom); small beginnings show how things will develop | |
| 见机行事 | 見機行事 | jiàn jī xíng shì | see the opportunity and act (idiom); to act according to circumstances ; to play it by ear ; to use one's discretion | |
| 见缝就钻 | 見縫就鑽 | jiàn fèng jiù zuān | lit. to see a gap and drill (idiom); fig. to make the most of every opportunity | |
| 见缝插针 | 見縫插針 | jiàn fèng chā zhēn | lit. to see a gap and stick in a needle (idiom); fig. to make use of every second and every inch | |
| 见贤思齐 | 見賢思齊 | jiàn xián sī qí | see a worthy, think to imitate (idiom, from Analects); emulate the virtuous ; Follow the example of a virtuous and wise teacher. | |
| 见钱眼开 | 見錢眼開 | jiàn qián yǎn kāi | to open one's eyes wide at the sight of profit (idiom); thinking of nothing but personal gain ; money-grubbing | |
| 见闻有限 | 見聞有限 | jiàn wén yǒu xiàn | to possess limited experience and knowledge (idiom) | |
| 见难而上 | 見難而上 | jiàn nán ér shàng | to take the bull by the horns (idiom) | |
| 见风使帆 | 見風使帆 | jiàn fēng shǐ fān | lit. see the wind and set your sails (idiom); fig. to act pragmatically ; to be flexible and take advantage of the situation | |
| 见风使舵 | 見風使舵 | jiàn fēng shǐ duò | lit. see the wind and set the helm (idiom); fig. to act pragmatically ; to be flexible and take advantage of the situation | virer à tout vent ; tourner à tous les vents ; agir selon ce que dictent les circonstances |
| 见风是雨 | 見風是雨 | jiàn fēng shì yǔ | lit. see the wind and assume it will rain (idiom); fig. gullible ; to believe whatever people suggest | |
| 见风转舵 | 見風轉舵 | jiàn fēng zhuǎn duò | lit. see the wind and set the helm (idiom); fig. to act pragmatically ; to be flexible and take advantage of the situation | |
| 观衅伺隙 | 觀釁伺隙 | guān xìn sì xì | lit. to look for holes, and observe gaps (idiom); to search out one's opponent's weak points ; to look for the Achilles heel | |
| 规矩准绳 | 規矩準繩 | guī ju zhǔn shéng | compasses, set square, spirit level and plumbline (idiom); fig. established standard ; norms ; criteria | |
| 规矩绳墨 | 規矩繩墨 | guī ju shéng mò | compasses, set square and straight line marker (idiom); fig. established standard ; norms ; criteria | |
| 规行矩步 | 規行矩步 | guī xíng jǔ bù | to follow the compass and go with the set square (idiom); to follow the rules inflexibly ; to act according to convention | |
| 视为畏途 | 視為畏途 | shì wéi wèi tú | to view as dangerous (idiom); afraid to do sth | |
| 视为知己 | 視為知己 | shì wéi zhī jǐ | to consider sb as close friend (idiom); to take into one's confidence | |
| 视同儿戏 | 視同兒戲 | shì tóng ér xì | to regard sth as a plaything (idiom); to consider unimportant ; to view as trifling | |
| 视同手足 | 視同手足 | shì tóng shǒu zú | to regard somebody as a brother (idiom) | |
| 视微知著 | 視微知着 | shì wēi zhī zhuó | one tiny clue reveals the general trend (idiom); small beginnings show how things will develop | |
| 视死如归 | 視死如歸 | shì sǐ rú guī | to view death as a return home ; to not be afraid of dying ; to face death with equanimity (idiom) | considérer la mort comme le retour chez soi ; aller sans crainte à la mort |
| 解民倒悬 | 解民倒懸 | jiě mín dào xuán | lit. to rescue the people from hanging upside down (idiom, from Mencius); to save the people from dire straits | |
| 解甲 | 解甲 | jiě jiǎ | to remove armor ; to return to civilian life | |
| 解甲归田 | 解甲歸田 | jiě jiǎ guī tián | to remove armor and return to the farm ; to return to civilian life | |
| 解铃系铃 | 解鈴系鈴 | jiě líng xì líng | lit. whoever hung the bell on the tiger's neck must untie it (idiom); fig. whoever started the trouble should end it | |
| 觥筹交错 | 觥籌交錯 | gōng chóu jiāocuò | wine goblets and gambling chips lie intertwined ; to drink and gamble together in a large group (idiom) ; a big (drinking) party | s'inviter les uns les autres à vider le verre; |
| 触媒作用 | 觸媒作用 | chù méi zuò yòng | catalysis (idiom) | |
| 触斗蛮争 | 觸鬥蠻爭 | chù dòu mán zhēng | constant bickering and fighting (idiom); constantly at each other's throats ; struggle for personal gain | |
| 触景伤情 | 觸景傷情 | chù jǐng shāng qíng | circumstances that evoke mixed feelings (idiom) | (idiome) les circonstances évoquent des sentiments mitigés |
| 触景生情 | 觸景生情 | chù jǐng shēng qíng | scene which recalls past memories (idiom) ; evocative of the past ; reminiscent ; to arouse deep feelings | (idiome) scène qui rappelle des souvenirs du passé; évocateur du passé; rappelle; suscite des sentiments profonds |
| 触目伤心 | 觸目傷心 | chù mù shāng xīn | distressing sight (idiom) | |
| 触目惊心 | 觸目驚心 | chù mù jīng xīn | lit. shocks the eye, astonishes the heart (idiom); shocking ; horrible to see ; a ghastly sight | |
| 言不由衷 | 言不由衷 | yán bù yóu zhōng | to say sth without meaning it (idiom); to speak tongue in cheek ; saying one thing but meaning sth different | |
| 言传身教 | 言傳身教 | yán chuán shēn jiào | explain in words, but teach by example (idiom); Action speaks louder than words. | |
| 言听计从 | 言聽計從 | yán tīng jì cóng | to see, hear and obey (idiom); to take advice ; to take sb at his word | |
| 言外之意 | 言外之意 | yán wài zhī yì | meaning beyond the words (idiom); unspoken implication ; reading between the lines ; what is actually intended | |
| 言归正传 | 言歸正傳 | yán guī zhèng zhuàn | to return to the main topic (idiom); back to business ; to finish a digression and get back to the main subject ; retournons à nos moutons | |
| 言教不如身教 | 言教不如身教 | yán jiào bù rú shēn jiào | Explaining in words is not as good as teaching by example (idiom). Action speaks louder than words. | |
| 言符其实 | 言符其實 | yán fú qí shí | to stick to the facts (idiom) | |
| 言简意赅 | 言簡意賅 | yán jiǎn yì gāi | concise and comprehensive (idiom) | (phrase) s'exprimer avec concision et précision; être concis dans ses écrits; |
| 言者无罪，闻者足戒 | 言者無罪，聞者足戒 | yán zhě wú zuì , wén zhě zú jiè | don't blame the speaker, take note of his warning (idiom); an exhortation to speak one's mind without fear of reprisals, and with the expectation of being taken seriously | |
| 言而无信 | 言而無信 | yán ér wú xìn | to go back on one's word ; to break one's promise ; to be unfaithful ; to be untrustworthy | |
| 言而有信 | 言而有信 | yán ér yǒu xìn | to speak and keep one's promise (idiom); as good as one's word | |
| 言行一致 | 言行一致 | yán xíng yī zhì | word and actions coincide (idiom); to live up to one's word ; to match words with deeds ; Practice what you preach. | |
| 言行若一 | 言行若一 | yán xíng ruò yī | word and actions coincide (idiom); to live up to one's word ; to match words with deeds ; Practice what you preach. | |
| 言谈林薮 | 言談林藪 | yán tán lín sǒu | effusive in speech (idiom) | |
| 言近旨远 | 言近旨遠 | yán jìn zhǐ yuǎn | simple words with a profound meaning (idiom) | |
| 誓不两立 | 誓不兩立 | shì bù liǎng lì | the two cannot exist together (idiom); irreconcilable differences ; incompatible standpoints | |
| 誓死 | 誓死 | shì sǐ | to pledge one's life | faire le serment de ne jamais changer d'attitude; jurer de mourir plutôt que de céder; |
| 諴 | 諴 | xián | bring into accord ; sincerity | |
| 认贼作父 | 認賊作父 | rèn zéi zuò fù | lit. to acknowledge the bandit as one's father (idiom); fig. a complete betrayal ; to sell oneself to the enemy | |
| 讨好卖乖 | 討好賣乖 | tǎo hǎo mài guāi | to curry favor by showing obeisance (idiom) | |
| 讨还 | 討還 | tǎo huán | to get sth back ; to recover | |
| 让贤与能 | 讓賢與能 | ràng xián yǔ néng | to step aside and give a more worthy person a chance (idiom) | |
| 记忆犹新 | 記憶猶新 | jì yì yóu xīn | to remain fresh in one's memory (idiom) | |
| 讳疾忌医 | 諱疾忌醫 | huì jí jì yī | hiding a sickness for fear of treatment (idiom); fig. concealing a fault to avoid criticism ; to keep one's shortcomings secret ; to refuse to listen to advice | dissimuler sa maladie par crainte du traitement ; ne pas avouer ses fautes pour éviter les remontrances ; ne pas oser révéler la vérité |
| 讳莫如深 | 諱莫如深 | huì mò rú shēn | important matter that must be kept secret (idiom); don't breathe a word of it to anyone! | |
| 论长道短 | 論長道短 | lùn cháng dào duǎn | lit. to discuss sb's merits and demerits (idiom); to gossip | |
| 访亲问友 | 訪親問友 | fǎng qīn wèn yǒu | to visit friends and relations (idiom) | (idiome) rendre visite à ses amis et relations |
| 访贫问苦 | 訪貧問苦 | fǎng pín wèn kǔ | to visit the poor and ask about their suffering (idiom) | |
| 评头论足 | 評頭論足 | píng tóu lùn zú | lit. to assess the head and discuss the feet (idiom); minute criticism of a woman's appearance ; fig. to find fault in minor details ; to remark upon a person's appearance ; nit-picking ; over-critical ; judgmental | |
| 评话 | 評話 | píng huà | storytelling dramatic art dating back to Song and Yuan periods, single narrator without music, often historical topics with commentary | |
| 识微见几 | 識微見幾 | shí wēi jiàn jǐ | lit. see a tiny bit and understand everything (idiom) | |
| 识时务者为俊杰 | 識時務者為俊傑 | shí shí wù zhě wèi jùn jié | Only an outstanding talent can recognize current trends (idiom). A wise man submits to circumstances. | |
| 识途老马 | 識途老馬 | shí tú lǎo mǎ | lit. an old horse knows the way home (idiom); fig. in difficulty, trust an experience colleague | |
| 词人墨客 | 詞人墨客 | cí rén mò kè | sb of literary abilities (idiom) | |
| 词约指明 | 詞約指明 | cí yuē zhǐ míng | concise but unambiguous (idiom) | |
| 诚心诚意 | 誠心誠意 | chéng xīn chéng yì | earnestly and sincerely (idiom); with all sincerity | de tout coeur; de bonne foi; sincèrement; |
| 诚惶诚恐 | 誠惶誠恐 | chéng huáng chéng kǒng | in fear and trepidation (idiom); in reverence before your majesty (court formula of humility) | |
| 话到嘴边留三分 | 話到嘴邊留三分 | huà dào zuǐ biān liú sān fēn | A still tongue makes a wise head. (idiom) | |
| 话多不甜 | 話多不甜 | huà duō bù tián | too much talk is a nuisance (idiom) | |
| 诡计多端 | 詭計多端 | guǐ jì duō duān | deceitful in many ways (idiom); wily and mischievous ; full of craft and cunning | |
| 询根问底 | 詢根問底 | xún gēn wèn dǐ | lit. to examine roots and inquire at the base (idiom); to get to the bottom of sth | |
| 语冰 | 語冰 | yǔ bīng | to have limited experience and knowledge (idiom) | |
| 语无伦次 | 語無倫次 | yǔ wú lún cì | incoherent speech ; to talk without rhyme or reason (idiom) | parler sans esprit de suite, à tort et à travers ; propos incohérents |
| 语焉不详 | 語焉不詳 | yǔ yān bù xiáng | to mention sth without elaborating (idiom); not giving details | faire mention de quelque choseh sans entrer dans les détails |
| 语重心长 | 語重心長 | yǔ zhòng xīn cháng | meaningful and heartfelt words (idiom); sincere and earnest wishes | |
| 诱发 | 誘發 | yòu fā | to cause ; to bring about ; to induce ; to incite ; cause | |
| 诱导误导 | 誘導誤導 | yòu dǎo wù dǎo | to mislead (idiom) | |
| 诲人不倦 | 誨人不倦 | huì rén bù juàn | instructing with tireless zeal (idiom, from Analects) | enseigner les autres sans jamais se lasser |
| 说一不二 | 說一不二 | shuō yī bù èr | to say one and mean just that (idiom); to keep one's word | |
| 说到做到 | 說到做到 | shuō dào zuò dào | to be as good as one's word (idiom) ; to keep one's promise | |
| 说合 | 說合 | shuō hé | to bring together ; to mediate ; to arrange a deal | |
| 说时迟，那时快 | 說時遲，那時快 | shuō shí chí , nà shí kuài | (idiom) no sooner said than done ; before you know it | (idiome) aussitôt dit, aussitôt fait |
| 说是一回事，做又是另外一回事 | 說是一回事，做又是另外一回事 | shuō shì yī huí shì , zuò yòu shì lìng wài yī huí shì | Saying is one thing, doing quite another (idiom) | |
| 说来话长 | 說來話長 | shuō lái huà cháng | start explaining and it's a long story (idiom); complicated and not easy to express succinctly | |
| 说起 | 說起 | shuō qǐ | to mention ; to bring up (a subject) ; with regard to ; as for | mentionner; pour mettre en place (un sujet); en ce qui concerne; quant à |
| 说长道短 | 說長道短 | shuō cháng dào duǎn | lit. to discuss sb's merits and demerits (idiom); to gossip | |
| 诸如此类 | 諸如此類 | zhū rú cǐ lèi | things like this (idiom); and so on ; and the rest ; etc | de telles choses; de tels faits; |
| 调三窝四 | 調三窩四 | tiáo sān wō sì | to sow the seeds of discord everywhere (idiom) | |
| 调停 | 調停 | tiáo tíng | to reconcile ; to mediate ; to bring warring parties to agreement ; to arbitrate | pacification; réconciliation; réconcilier; s'entremettre; arranger; entremise; arbitrage |
| 调兵遣将 | 調兵遣將 | diào bīng qiǎn jiàng | to move an army and send a general (idiom); to deploy an army ; to send a team on a task | mobiliser les soldats et répartir les généraux ; déplacer (déployer ses troupes) |
| 调嘴学舌 | 調嘴學舌 | tiáo zuǐ xué shé | verbal dexterity used to sow discord (idiom); to incite trouble between people | |
| 调虎离山 | 調虎離山 | diào hǔ lí shān | to move the tiger from the mountain (idiom); to lure an opponent out by a stratagem ; to get rid of an opponent or a problem ; to maneuver sb out of the way | |
| 调解 | 調解 | tiáo jiě | to mediate ; to bring parties to an agreement | concilier; |
| 调谐 | 調諧 | tiáo xié | harmonious ; to adjust ; to tune (e.g. wireless receiver) ; to bring into harmony | |
| 谆谆告诫 | 諄諄告誡 | zhūn zhūn gào jiè | to sincerely caution sb not to do sth (idiom) | |
| 谈何容易 | 談何容易 | tán hé róngyì | easier said than done (idiom) | (phrase) C'est facile à dire ! (mais difficile à réaliser); |
| 谈情说爱 | 談情說愛 | tán qíng shuō ài | to discuss passion and talk of love (idiom); to express love with terms of endearment ; billing and cooing | (idiome) discuter de passion et de parler d'amour; exprimer son amour avec des mots de tendresse; becqueter |
| 谋事在人，成事在天 | 謀事在人，成事在天 | móu shì zài rén , chéng shì zài tiān | planning is with man, accomplishing with heaven (idiom); Man proposes but God disposes. | |
| 谋害 | 謀害 | móu hài | to conspire to murder ; to plot against sb's life | préméditer un meurtre; |
| 谋臣如雨 | 謀臣如雨 | móu chén rú yǔ | strategic experts as thick as rain (idiom); no shortage of advisers on strategy | |
| 谋臣武将 | 謀臣武將 | móu chén wǔ jiàng | strategic experts and powerful generals (idiom) | |
| 谋臣猛将 | 謀臣猛將 | móu chén měng jiàng | strategic experts and powerful generals (idiom) | |
| 谋财害命 | 謀財害命 | móu cái hài mìng | to plot and kill sb for his property (idiom); to murder for money | |
| 谬种流传 | 謬種流傳 | miù zhǒng liú chuán | to pass on errors or lies (idiom); the propagation of misconceptions | |
| 豁然开朗 | 豁然開朗 | huò rán kāi lǎng | suddenly opens up to a wide panorama (idiom); to come to a wide clearing ; fig. everything becomes clear at once ; to achieve speedy enlightenment | comprendre subitement; être soudainement éclairé; avoir une illumination soudaine; ouvert et clair |
| 豆寇年华 | 豆寇年華 | dòu kòu nián huá | used erroneously for 豆蔻年華|豆蔻年华, a girl's teenage years (idiom); maidenhood ; a budding beauty | |
| 豆蔻年华 | 豆蔻年華 | dòu kòu nián huá | a girl's teenage years (idiom); maidenhood ; a budding beauty | |
| 豺狼塞路 | 豺狼塞路 | chái láng sāi lù | ravenous wolves block the road (idiom); wicked people in power ; a vicious tyranny rules the land | |
| 豺狼当涂 | 豺狼當涂 | chái láng dāng tú | ravenous wolves hold the road (idiom); wicked people in power ; a vicious tyranny rules the land | |
| 豺狼当路 | 豺狼當路 | chái láng dāng lù | ravenous wolves hold the road (idiom); wicked people in power ; a vicious tyranny rules the land | |
| 豺狼当道 | 豺狼當道 | chái láng dāng dào | ravenous wolves hold the road (idiom); wicked people in power ; a vicious tyranny rules the land | |
| 貂裘换酒 | 貂裘換酒 | diāo qiú huàn jiǔ | lit. to trade a fur coat for a glass of wine ; extravagant in the extreme (idiom) | |
| 貌合心离 | 貌合心離 | mào hé xīn lí | the appearance of unity, but divided at heart (idiom); seeming harmony belies underlying disagreement | |
| 貌合神离 | 貌合神離 | mào hé shén lí | the appearance of unity, but divided at heart (idiom); seeming harmony belies underlying disagreement | |
| 负 | 負 | fù | lose ; negative (math. etc) ; to bear ; to carry (on one's back) | porter ; se charger de ; jouir de ; trahir; |
| 负荆请罪 | 負荊請罪 | fù jīng qǐng zuì | to offer sb a humble apology (idiom) | |
| 财大气粗 | 財大氣粗 | cái dà qì cū | large wealth, vulgar spirit (idiom); rich and ostentatious ; filthy rich ; more money than sense | |
| 财源滚滚 | 財源滾滾 | cái yuán gǔn gǔn | profits pouring in from all sides (idiom) ; raking in money ; bonanza | |
| 贤淑仁慈 | 賢淑仁慈 | xián shū rén cí | a virtuous and benevolent woman (idiom) | |
| 败不成军 | 敗不成軍 | bài bù chéng jūn | The army is completely routed. (idiom) | |
| 败柳残花 | 敗柳殘花 | bài liǔ cán huā | broken flower, withered willow (idiom); fig. fallen woman | |
| 货比三家 | 貨比三家 | huò bǐ sān jiā | to comparison shop (idiom) ; comparison shopping | |
| 质问 | 質問 | zhì wèn | to question ; to ask questions ; to inquire ; to bring to account ; to interrogate | demander des explications; |
| 贪多嚼不烂 | 貪多嚼不爛 | tān duō jiáo bù làn | to bite off more than one can chew (idiom) | |
| 贪官污吏 | 貪官污吏 | tān guān wū lì | grasping officials, corrupt mandarins (idiom); abuse and corruption | |
| 贪得无厌 | 貪得無厭 | tān dé wú yàn | avaricious and insatiable (idiom); greedy and never satisfied | |
| 贪心不足 | 貪心不足 | tān xīn bù zú | avaricious and insatiable (idiom); greedy and never satisfied | |
| 贪求无厌 | 貪求無厭 | tān qiú wú yàn | insatiably greedy (idiom) | |
| 贪爵慕位 | 貪爵慕位 | tān jué mù wèi | to be greedy for nobility and admire social position (idiom) | |
| 贪猥无厌 | 貪猥無厭 | tān wěi wú yàn | avaricious and insatiable (idiom); greedy and never satisfied | |
| 贪生怕死 | 貪生怕死 | tān shēng pà sǐ | greedy for life, afraid of death (idiom); craven and cowardly ; clinging abjectly to life ; only interested in saving one's neck | |
| 贪贿无艺 | 貪賄無藝 | tān huì wú yì | greed for bribes knows no bounds (idiom); unbridled corruption | |
| 贪赃枉法 | 貪贓枉法 | tān zāng wǎng fǎ | corruption and abuse of the law (idiom); to take bribes and bend the law | |
| 贫不足耻 | 貧不足恥 | pín bù zú chǐ | it is no disgrace to be poor (idiom) | |
| 贫无立锥 | 貧無立錐 | pín wú lì zhuī | not even enough land to stand an awl (idiom); absolutely destitute | |
| 贫无立锥之地 | 貧無立錐之地 | pín wú lì zhuī zhī dì | not even enough land to stand an awl (idiom); absolutely destitute | |
| 贫病交加 | 貧病交加 | pín bìng jiāo jiā | poverty compounded by ill health (idiom) | |
| 贵人多忘事 | 貴人多忘事 | guì rén duō wàng shì | An eminent person has short memory (idiom). | |
| 贵古贱今 | 貴古賤今 | guì gǔ jiàn jīn | to revere the past and despise the present (idiom) | |
| 贵远贱近 | 貴遠賤近 | guì yuǎn jiàn jìn | to revere the past and despise the present (idiom) | |
| 费人思索 | 費人思索 | fèi rén sī suǒ | to think oneself to exhaustion (idiom) | |
| 费力不讨好 | 費力不討好 | fèi lì bù tǎo hǎo | arduous and thankless task (idiom); strenuous and unrewarding | |
| 费尽心思 | 費盡心思 | fèi jìn xīn si | to rack one's brains (idiom); to take great pains to think sth through | |
| 费尽心机 | 費盡心機 | fèi jìn xīn jī | to rack one's brains for schemes (idiom) ; to beat one's brains out | |
| 贼眉鼠眼 | 賊眉鼠眼 | zéi méi shǔ yǎn | shifty-eyed ; crafty-looking (idiom) | |
| 赃官污吏 | 贓官污吏 | zāng guān wū lì | grasping officials, corrupt mandarins (idiom); abuse and corruption | |
| 赍恨终身 | 齎恨終身 | jī hèn zhōng shēn | to have knowing regrets all one’s life (idiom) | |
| 赏心悦目 | 賞心悅目 | shǎng xīn yuè mù | warms the heart and delights the eye (idiom) ; pleasing ; delightful | réjouir le cœur et le regard |
| 赖婚 | 賴婚 | lài hūn | to go back on a marriage contract ; to repudiate an engagement | |
| 赖昌星 | 賴昌星 | lài chāng xīng | Lai Changxing (1958-), notorious Xiamen mafia boss involved in large scale corruption and smuggling, extradited from Canada back to China in 2008 | |
| 赖校族 | 賴校族 | lài xiào zú | campus dwellers (slang) ; graduates who cannot break away from campus life | |
| 赞不绝口 | 贊不絕口 | zàn bù jué kǒu | to praise without cease (idiom); praise sb to high heaven | |
| 赞叹不已 | 贊嘆不已 | zàn tàn bù yǐ | to be full of praise (idiom) | |
| 赤壁之战 | 赤壁之戰 | chì bì zhī zhàn | Battle of Redcliff of 208 at Chibi in Huangzhou district 黃州區|黄州区 of Huanggang city 黄冈, a decisive defeat of Cao Cao 曹操 at the hands of southern kingdom of Wu ; famous episode in the Rom | |
| 赤手 | 赤手 | chì shǒu | with bare hands | |
| 赤手空拳 | 赤手空拳 | chì shǒu kōng quán | empty hand, empty fist (idiom); having nothing to rely on ; unarmed and defenseless | |
| 赤胆忠心 | 赤膽忠心 | chì dǎn zhōng xīn | lit. red-bellied devotion (idiom); whole-hearted loyalty ; to serve sb with body and soul | |
| 走为上 | 走為上 | zǒu wéi shàng | If everything else fails, retreat. (idiom) ; see also 三十六計，走為上策|三十六计，走为上策[san1 shi2 liu4 ji4 , zou3 wei2 shang4 ce4] | |
| 走后门 | 走後門 | zǒu hòu mén | lit. to enter by the back door ; fig. to gain influence by pull or unofficial channels ; back door or under the counter connections | se faire pistonner; rechercher l'appui des gens en place; recherche de passe-droits; |
| 走投无路 | 走投無路 | zǒu tóu wú lù | no way out (idiom); at an impasse ; at a dead end | (phrase) se trouver (être) dans une impasse; être à bout de ressources; |
| 走马上任 | 走馬上任 | zǒu mǎ shàng rèn | to ride to take up an official appointment (idiom); to take on a job with alacrity ; to undertake a task | |
| 走马到任 | 走馬到任 | zǒu mǎ dào rèn | to ride to take up an official appointment (idiom); to take on a job with alacrity ; to undertake a task | |
| 走马看花 | 走馬看花 | zǒu mǎ kàn huā | lit. flower viewing from horseback (idiom); fig. superficial understanding from cursory observation ; to make a quick judgment based on inadequate information | |
| 走马章台 | 走馬章臺 | zǒu mǎ zhāng tái | to go to the brothel on horseback (idiom); to visit prostitutes | |
| 走马观花 | 走馬觀花 | zǒu mǎ guān huā | lit. flower viewing from horseback (idiom); a fleeting glance in passing ; fig. superficial understanding from cursory observation ; to make a quick judgment based on inadequate information | |
| 走马赴任 | 走馬赴任 | zǒu mǎ fù rèn | to ride to take up an official appointment (idiom); to take on a job with alacrity ; to undertake a task | |
| 赴汤蹈火 | 赴湯蹈火 | fù tāng dǎo huǒ | to go through water and tread on fire (idiom); not afraid of any difficulty | |
| 赵州桥 | 趙州橋 | zhào zhōu qiáo | Zhaozhou bridge over Xiao River 洨河[Xiao2 he2] in Zhao county 趙縣|赵县[Zhao4 xian4], Shijiazhuang, Hebei, dating back to the Sui dynasty 隋代[Sui2dai4] (581-617) and the world's oldest extant stone | |
| 赶前不赶后 | 趕前不趕後 | gǎn qián bù gǎn hòu | it's better to hurry at the start than to rush later (idiom) | (idiome) il vaut mieux se dépêcher au début que de se précipiter plus tard; rien ne sert de courir, il faut partir à point |
| 赶走 | 趕走 | gǎn zǒu | to drive out ; to turn back | |
| 赶鸭子上架 | 趕鴨子上架 | gǎn yā zi shàng jià | drive a duck onto a perch ; push sb to do sth way beyond their ability (idiom) | |
| 起居 | 起居 | qǐ jū | everyday life ; regular pattern of life | vie quotidienne |
| 起死回生 | 起死回生 | qǐ sǐ huí shēng | to rise from the dead (idiom); fig. an unexpected recovery | ressusciter des morts |
| 起诉 | 起訴 | qǐ sù | to sue ; to bring a lawsuit against | accuser; traîner en justice; poursuivre |
| 趁火打劫 | 趁火打劫 | chèn huǒ dǎ jié | to loot a burning house ; to profit from sb's misfortune (idiom) | |
| 超然世事 | 超然世事 | chāo rán shì shì | to consider oneself above worldly matters (idiom) | |
| 超群绝伦 | 超群絕倫 | chāo qún jué lún | outstanding (idiom); incomparable | |
| 越俎代庖 | 越俎代庖 | yuè zǔ dài páo | lit. to go beyond the sacrificial altar and take over the kitchen (idiom); fig. to exceed one's place and meddle in other people's affairs ; to take matters into one's own hands | |
| 趋之若鹜 | 趨之若鹜 | qū zhī ruò wù | to rush like ducks (idiom); the mob scrabbles madly for sth unobtainable ; an unruly crowd on a wild goose chase | |
| 趋吉避凶 | 趨吉避凶 | qū jí bì xiōng | to seek luck and avoid calamity (idiom) | |
| 趋炎附势 | 趨炎附勢 | qū yán fù shì | to curry favor (idiom); playing up to those in power ; social climbing | |
| 趑趄不前 | 趑趄不前 | zī jū bù qián | hesitant and not daring to move forward (idiom) | (idiome) hésitant et n'osant pas aller de l'avant |
| 趑趄嗫嚅 | 趑趄囁嚅 | zī jū niè rú | faltering steps, mumbling speech (idiom); hesitant ; cringing ; to cower | |
| 足以自慰 | 足以自慰 | zú yǐ zì wèi | to have sufficient to console oneself (idiom) | |
| 足高气强 | 足高氣強 | zú gāo qì jiàng | high and mighty (idiom); arrogant | |
| 足高气扬 | 足高氣揚 | zú gāo qì yáng | high and mighty (idiom); arrogant | |
| 趾高气扬 | 趾高氣揚 | zhǐ gāo qì yáng | high and mighty (idiom); arrogant | être orgueilleux ; se pavaner |
| 跃然纸上 | 躍然紙上 | yuè rán zhǐ shàng | to appear vividly on paper (idiom); to show forth vividly (in writing, painting etc) ; to stand out markedly | |
| 跃跃欲试 | 躍躍慾試 | yuè yuè yù shì | to be eager to give sth a try (idiom) | brûler d'envie d'essayer; être tenté de faire quelque chose |
| 跋前踬后 | 跋前躓後 | bá qián zhì hòu | to trip forwards or stumble back (idiom, from Book of Songs); can't get anything right | |
| 跌脚捶胸 | 跌腳捶胸 | diē jiǎo chuí xiōng | lit. stamping and beating the chest (idiom); fig. angry or stressed about sth | |
| 跌至谷底 | 跌至谷底 | diē zhì gǔ dǐ | to hit rock bottom (idiom) | |
| 跑了和尚，跑不了寺 | 跑了和尚，跑不了寺 | pǎo le hé shàng , pǎo bù liǎo sì | The monk can run, but the temple won't leave him (idiom). You can take the Jesuit out of the church, but you can't take the church out of the Jesuit. ; One can't get away from one's upbringing. | |
| 跑了和尚，跑不了庙 | 跑了和尚，跑不了廟 | pǎo le hé shàng , pǎo bù liǎo miào | The monk can run, but the temple won't leave him (idiom). You can take the Jesuit out of the church, but you can't take the church out of the Jesuit. ; One can't get away from one's upbringing. | |
| 跑得了和尚，跑不了庙 | 跑得了和尚，跑不了廟 | pǎo dé liǎo hé shàng , pǎo bù liǎo miào | The monk can run, but the temple won't leave him (idiom). You can take the Jesuit out of the church, but you can't take the church out of the Jesuit. ; One can't get away from one's upbringing. | |
| 跦 | 跦 | zhū | pace back and forth ; to walk | |
| 路不拾遗 | 路不拾遺 | lù bù shí yí | lit. no one picks up lost articles in the street (idiom); fig. honesty prevails throughout society ; a time of peace and stability | |
| 路人皆知 | 路人皆知 | lù rén jiē zhī | understood by everyone (idiom); well known ; a household name | (idiome) compris par tous; bien connu; familier |
| 跳出火坑 | 跳出火坑 | tiào chū huǒ kēng | lit. to jump out of a fire pit (idiom); to escape from a living hell ; to free oneself from a life of torture | |
| 跳出釜底进火坑 | 跳出釜底進火坑 | tiào chū fǔ dǐ jìn huǒ kēng | out of the frying pan into the fire (idiom) | |
| 跷足以待 | 蹺足以待 | qiāo zú yǐ dài | lit. raise one’s foot enough to delay ; make a pretence of action (idiom) | |
| 踅 | 踅 | xué | to walk around ; turn back midway | aller et venir; aller de long en large; retourner |
| 踌 | 躊 | chóu | pace back and forth ; hesitate ; waver | |
| 踌躇满志 | 躊躇滿志 | chóu chú mǎn zhì | enormously proud of one's success (idiom); smug ; complacent | se glorifier de ses succès |
| 踏青赏春 | 踏青賞春 | tà qīng shǎng chūn | to enjoy a beautiful spring walk (idiom) | |
| 踏青赏花 | 踏青賞花 | tà qīng shǎng huā | to enjoy the flowers on a spring outing (idiom) | |
| 踥踥 | 踥踥 | qiè qiè | moving back and forth | |
| 踱步 | 踱步 | duó bù | to pace back and forth ; to stroll | |
| 蹈常袭故 | 蹈常襲故 | dǎo cháng xí gù | follow the same old path (idiom); stuck in a rut ; always the same routine | |
| 蹉跎 | 蹉跎 | cuō tuó | wasted time ; to take a wrong step in life | perdre son temps; gâcher sa vie; |
| 蹑手蹑脚 | 躡手躡腳 | niè shǒu niè jiǎo | to walk quietly on tiptoe (idiom) | à pas feutrés |
| 蹿房越脊 | 躥房越脊 | cuān fáng yuè jǐ | lit. to leap the house and cross the roofridge (idiom); dashing over rooftops (of robbers and pursuing knight-errant 俠客|侠客 in fiction) | |
| 身 | 身 | shēn | body ; life ; oneself ; personally ; one's morality and conduct ; the main part of a structure or body ; pregnant ; classifier for sets of clothes: suit, twinset ; Kangxi radical 158 | corps ; vie ; soi-même; |
| 身不由己 | 身不由己 | shēn bù yóu jǐ | without the freedom to act independently (idiom); involuntary ; not of one's own volition ; in spite of oneself | involontairement; malgré soi; ne pouvoir s'empêcher de faire quelque chose |
| 身世 | 身世 | shēn shì | one's life experience ; one's lot | l'existence; la vie; les événements que qn a vécus; |
| 身体力行 | 身體力行 | shēn tǐ lì xíng | to practice what one preaches (idiom) | |
| 身先朝露 | 身先朝露 | shēn xiān zhāo lù | body will go with the morning dew (idiom); fig. ephemeral and precarious nature of human existence | |
| 身在福中不知福 | 身在福中不知福 | shēn zài fú zhōng bù zhī fú | to live in plenty without appreciating it (idiom); not to know when one is well off | |
| 身强力壮 | 身強力壯 | shēn qiáng lì zhuàng | young and vigorous (idiom) | fort ; robuste ; solide |
| 身心交病 | 身心交病 | shēn xīn jiāo bìng | worn out in body and soul (idiom) | |
| 身心交瘁 | 身心交瘁 | shēn xīn jiāo cuì | worn out in body and soul (idiom) | |
| 身怀六甲 | 身懷六甲 | shēn huái liù jiǎ | to be pregnant (idiom) | |
| 身教胜于言教 | 身教勝於言教 | shēn jiāo shèng yú yán jiāo | Teaching by example beats explaining in words (idiom). Action speaks louder than words. | |
| 车奴 | 車奴 | chē nú | car slave, sb forced to sacrifice quality of life to buy or maintain a car | |
| 车水马龙 | 車水馬龍 | chē shuǐ mǎ lóng | endless stream of horse and carriages (idiom) ; heavy traffic | |
| 转危为安 | 轉危為安 | zhuǎn wēi wéi ān | to turn peril into safety (idiom); to avert a danger (esp. political or medical) | faire passer du danger à la sécurité |
| 转去 | 轉去 | zhuàn qù | return ; go back | retour; retourner; revenir |
| 转变抹角 | 轉變抹角 | zhuǎn biàn mò jiǎo | lit. (of road) winding and turning (idiom); to speak in a roundabout way ; to equivocate ; to beat about the bush | |
| 转口 | 轉口 | zhuǎn kǒu | entrepot ; transit (of goods) ; (coll.) to deny ; to go back on one's word | |
| 转回 | 轉回 | zhuǎn huí | to turn back ; to put back ; reversal ; melodic inversion (in music) | |
| 转圜余地 | 轉圜餘地 | zhuǎn huán yú dì | to have room to save a situation ; margin for error (idiom) | |
| 转弯抹角 | 轉彎抹角 | zhuǎn wān mò jiǎo | lit. (of road) winding and turning (idiom); to speak in a roundabout way ; to equivocate ; to beat about the bush | |
| 转悲为喜 | 轉悲為喜 | zhuǎn bēi wéi xǐ | to turn grief into happiness (idiom) | |
| 转战千里 | 轉戰千里 | zhuǎn zhàn qiān lǐ | fighting everywhere over a thousand miles (idiom); constant fighting across the country ; never-ending struggle | |
| 转手 | 轉手 | zhuǎn shǒu | to pass on ; to resell ; to change hands | |
| 转眼便忘 | 轉眼便忘 | zhuǎn yǎn biàn wàng | what the eye doesn’t see the heart doesn’t miss (idiom) | |
| 转而 | 轉而 | zhuǎn ér | conversely ; but rather ; to turn and (address a topic, face attackers etc) ; to turn against sb ; to turn one's thoughts back to ; to come around (to a point of view) | |
| 转背 | 轉背 | zhuǎn bèi | to turn one's back ; to turn around ; fig. change in a very short time | |
| 转败为胜 | 轉敗為勝 | zhuàn bài wéi shèng | to turn defeat into victory (idiom); snatching victory from the jaws of defeat | |
| 转面无情 | 轉面無情 | zhuǎn miàn wú qíng | to turn one's face against sb and show no mercy (idiom); to turn against a friend | |
| 轰动一时 | 轟動一時 | hōng dòng yī shí | to cause a sensation (idiom) | |
| 轻举妄动 | 輕舉妄動 | qīng jǔ wàng dòng | to act blindly without thinking (idiom) | |
| 轻于鸿毛 | 輕於鴻毛 | qīng yú hóng máo | light as a goose feather (idiom); trifling ; unimportant | |
| 轻口薄舌 | 輕口薄舌 | qīng kǒu bó shé | lit. light mouth, thin tongue (idiom); hasty and rude ; caustic and sharp-tongued | |
| 轻嘴薄舌 | 輕嘴薄舌 | qīng zuǐ bó shé | lit. light mouth, thin tongue (idiom); hasty and rude ; caustic and sharp-tongued | |
| 轻描淡写 | 輕描淡寫 | qīng miáo dàn xiě | to sketch in light shades ; to play down ; to deemphasize (idiom) | |
| 轻浪浮薄 | 輕浪浮薄 | qīng làng fú bó | (idiom) frivolous | |
| 轻重缓急 | 輕重緩急 | qīng zhòng huǎn jí | slight or important, urgent or non-urgent (idiom); to deal with important matters first ; sense of priority | |
| 轻饶素放 | 輕饒素放 | qīng ráo sù fàng | easily forgive, simply release (idiom); to let sb off scot free | |
| 载歌且舞 | 載歌且舞 | zài gē qiě wǔ | singing and dancing (idiom); festive celebrations | |
| 载歌载舞 | 載歌載舞 | zài gē zài wǔ | singing and dancing (idiom); festive celebrations | |
| 载舟覆舟 | 載舟覆舟 | zài zhōu fù zhōu | to carry a boat or to overturn a boat (idiom); fig. The people can support a regime or overturn it. | |
| 载酒问字 | 載酒問字 | zài jiǔ wèn zì | a scholarly and inquisitive individual (idiom) | |
| 轾 | 輊 | zhì | back and lower of chariot ; short ; low | |
| 辈子 | 輩子 | bèi zi | all one's life ; lifetime | une vie entière; |
| 辍耕 | 輟耕 | chuò gēng | to stop plowing ; to give up a life in the fields | |
| 输墨装置 | 輸墨裝置 | shū mò zhuāng zhì | ink supply mechanism (idiom) | |
| 辗侧不寐 | 輾側不寐 | zhǎn cè bù mèi | to toss and turn in one’s bed ; unable to sleep (idiom) | |
| 辗转 | 輾轉 | zhǎn zhuǎn | to toss about in bed ; to pass through many hands or places ; also written 展轉|展转[zhan3 zhuan3] | se tourner et se retourner ; se tourner dans tous les sens |
| 辛勤耕耘 | 辛勤耕耘 | xīn qín gēng yún | to make industrious and diligent efforts (idiom) | |
| 辞世 | 辭世 | cí shì | to die ; to depart this life (euphemism) ; same as 去世 | |
| 辱 | 辱 | rǔ | disgrace ; dishonor ; to insult ; to bring disgrace or humiliation to ; to be indebted to ; self-deprecating ; Taiwan pr. ru4 | insulter; humilier; humiliation; honte; |
| 达官贵人 | 達官貴人 | dá guān guì rén | high official and noble persons (idiom); the great and the good | hauts dignitaires ; officiers généraux |
| 迁怒于人 | 遷怒於人 | qiān nù yú rén | to vent one’s anger on an innocent party (idiom) | (idiome) évacuer sa colère sur un innocent |
| 迂回曲折 | 迂回曲折 | yū huí qū zhé | meandering and circuitous (idiom); complicated developments that never get anywhere ; going around in circles | |
| 过不去 | 過不去 | guò bu qù | to make life difficult for ; to embarrass ; unable to make it through | ne pas pouvoir passer |
| 过得 | 過得 | guò dé | How are you getting by? ; How's life? ; contraction of 過得去|过得去, can get by ; tolerably well ; not too bad | |
| 过得去 | 過得去 | guò dé qù | lit. can pass through (an opening) ; fig. can get by (in life) ; tolerably well ; not too bad ; How are you getting by? ; How's life? | cela peut aller; passable ; pas trop mauvais; convenable |
| 过日子 | 過日子 | guò rì zi | to live one's life ; to pass one's days ; to get along | vivre, passer les jours |
| 过时不候 | 過時不候 | guò shí bù hòu | being late is not acceptable (idiom) | |
| 过活 | 過活 | guò huó | live one's life ; make a living | gagner sa vie; passer sa vie; |
| 过犹不及 | 過猶不及 | guò yóu bù jí | too far is as bad as not enough (idiom, from the Analects) | |
| 迎刃而解 | 迎刃而解 | yíng rèn ér jiě | to split bamboo with one chop (idiom); a decisive solution to a problem ; to cut the Gordian knot | |
| 迎来送往 | 迎來送往 | yíng lái sòng wǎng | lit. to meet those arriving, to send of those departing (idiom); busy entertaining guests ; all time taken over with social niceties | |
| 迎风招展 | 迎風招展 | yíng fēng zhāo zhǎn | to flutter in the wind (idiom) | |
| 迎风飘舞 | 迎風飄舞 | yíng fēng piāo wǔ | to dance and float in the wind (idiom) | |
| 运用自如 | 運用自如 | yùn yòng zì rú | to operate easily (idiom); to use freely ; to have fluent command of ; to have sth at one's fingertips | |
| 运筹帷幄 | 运筹帷幄 | yùn chóu wéi wò | lit. to devise battle plan in a tent (idiom); fig. planning strategies ; cf Liu Bang 劉邦|刘邦 in his tent trusts his general a thousand miles away to make better decisions | concevoir des plans stratégiques sous la tente (dans le quartier général) ; dresser des plans de campagne (idiome) |
| 近墨者黑 | 近墨者黑 | jìn mò zhě hēi | proximity to pitch makes you black (idiom, from Ouyang Xiu 歐陽修|欧阳修); different environments provide different influence. ; Nurture determines a person's character. | |
| 近朱者赤，近墨者黑 | 近朱者赤，近墨者黑 | jìn zhū zhě chì , jìn mò zhě hēi | proximity to cinnabar makes you red, to pitch makes you black (idiom, from Ouyang Xiu 歐陽修|欧阳修); different environments provide different influence. ; Nurture determines a person's character. | |
| 近朱近墨 | 近朱近墨 | jìn zhū jìn mò | one is judged by the company one keeps (idiom) | |
| 近水楼台 | 近水樓臺 | jìn shuǐ lóu tái | lit. a pavilion near the water (idiom); fig. using one's proximity to the powerful to obtain favor | |
| 返回 | 返回 | fǎn huí | return to ; come (or go) back | revenir; retourner; regagner; retourner; rentrer; revenir sur ses pas; |
| 返老还童 | 返老還童 | fǎn lǎo huán tóng | to recover one's youthful vigor ; to feel rejuvenated (idiom) | rendre la jeunesse à un vieillard ; rajeunir |
| 还 | 還 | hái | to pay back ; to return ; surname Huan | retourner; regagner; rétablir; rendre; rembourser |
| 还乡 | 還鄉 | huán xiāng | to return home ; fig. to retire from public life | |
| 还俗 | 還俗 | huán sú | to return to normal life (leaving a monastic order) | |
| 还击 | 還擊 | huán jī | to hit back ; to return fire | riposter ; contre-attaquer |
| 还口 | 還口 | huán kǒu | to retort ; to answer back | |
| 还嘴 | 還嘴 | huán zuǐ | to retort ; to answer back | |
| 还手 | 還手 | huán shǒu | to hit back ; to retaliate | |
| 还清 | 還清 | huán qīng | to pay back in full ; to redeem a debt | |
| 这山望着那山高 | 這山望著那山高 | zhè shān wàng zhe nà shān gāo | 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 | |
| 进退不得 | 進退不得 | jìn tuì bù dé | can't advance or retreat (idiom); no room for maneuver ; stalled ; in a dilemma ; stuck in a difficult position | |
| 进退两难 | 進退兩難 | jìn tuì liǎng nán | no room to advance or to retreat (idiom); without any way out of a dilemma ; trapped ; in an impossible situation | (phrase) se trouver dans le dilemme; être entre l'enclume et le marteau; être pris entre deux feux; être dans l'impasse; |
| 进退中绳 | 進退中繩 | jìn tuì zhōng shéng | to advance or retreat, each has its rules (idiom from Zhuangzi); many translations are possible | |
| 进退为难 | 進退為難 | jìn tuì wéi nán | no room to advance or to retreat (idiom); without any way out of a dilemma ; trapped ; in an impossible situation | |
| 进退失据 | 進退失據 | jìn tuì shī jù | no room to advance or to retreat (idiom); at a loss ; in a hopeless situation | |
| 进退无路 | 進退無路 | jìn tuì wú lù | to have no alternative (idiom) | |
| 进退有常 | 進退有常 | jìn tuì yǒu cháng | to advance or retreat, each has its rules (idiom from Zhuangzi); many translations are possible | |
| 进退维谷 | 進退維谷 | jìn tuì wéi gǔ | no room to advance or to retreat (idiom); without any way out of a dilemma ; trapped ; in an impossible situation | |
| 进道若蜷 | 進道若蜷 | jìn dào ruò quán | entering the Way, you seem to coil back (Laozi 老子, the Book of Dao 道德经, Chap. 14) ; progress in the Dao can seem illusory | |
| 进道若退 | 進道若退 | jìn dào ruò tuì | entering the Way, you seem to coil back (Laozi 老子, the Book of Dao 道德经, Chap. 14) ; progress in the Dao can seem illusory | |
| 远亲不如近邻 | 遠親不如近鄰 | yuǎn qīn bù rú jìn lín | A relative afar is less use than a close neighbor (idiom). Take whatever help is on hand, even from strangers. | |
| 远见卓识 | 遠見卓識 | yuǎn jiàn zhuó shí | visionary and sagacious (idiom) | visionnaire et sagace |
| 远非如此 | 遠非如此 | yuǎn fēi rú cǐ | far from it being so (idiom) | |
| 违利赴名 | 違利赴名 | wéi lì fù míng | to renounce profit and seek fame (idiom); to abandon greed for reputation ; to choose fame over fortune | |
| 违天害理 | 違天害理 | wéi tiān hài lǐ | lit. violating heaven and reason (idiom); immoral character | |
| 违天逆理 | 違天逆理 | wéi tiān nì lǐ | lit. violating heaven and reason (idiom); immoral character | |
| 违强凌弱 | 違強凌弱 | wéi qiáng líng ruò | to avoid the strong and attack the weak (idiom); to bully ; also written 違強陵弱|违强陵弱 | |
| 违强陵弱 | 違強陵弱 | wéi qiáng líng ruò | to avoid the strong and attack the weak (idiom); to bully | |
| 违时绝俗 | 違時絕俗 | wéi shí jué sú | to defy the times and reject custom (idiom); in breach of current conventions | |
| 连三并四 | 連三併四 | lián sān bìng sì | one after the other ; in succession (idiom) | |
| 连战连胜 | 連戰連勝 | lián zhàn lián shèng | fighting and winning a series of battles (idiom); ever victorious | |
| 连滚带爬 | 連滾帶爬 | lián gǔn dài pá | rolling and crawling ; trying frantically to escape (idiom) | |
| 连踢带打 | 連踢帶打 | lián tī dài dǎ | to kick and beat (idiom) | |
| 连轴转 | 連軸轉 | lián zhóu zhuàn | lit. to continuously revolve ; to work non-stop ; to work around the clock (idiom) | |
| 连镳并轸 | 連鑣并軫 | lián biāo bìng zhěn | lit. reins together and carriages level (idiom); keeping exactly abreast of one another ; running neck and neck | |
| 迫不及待 | 迫不及待 | pò bù jí dài | impatient (idiom); in a hurry ; itching to get on with it | brûler de faire quelque choseh ; en toute hâte ; précipitamment |
| 迫不得已 | 迫不得已 | pò bù dé yǐ | to have no alternative (idiom); compelled by circumstances ; forced into sth | nécessité |
| 迫在眉睫 | 迫在眉睫 | pò zài méijié | pressing in on one's eyelashes (idiom); imminent | extrêmement urgent; de toute urgence; Le feu est à deux doigts des sourcils.; |
| 迷不知返 | 迷不知返 | mí bù zhī fǎn | to go astray and to not know how to get back on the right path (idiom) | |
| 迷离惝恍 | 迷離惝恍 | mí lí chǎng huǎng | indistinct ; blurred ; bewildering ; confusing to the eye (idiom) | |
| 追回 | 追回 | zhuī huí | to recover (sth lost or stolen) ; to get back | |
| 追忆 | 追憶 | zhuī yì | to recollect ; to recall (past times) ; to look back | se rappeler; |
| 追怀 | 追懷 | zhuī huái | to recall ; to bring to mind ; to reminisce | rappeler |
| 追悔莫及 | 追悔莫及 | zhuī huǐ mò jí | too late for regrets (idiom); It is useless to repent after the event. | |
| 追本穷源 | 追本窮源 | zhuī běn qióng yuán | to trace sth back to its origin | |
| 追根 | 追根 | zhuī gēn | to trace sth back to its source ; to get to the bottom of sth | |
| 追根溯源 | 追根溯源 | zhuī gēn sù yuán | to pursue sth back to its origins ; to trace back to the source ; to get to the bottom of sth | |
| 追根问底 | 追根問底 | zhuī gēn wèn dǐ | lit. to examine roots and inquire at the base (idiom); to get to the bottom of sth | |
| 追溯 | 追溯 | zhuī sù | lit. to go upstream ; to trace sth back to ; to date from | remonter à dater de; |
| 追缴 | 追繳 | zhuī jiǎo | to recover (stolen property) ; to pursue and force sb to give back the spoils | |
| 追还 | 追還 | zhuī huán | to recover (lost property or money) ; to win back | |
| 退 | 退 | tuì | retreat ; to decline ; to move back ; to withdraw | reculer; faire reculer ; baisser; descendre ; rembourser; rendre; |
| 退冰 | 退冰 | tuì bīng | to thaw (frozen food) ; to bring to room temperature | |
| 退却 | 退卻 | tuì què | to retreat ; to shrink back | reculer; se replier; |
| 退缩 | 退縮 | tuì suō | to shrink back ; to cower | reculer; se dérober; rétrograder; |
| 退还 | 退還 | tuì huán | to return (sth borrowed etc) ; to send back ; to refund ; to rebate | recéder |
| 退避三舍 | 退避三捨 | tuì bì sān shè | lit. to retreat three day's march (idiom); fig. to give way in the face of superior strength ; a strategic withdrawal | |
| 送返 | 送返 | sòng fǎn | to send back | |
| 送还 | 送還 | sòng huán | to return ; to give back ; to send back ; to repatriate | rendre ; retourner ; renvoyer |
| 适可而止 | 適可而止 | shì kě ér zhǐ | to stop before going too far (idiom); to stop while one can ; don't overdo it ; stop while you're ahead | |
| 适格 | 適格 | shì gé | to be qualified (to bring a complaint, lawsuit etc) (law) | |
| 逃之夭夭 | 逃之夭夭 | táo zhī yāo yāo | to escape without trace (idiom); to make one's getaway (from the scene of a crime) ; to show a clean pair of heels | prendre la poudre d'escampette; lâcher pied (lever le pied); s'esquiver; s'éclipser; disparaître; s'en aller à la dérobée |
| 逃命 | 逃命 | táo mìng | to escape ; to flee ; to run for one's life | se sauver |
| 逃生 | 逃生 | táo shēng | to flee for one's life | échapper à un danger de mort; fuir un danger mortel; chercher son salut dans la fuite; |
| 逆来顺受 | 逆來順受 | nì lái shùn shòu | to resign oneself to adversity (idiom); to grin and bear it ; to submit meekly to insults, maltreatment, humiliation etc | |
| 逆水行舟 | 逆水行舟 | nì shuǐ xíng zhōu | lit. a boat going against the current (idiom); fig. you must work harder | |
| 逆流溯源 | 逆流溯源 | nì liú sù yuán | to go back to the source | |
| 逆耳之言 | 逆耳之言 | nì ěr zhī yán | speech that grates on the ear (idiom); bitter truths ; home truths (that one does not want to hear) | |
| 逆行倒施 | 逆行倒施 | nì xíng dǎo shī | to go against the tide (idiom); to do things all wrong ; to try to turn back history ; a perverse way of doing things | |
| 逆转 | 逆轉 | nì zhuǎn | to turn back ; to reverse | (situation) devenir pire; empirer ; retourner sur ses pas; rétrograder; |
| 逍遥法外 | 逍遙法外 | xiāo yáo fǎ wài | unfettered and beyond the law (idiom); evading retribution ; getting away with it (e.g. crimes) ; still at large | |
| 逍遥自在 | 逍遙自在 | xiāo yáo zì zai | free and at leisure (idiom); unfettered ; outside the reach of the law (of criminal) ; at large | |
| 逍遥自得 | 逍遙自得 | xiāo yáo zì dé | doing as one pleases (idiom); foot-loose and fancy free | |
| 逐次近似 | 逐次近似 | zhú cì jìn sì | successive approximate values (idiom) | |
| 逐鹿中原 | 逐鹿中原 | zhú lù zhōng yuán | hunting deer in the central plain (idiom); fig. to attempt to seize the throne | |
| 通天彻地 | 通天徹地 | tōng tiān chè dì | to know all under heaven ; exceptionally talented (idiom) | |
| 通宵达旦 | 通宵達旦 | tōng xiāo dá dàn | overnight until daybreak (idiom); all night long ; day and night | |
| 通情达理 | 通情達理 | tōng qíng dá lǐ | fair and reasonable (idiom); sensible ; standing to reason | compréhensif ; raisonnable |
| 逞其口舌 | 逞其口舌 | chěng qí kǒu shé | to boast of one’s quarrels to others (idiom) | |
| 造就 | 造就 | zào jiù | to bring up ; to train ; to contribute to ; achievements (usually of young people) | former; élever; |
| 造成 | 造成 | zào chéng | to bring about ; to create ; to cause | causer; entraîner; |
| 造茧自缚 | 造繭自縛 | zào jiǎn zì fù | to spin a cocoon around oneself (idiom); enmeshed in a trap of one's own devising ; hoist with his own petard | |
| 逢凶化吉 | 逢兇化吉 | féng xiōng huà jí | misfortune turns to blessing (idiom); to turn an inauspicious start to good account | transformer le malheur survenu en bonheur |
| 逢场作戏 | 逢場作戲 | féng chǎng zuò xì | lit. find a stage, put on a comedy (idiom); to join in the fun ; to play along according to local conditions | |
| 逸尘断鞅 | 逸塵斷鞅 | yì chén duàn yāng | lit. kicking up the dust and breaking the harness ; fig. to ride like the wind (idiom) | |
| 逼真 | 逼真 | bī zhēn | lifelike ; true to life ; distinctly ; clearly | ressemblant; vivant; d'une ressemblance frappante; |
| 遁入空门 | 遁入空門 | dùn rù kōng mén | to take refuge in religious life | |
| 遏制 | 遏制 | è zhì | to check ; to contain ; to hold back ; to keep within limits ; to constrain ; to restrain | contenir;empêcher; |
| 遏止 | 遏止 | è zhǐ | to hold back ; to check (i.e. to stop sb's advance) ; to resist ; esp. with negative, irresistible, unstoppable etc | |
| 遐迩一体 | 遐邇一體 | xiá ěr yī tǐ | both near and distant treated alike (idiom) | |
| 遐迩皆知 | 遐邇皆知 | xiá ěr jiē zhī | well-known far and near (idiom) | |
| 遐龄 | 遐齡 | xiá líng | advanced age ; longevity ; long life | |
| 道不同不相为谋 | 道不同不相為謀 | dào bù tóng bù xiāng wéi móu | lit. persons who walk different paths cannot make plans together ; to go separate ways (idiom) | |
| 道不拾遗 | 道不拾遺 | dào bù shí yí | lit. no one picks up lost articles in the street (idiom); fig. honesty prevails throughout society ; a time of peace and stability | |
| 道山学海 | 道山學海 | dào shān xué hǎi | mountain of Dao, sea of learning (idiom); learning is as high as the mountains, as wide as the seas ; ars longa, vita brevis | |
| 道高一尺，魔高一丈 | 道高一尺，魔高一丈 | dào gāo yī chǐ , mó gāo yī zhàng | virtue is one foot tall, the devil ten foot (idiom); It takes constant vigilance to stave off evil. | |
| 道高益安，势高益危 | 道高益安，勢高益危 | dào gāo yì ān , shì gāo yì wēi | More moral strength increases one's safety, more power and influence increases one's danger (idiom, from Records of the Historian 史記|史记). cf Unlimited power is apt to corrupt the minds of those who possess it (William Pitt the | |
| 遗臭万年 | 遺臭萬年 | yí chòu wàn nián | to have one's name go down in history as a byword for infamy (idiom) | |
| 遗言 | 遺言 | yí yán | words of the deceased ; last words of the dying ; wisdom of past sages | testament; dernières volontés; |
| 遣返 | 遣返 | qiǎn fǎn | to repatriate (e.g. prisoners of war) ; to send back | rapatrier; renvoyer dans son pays; faire revenir au lieu d'origine; |
| 遣送 | 遣送 | qiǎn sòng | to repatriate ; to send sb back to his country ; enforced repatriation | renvoyer; rapatrier; |
| 遥遥无期 | 遙遙無期 | yáoyáo wú qī | far in the indefinite future (idiom); so far away it seems forever | (idiome) Cela ne se réalisera pas dans un proche avenir.; à Pâques ou à la Trinité !; |
| 遮天蔽日 | 遮天蔽日 | zhē tiān bì rì | lit. hiding the sky and covering the earth (idiom); fig. earth-shattering ; omnipresent ; of universal importance | |
| 遮遮掩掩 | 遮遮掩掩 | zhē zhē yǎn yǎn | to be secretive; to try to cover up (idiom) | |
| 遵法施行 | 遵法施行 | zūn fǎ shī xíng | observe the existing laws (idiom) | |
| 避世绝俗 | 避世絕俗 | bì shì jué sú | to withdraw from society and live like a hermit (idiom) | |
| 邪不敌正 | 邪不敵正 | xié bù dí zhèng | good will always triumph over evil (idiom) | |
| 邪径 | 邪徑 | xié jìng | depraved life ; evil ways ; fornication | |
| 邪道 | 邪道 | xié dào | depraved life ; evil ways ; fornication | doctrine fausse; mauvaise route; mauvaise conduite; |
| 邪门歪道 | 邪門歪道 | xié mén wāi dào | lit. devil's gate, crooked path (idiom); corrupt practices ; crooked methods ; dishonesty | |
| 邸报 | 邸報 | dǐ bào | imperial bulletin, palace report dating back to Han dynasty | |
| 郁郁不乐 | 鬱鬱不樂 | yù yù bù lè | discontented (idiom) | |
| 郁郁葱葱 | 鬱鬱葱葱 | yù yù cōng cōng | verdant and lush (idiom) | |
| 郢书燕说 | 郢書燕說 | yǐng shū yān shuō | words distorted in reading (idiom); cf letter from Chu 楚 capital Ying 郢|郢 contains inadvertent words "hold up the candle" that minister of Yan 燕 puzzles out to mean "brilliant prospects" | |
| 酒囊饭袋 | 酒囊飯袋 | jiǔ náng fàn dài | wine sack, food bag (idiom); useless person, only fit for guzzling and boozing | |
| 酒池肉林 | 酒池肉林 | jiǔ chí ròu lín | lakes of wine and forests of meat (idiom); debauchery ; sumptuous entertainment | |
| 酒肉朋友 | 酒肉朋友 | jiǔ ròu péng you | lit. a friend when wining and dining (idiom); fair-weather friend | amis de vin et de viande ; compagnon de plaisirs (ou de noce) |
| 酒色财气 | 酒色財氣 | jiǔ sè cái qì | wine, sex, avarice and temper (idiom); four cardinal vices | (idiome) vin, sexe, avarice et tempérament; quatre vices cardinaux |
| 酒言酒语 | 酒言酒語 | jiǔ yán jiǔ yǔ | words spoken under the influence of alcohol (idiom) | |
| 酒酣耳热 | 酒酣耳熱 | jiǔ hān ěr rè | tipsy and merry (idiom) | (idiome) ivre et joyeux |
| 酣畅淋漓 | 酣暢淋漓 | hān chàng lín lí | to one's heart's content (idiom) | |
| 酸甜苦辣 | 酸甜苦辣 | suān tián kǔ là | sour, sweet, bitter and spicy hot ; fig. the joys and sorrows of life | douceurs (joies) et amertumes de la vie; |
| 醉生梦死 | 醉生夢死 | zuì shēng mèng sǐ | as if drunk or entranced (idiom); leading a befuddled existence ; in a drunken stupor | |
| 醉翁之意不在酒 | 醉翁之意不在酒 | zuì wēng zhī yì bù zài jiǔ | wine-lover's heart is not in the cup (idiom); a drinker not really interested in alcohol ; having an ulterior motive ; to have other things in mind ; with an ax to grind ; accomplishing something besides what one set out to do | |
| 醋海生波 | 醋海生波 | cù hǎi shēng bō | lit. waves on a sea of vinegar ; trouble caused by a jealous woman (idiom) | |
| 醍醐灌顶 | 醍醐灌頂 | tí hú guàn dǐng | lit. to anoint your head with the purest cream (idiom); fig. to enlighten people with perfect wisdom ; flawless Buddhist teaching | |
| 采兰赠芍 | 採蘭贈芍 | cǎi lán zèng sháo | lit. pick orchids and present peonies (idiom); fig. presents between lovers | |
| 里进外出 | 裡進外出 | lǐ jìn wài chū | too many people coming and going (idiom) | |
| 重于泰山 | 重於泰山 | zhòng yú tài shān | heavier than Mt Tai (idiom); fig. extremely serious matter | |
| 重峦叠嶂 | 重巒疊嶂 | chóng luán dié zhàng | range upon range of mountains (idiom) | |
| 重提旧事 | 重提舊事 | chóng tí jiù shì | to raise the same old topic again ; to hark back | |
| 重操旧业 | 重操舊業 | chóng cāo jiù yè | to resume one's old trade (idiom) | |
| 重整旗鼓 | 重整旗鼓 | chóng zhěng qí gǔ | lit. to reorganize flags and drums (idiom); to regroup after a setback ; to prepare for new initiatives ; to attempt a comeback | rassembler drapeaux et tambours ; remettre en ordre drapeaux et tambours ; raillier ses forces pour recommencer ; se regrouper pour reprendre la lutte ; se préparer à reprendre la lutte |
| 重文轻武 | 重文輕武 | zhòng wén qīng wǔ | to value letters and belittle arms (idiom); to stress civil matters and neglect the military ; to prefer the pen to the sword | |
| 重温旧业 | 重溫舊業 | chóng wēn jiù yè | to resume one's old trade (idiom) | |
| 重温旧梦 | 重溫舊夢 | chóng wēn jiù mèng | to revive old dreams (idiom); to relive past experiences | |
| 重男轻女 | 重男輕女 | zhòng nán qīng nǚ | lit. valuing men and belittling women (idiom); fig. the feudal view esteeming men above women ; sexism | (idiom) valoriser l'homme et rabaisser la femme; sexisme |
| 重睹天日 | 重睹天日 | chóng dǔ tiān rì | to see the light again (idiom); delivered from oppression | |
| 重色轻友 | 重色輕友 | zhòng sè qīng yǒu | paying more attention to a lover than friends (idiom) ; to value sex over friendship | |
| 重见天日 | 重見天日 | chóng jiàn tiān rì | to see the light again (idiom); delivered from oppression | |
| 重足而立 | 重足而立 | chóng zú ér lì | rooted to the spot (idiom); too terrified to move | |
| 量体裁衣 | 量體裁衣 | liáng tǐ cái yī | lit. measure the body then tailor the suit (idiom); fig. to act according to actual circumstances ; To live within one's means. | |
| 量入为出 | 量入為出 | liàng rù wéi chū | to assess one's income and spend accordingly (idiom); to live within one's means ; You can only spend what you earn. | |
| 量力而行 | 量力而行 | liàng lì ér xíng | to assess one's capabilities and act accordingly (idiom); to act within one's competence ; One does what one can. | |
| 量才录用 | 量才錄用 | liàng cái lù yòng | to assess sb's capabilities and employ him accordingly (idiom); to employ sb competent for the task | |
| 金刚怒目 | 金剛怒目 | jīn gāng nù mù | to have a face as terrifying as the warrior attendant of the Buddha (idiom) | |
| 金屋藏娇 | 金屋藏嬌 | jīn wū cáng jiāo | a golden house to keep one's mistress (idiom); a magnificent house built for a beloved woman | |
| 金无足赤 | 金無足赤 | jīn wú zú chì | not all gold is sufficiently red (idiom); no-one is perfect | |
| 金枝玉叶 | 金枝玉葉 | jīn zhī yù yè | golden branch, jade leaves (idiom); fig. blue-blooded nobility, esp. imperial kinsmen or peerless beauty | |
| 金玉其外，败絮其中 | 金玉其外，敗絮其中 | jīn yù qí wài , bài xù qí zhōng | gilded exterior, shabby and ruined on the inside (idiom) | |
| 金玉其表，败絮其中 | 金玉其表，敗絮其中 | jīn yù qí biǎo , bài xù qí zhōng | gilded exterior, shabby and ruined on the inside (idiom) | |
| 金玉良言 | 金玉良言 | jīn yù liáng yán | gems of wisdom (idiom); priceless advice | |
| 金石良言 | 金石良言 | jīn shí liáng yán | gems of wisdom (idiom); priceless advice | |
| 金碧荧煌 | 金碧熒煌 | jīn bì yíng huáng | splendid in green and gold (idiom); looking radiant | |
| 金碧辉煌 | 金碧輝煌 | jīn bì huī huáng | gold and jade in glorious splendor (idiom) ; fig. a dazzling sight (e.g. royal palace) | |
| 金蝉脱壳 | 金蟬脫殼 | jīn chán tuō ké | lit. the cicada sheds its carapace (idiom); fig. to vanish leaving an empty shell ; a crafty escape plan | |
| 金迷纸醉 | 金迷紙醉 | jīn mí zhǐ zuì | lit. dazzling with paper and gold (idiom); fig. indulging in a life of luxury | |
| 鉴往知来 | 鑒往知來 | jiàn wǎng zhī lái | observe the past to foresee the future (idiom, taken loosely from Book of Songs); studying ancient wisdom gives insight into what is to come | |
| 针锋相对 | 針鋒相對 | zhēn fēng xiāng duì | to oppose each other with equal harshness (idiom); tit for tat ; measure for measure | riposter du tac au tac; rendre coup pour coup; |
| 钱不是万能的没钱是万万不能的 | 錢不是萬能的沒錢是萬萬不能的 | qián bù shì wàn néng de méi qián shì wàn wàn bù néng de | Money isn't everything but without money you have nothing. (idiom) | (idiome) L'argent n'est pas tout puissant, mais sans argent, on n'obtient rien |
| 钳马衔枚 | 鉗馬銜枚 | qián mǎ xián méi | with horses and soldiers gagged (idiom) ; (of a marching army) in utter silence | |
| 钻坚仰高 | 鑽堅仰高 | zuàn jiān yǎng gāo | delving firmly, eyes raised (idiom); from Analects: Confucius' disciple 顏淵|颜渊[yan2 yuan1] aspires to the heights of Confucius's teaching ; to dedicate oneself to a high goal and learn intensively ; meticulous and diligent study | |
| 钻故纸堆 | 鑽故紙堆 | zuān gù zhǐ duī | to dig into piles of outdated writings (idiom); to study old books and papers | |
| 钻牛角 | 鑽牛角 | zuān niú jiǎo | lit. honing a bull's horn; fig. to waste time on an insoluble or insignificant problem ; to bash one's head against a brick wall ; a wild goose chase ; a blind alley ; to split hairs ; same as idiom 鑽牛角尖|钻牛角 | |
| 钻牛角尖 | 鑽牛角尖 | zuān niú jiǎo jiān | lit. to hone a bull's horn (idiom); fig. to waste time on an insoluble or insignificant problem ; to bash one's head against a brick wall ; a wild goose chase ; a blind alley ; to split hairs | |
| 铁面无私 | 鐵面無私 | tiě miàn wú sī | iron mask and selfless (idiom); honest and incorruptible | impartial et intègre (comme un masque de fer) |
| 铜墙铁壁 | 銅牆鐵壁 | tóng qiáng tiě bì | copper wall, iron bastion (idiom); impenetrable defense | mur de cuivre et muraille de fer; muraille indestructible; |
| 铩羽而归 | 铩羽而歸 | shā yǔ ér guī | to return in low spirits following a defeat or failure to achieve one's ambitions (idiom) | |
| 铭心刻骨 | 銘心刻骨 | míng xīn kè gǔ | engraved in one's heart and carved in one's bones (idiom); to remember a benefactor as long as one lives ; undying gratitude | |
| 铭心镂骨 | 銘心鏤骨 | míng xīn lòu gǔ | engraved in one's heart and carved in one's bones (idiom); to remember a benefactor as long as one lives ; undying gratitude | |
| 银样镴枪头 | 銀樣鑞槍頭 | yín yàng là qiāng tóu | silvery spear point actually made of pewter (idiom); fig. worthless despite an attractive exterior | |
| 铺天盖地 | 鋪天蓋地 | pū tiān gài dì | lit. hiding the sky and covering the earth (idiom); fig. earth-shattering ; omnipresent ; of universal importance | arriver tel un déluge; s'étendre à perte de vue; |
| 铺张浪费 | 鋪張浪費 | pū zhāng làng fèi | extravagance and waste (idiom) | |
| 销假 | 銷假 | xiāo jià | to report back after a period of absence | |
| 销声匿迹 | 銷聲匿跡 | xiāo shēng nì jī | to vanish without trace (idiom) ; to lie low | (phrase) rentrer dans sa coquille; brouiller les pistes et ne plus donner signe de vie; |
| 销案 | 銷案 | xiāo àn | to close a case ; to bring a case to a close (law) | |
| 锄强扶弱 | 鋤強扶弱 | chú qiáng fú ruò | to root out the strong and support the weak (idiom); to rob the rich and give to the poor | |
| 锋芒内敛 | 鋒芒內斂 | fēng máng nèi liǎn | to be talented yet self-effacing (idiom) | |
| 锐不可当 | 銳不可當 | ruì bù kě dāng | unstoppable ; hard to hold back | |
| 错综复杂 | 錯綜複雜 | cuò zōng fùzá | tangled and complicated (idiom) | embrouillé; compliqué; |
| 错落不齐 | 錯落不齊 | cuò luò bù qí | disorderly and uneven (idiom); irregular and disorderly | |
| 错落有致 | 錯落有致 | cuò luò yǒu zhì | in picturesque disorder (idiom); irregular arrangement with charming effect | |
| 锦囊妙计 | 錦囊妙計 | jǐn náng miào jì | brocade sack of miracle plans (idiom); bag of tricks ; fiendishly cunning masterplan (written out by strategic genius of fiction, and given to the local commander in a brocade bag) | |
| 锦衣玉食 | 錦衣玉食 | jǐn yī yù shí | brocade garments, jade meals (idiom); a life of luxury ; extravagance | |
| 锱铢必较 | 錙銖必較 | zī zhū bì jiào | to Haggle over every cent (idiom) | |
| 锲而不舍 | 鍥而不捨 | qiè ér bù shě | to chip away at a task and not abandon it (idiom); to chisel away at sth ; to persevere ; unflagging efforts | persister dans son entreprise |
| 镌心铭骨 | 鐫心銘骨 | juān xīn míng gǔ | etched in one's bones and heart (idiom); ever-present memory (esp. resentment) | |
| 镌骨铭心 | 鐫骨銘心 | juān gǔ míng xīn | etched in one's bones and heart (idiom); ever-present memory (esp. resentment) | |
| 镜花水月 | 鏡花水月 | jìng huā shuǐ yuè | lit. flowers in a mirror and the moon reflected in the lake (idiom); fig. an unrealistic rosy view ; viewing things through rose-tinted spectacles | (phrase) n'être qu'illusion; irréel; illusoire; |
| 长乐未央 | 長樂未央 | cháng lè wèi yāng | endless happiness (idiom) | |
| 长出 | 長出 | zhǎng chū | grow out ; bring forth | dépasser; éruption |
| 长吁短叹 | 長吁短嘆 | cháng xū duǎn tàn | long moan and short gasp (idiom); continually moaning and groaning in pain | |
| 长命富贵 | 長命富貴 | cháng mìng fù guì | We wish you long life and riches! (idiom, conventional greeting) | |
| 长夜漫漫 | 長夜漫漫 | cháng yè màn màn | endless night (idiom); fig. long suffering | |
| 长夜难明 | 長夜難明 | cháng yè nán míng | lit. many nights under a harsh moon ; long years of oppression (idiom) | |
| 长生 | 長生 | cháng shēng | long life | |
| 长生久视 | 長生久視 | cháng shēng jiǔ shì | to grow old with unfailing eyes and ears (idiom) | |
| 长生禄位 | 長生祿位 | cháng shēng lù wèi | tablet and altar honoring a great benefactor (idiom) | |
| 长袖善舞 | 長袖善舞 | cháng xiù shàn wǔ | long sleeves help one dance beautifully (idiom); money and power will help you in any occupation | |
| 长辔远驭 | 長轡遠馭 | cháng pèi yuǎn yù | to control from a distance (idiom) | |
| 长逝 | 長逝 | cháng shì | to depart this life ; to be no more | |
| 长风破浪 | 長風破浪 | cháng fēng pò làng | lit. to ride the wind and crest the waves ; to be ambitious and unafraid (idiom) | |
| 门可罗雀 | 門可羅雀 | mén kě luó què | you can net sparrows at the door (idiom); completely deserted | |
| 门庭冷落，门堪罗雀 | 門庭冷落，門堪羅雀 | mén tíng lěng luò , mén kān luó què | The courtyard is deserted, you can net sparrows at the door (idiom); completely deserted | |
| 闪烁其词 | 閃爍其詞 | shǎn shuò qí cí | to speak evasively (idiom); beating about the bush | |
| 闭口不谈 | 閉口不談 | bì kǒu bù tán | to refuse to say anything about (idiom) ; to remain tight-lipped ; to avoid mentioning | |
| 闭月羞花 | 閉月羞花 | bì yuè xiū huā | lit. hiding the moon, shaming the flowers (idiom); fig. female beauty captivating even the natural world | |
| 闭门塞窦 | 閉門塞竇 | bì mén sè dòu | to close doors and block openings (idiom); mounting a strict defense | |
| 闭门觅句 | 閉門覓句 | bì mén mì jù | lit. lock the door and search for the right word (idiom); fig. the serious hard work of writing | |
| 闭门造车 | 閉門造車 | bì mén zào chē | lit. to build a cart behind closed doors ; to be overly subjective and disregard the outside world (idiom) | fabriquer un chariot en s'enfermant chez soi; faire quelque chose par pure imagination; |
| 问心无愧 | 問心無愧 | wèn xīn wú kuì | lit. look into one's heart, no shame (idiom); with a clear conscience | |
| 问罪 | 問罪 | wèn zuì | to declaim ; to denounce ; to decry ; to condemn ; to call to account ; to bring to task ; to inveigh against | |
| 问鼎 | 問鼎 | wèn dǐng | lit. to inquire of the tripods (idiom); fig. to plan to seize power of the whole country ; grand ambitions to win | |
| 问鼎中原 | 問鼎中原 | wèn dǐng zhōng yuán | lit. to inquire of the tripods (idiom); fig. to plan to seize power of the whole country ; grand ambitions to win | |
| 问鼎轻重 | 問鼎輕重 | wèn dǐng qīng zhòng | lit. to inquire whether the tripods are light or heavy (idiom); a laughable attempt to seize power | |
| 闲话家常 | 閑話家常 | xián huà jiā cháng | to chat about domestic trivia (idiom) | |
| 闻一知十 | 聞一知十 | wén yī zhī shí | lit. to hear one and know ten (idiom); fig. explain one thing and (he) understands everything ; a word to the wise | |
| 闻名遐迩 | 聞名遐邇 | wén míng xiá ěr | to be famous far and wide (idiom) | |
| 闻风丧胆 | 聞風喪膽 | wén fēng sàng dǎn | hear the wind and lose gall (idiom); terror-stricken at the news | |
| 队尾 | 隊尾 | duì wěi | back of the line ; last one in line | |
| 防不胜防 | 防不勝防 | fáng bùshèng fáng | you can't guard against it (idiom) ; impossible to defend effectively ; not much one can do about it ; It can't be prevented. | impossible de se prémunir (de se défendre); |
| 防患未然 | 防患未然 | fáng huàn wèi rán | to prevent troubles before the event (idiom); to forestall ; to nip sth in the bud ; prevention (is better than cure) | |
| 防患未萌 | 防患未萌 | fáng huàn wèi méng | to prevent a disaster before the event (idiom); to nip sth in the bud | |
| 阳光明媚 | 陽光明媚 | yáng guāng míng mèi | the sun shines brightly (idiom) | |
| 阳奉阴违 | 陽奉陰違 | yáng fèng yīn wéi | outward devotion but inner opposition (idiom); to pay lip service ; to agree overtly, but oppose in secret | |
| 阳寿 | 陽壽 | yáng shòu | predestined life-span | |
| 阴差阳错 | 陰差陽錯 | yīn chā yáng cuò | an accident arising from many causes (idiom); a freak combination of factors | |
| 阴德必有阳报 | 陰德必有陽報 | yīn dé bì yǒu yáng bào | hidden merits will have visible rewards (idiom) | |
| 阴虚火旺 | 陰虛火旺 | yīn xū huǒ wàng | an excess of heat caused by a deficiency in Yin energy (idiom) | |
| 阴错阳差 | 陰錯陽差 | yīn cuò yáng chā | an accident arising from many causes (idiom); a freak combination of factors | une erreur causée par une curieuse coïncidence |
| 阻遏 | 阻遏 | zǔ è | to impede ; to hold sb back | |
| 阿谀奉承 | 阿諛奉承 | ē yú fèng chéng | flattering and fawning (idiom) ; sweet-talking | |
| 际遇 | 際遇 | jì yù | luck ; fate ; opportunity ; the ups and downs of life | aventure ; hasard |
| 陈谷子烂芝麻 | 陳谷子爛芝麻 | chén gǔ zi làn zhī ma | lit. stale grain, overcooked sesame (idiom); fig. the same boring old gossip | |
| 降低 | 降低 | jiàng dī | to reduce ; to lower ; to bring down | baisser; réduire; |
| 降龙伏虎 | 降龍伏虎 | xiáng lóng fú hǔ | to vanquish dragons and tigers (idiom) | |
| 除恶务尽 | 除惡務盡 | chú è wù jìn | to eradicate evil completely (idiom); thorough in rooting out wickedness | |
| 除旧布新 | 除舊布新 | chú jiù bù xīn | to get rid of the old to bring in the new (idiom); to innovate | |
| 除暴安良 | 除暴安良 | chú bào ān liáng | to root out the strong and give people peace (idiom); to rob the rich and give to the poor | |
| 险象环生 | 險象環生 | xiǎn xiàng huán shēng | dangers spring up all around (idiom); surrounded by perils | |
| 陪衬 | 陪襯 | péi chèn | to enhance by contrast ; to set off ; to serve as a background in order to bring out the subject with greater brilliance ; to serve as a prop ; a foil | faire ressortir; |
| 隆情厚谊 | 隆情厚誼 | lóng qíng hòu yì | profound love, generous friendship (idiom) | (idiome) amour profond, amitié généreuse |
| 随口胡诌 | 隨口胡謅 | suí kǒu hú zhōu | to talk random nonsense (idiom); to say whatever comes into one's head | |
| 随声附和 | 隨聲附和 | suí shēng fù hè | to parrot other people's words (idiom); to chime in with others | répéter ce qu'on dit; faire chorus avec qn; faire le perroquet; suivre; |
| 随心所欲 | 隨心所欲 | suí xīn suǒ yù | to follow one's heart's desires ; to do as one pleases (idiom) | agir à son gré; agir à sa guise; agir selon sa fantaisie; agir arbitrairement; |
| 随机应变 | 隨機應變 | suí jī yìng biàn | to change according to the situation (idiom); pragmatic | agir en tenant compte des circonstances |
| 随波逊流 | 隨波遜流 | suí bō xùn liú | to drift with the waves and yield to the flow (idiom); to follow the crowd blindly | |
| 随波逐流 | 隨波逐流 | suí bō zhú liú | to drift with the waves and go with the flow (idiom); to follow the crowd blindly | |
| 随遇而安 | 隨遇而安 | suí yù ér ān | at home wherever one is (idiom); ready to adapt ; flexible ; to accept circumstances with good will | |
| 随风倒柳 | 隨風倒柳 | suí fēng dǎo liǔ | lit. a willow that bends with the wind ; one with no fixed principles (idiom) | |
| 随风倒舵 | 隨風倒舵 | suí fēng dǎo duò | to trim one's sails with the wind ; to adopt different attitude depending on the circumstances (idiom) | |
| 隐土 | 隱土 | yǐn tǔ | legendary land of hermits ; secret land ; the back of beyond | |
| 隐生宙 | 隱生宙 | yǐn shēng zhòu | Cryptozoic ; geological eon before the appearance of abundant fossils ; hidden life, as opposed to Phanerozoic | |
| 隔三差五 | 隔三差五 | gé sān chà wǔ | every now and then (idiom) | |
| 隔岸观火 | 隔岸觀火 | gé àn guān huǒ | to watch the fires burning across the river ; to delay entering the fray until all others have been exhausted by fighting amongst themselves (idiom) | |
| 隔年皇历 | 隔年皇曆 | gé nián huáng lì | lit. almanac from years back (idiom) ; obsolete practice ; old-fashioned principle | |
| 隔行如隔山 | 隔行如隔山 | gé háng rú gé shān | different trades, worlds apart (idiom); to sb outside the profession, it is a closed book | |
| 隔靴搔痒 | 隔靴搔癢 | gé xuē sāo yǎng | to completely miss the main point of a topic or argument (idiom) | |
| 难于登天 | 難於登天 | nán yú dēng tiān | hard a climbing to heaven (idiom); a tremendous effort | |
| 难以启齿 | 難以啟齒 | nán yǐ qǐ chǐ | to be too embarrassed to mention sth (idiom) ; to find it hard to speak about sth | |
| 难兄难弟 | 難兄難弟 | nán xiōng nán dì | fellow sufferers (idiom) | |
| 难分难舍 | 難分難捨 | nán fēn nán shě | loath to part (idiom); emotionally close and unwilling to separate | |
| 难分难解 | 難分難解 | nán fēn nán jiě | to become caught up in an irresolvable situation (idiom) | |
| 难舍难分 | 難捨難分 | nán shě nán fēn | loath to part (idiom); emotionally close and unwilling to separate | avoir beaucoup de peine à se séparer |
| 难舍难离 | 難捨難離 | nán shě nán lí | loath to part (idiom); emotionally close and unwilling to separate | |
| 难解难分 | 難解難分 | nán jiě nán fēn | hard to untie, hard to separate (idiom); inextricably involved ; locked in battle | |
| 难言之隐 | 難言之隱 | nán yán zhī yǐn | what ails one is hard to discuss (idiom); sth too embarrassing to mention ; an embarrassing illness ; to have a secret ; to refuse to talk about sth ; reluctant to broach a topic | |
| 雁杳鱼沉 | 雁杳魚沈 | yàn yǎo yú chén | without news from sb (idiom) | |
| 雄心勃勃 | 雄心勃勃 | xióng xīn bó bó | aggressive and grand (idiom); ambitious ; pushy | |
| 集思广益 | 集思廣益 | jí sī guǎng yì | collecting opinions is of wide benefit (idiom); to pool wisdom for mutual benefit ; to profit from widespread suggestions | |
| 集腋成裘 | 集腋成裘 | jí yè chéng qiú | many hairs make a fur coat (idiom); many small contributions add up to sth big ; many a mickle makes a muckle | En rassemblant les peaux des aisselles on arrive à faire une fourrure. ; Les petits ruisseaux font les grandes rivières |
| 雕楹碧槛 | 彫楹碧檻 | diāo yíng bì kǎn | carved pillar, jade doorsill (idiom); heavily decorated environment | |
| 雨后春笋 | 雨後春筍 | yǔ hòu chūn sǔn | lit. after rain, the spring bamboo (idiom); fig. rapid new growth ; many new things emerge in rapid succession | surgir comme des pousses de bambou après la pluie de printemps; pousser comme des champignons après la pluie; |
| 雨过天晴 | 雨過天晴 | yǔ guò tiān qíng | sky clears after rain ; new hopes after a disastrous period (idiom) ; every cloud has a silver lining (idiom) ; see also 雨過天青|雨过天青[yu3 guo4 tian1 qing1] | Après la pluie, le beau temps. (idiome) |
| 雨过天青 | 雨過天青 | yǔ guò tiān qīng | sky clears after rain ; new hopes after a disastrous period (idiom) ; every cloud has a silver lining (idiom) ; see also 雨過天晴|雨过天晴[yu3 guo4 tian1 qing2] | |
| 雪上加霜 | 雪上加霜 | xuě shàng jiā shuāng | to add hail to snow (idiom); one disaster on top of another ; to make things worse in a bad situation | |
| 雪中送炭 | 雪中送炭 | xuě zhōng sòng tàn | lit. to send coal during snow (idiom); fig. timely help ; to provide help when one most needs it | |
| 雪泥鸿爪 | 雪泥鴻爪 | xuě ní hóng zhǎo | a goose's footprint in the snow ; vestiges of the past (idiom) ; the fleeting nature of human life (idiom) | griffes de grue imprimées dans la neige ou la boue ; traces laissées par les événements passés |
| 零打碎敲 | 零打碎敲 | líng dǎ suì qiāo | to do things in bits and pieces (idiom); piecemeal work | |
| 零敲碎打 | 零敲碎打 | líng qiāo suì dǎ | to do things in bits and pieces (idiom); piecemeal work | par bribes ; travailler sans esprit de suite ; petit à petit ; adopter une méthode de travail par degré |
| 雷厉风行 | 雷厲風行 | léi lì fēng xíng | pass like thunder and move like the wind (idiom); swift and decisive reaction | |
| 雷声大，雨点小 | 雷聲大，雨點小 | léi shēng dà , yǔ diǎn xiǎo | loud thunder, but only tiny drops of rain (idiom); a lot of talk, but no action ; action speaks louder than words ; his bite is worse than his bark | |
| 雷打不动 | 雷打不動 | léi dǎ bù dòng | not shaken by thunder (idiom);the arrangements are unalterable ; to adhere rigidly to regulations ; will go ahead whatever happens (of an arrangement or plan) | |
| 雾里看花 | 霧里看花 | wù lǐ kàn huā | lit. to look at flowers in the fog (idiom); fig. blurred vision | |
| 震古烁今 | 震古爍今 | zhèn gǔ shuò jīn | shaking the old and illuminating the new (idiom); surpassing the ancients and dazzling contemporaries ; glorious and world-shattering | |
| 震天动地 | 震天動地 | zhèn tiān dòng dì | to shake heaven and earth (idiom) | |
| 震耳欲聋 | 震耳欲聾 | zhèn ěr yù lóng | ear-splitting (idiom); deafening | assourdissant; |
| 霍然而愈 | 霍然而癒 | huò rán ér yù | to recover speedily (idiom); to get better quickly | |
| 露出马脚 | 露出馬腳 | lù chū mǎ jiǎo | to reveal the cloven foot (idiom); to unmask one's true nature ; to give the game away | |
| 露马脚 | 露馬腳 | lòu mǎ jiǎo | to reveal the cloven foot (idiom); to unmask one's true nature ; to give the game away | |
| 青云直上 | 青雲直上 | qīng yún zhí shàng | rising straight up in a clear sky (idiom); rapid promotion to a high post ; meteoric career | monter en flèche dans sa carrière comme les nuages émeraude au ciel ; monter rapidement et sans encombres au faîte des honneurs |
| 青出于蓝 | 青出於藍 | qīng chū yú lán | lit. green is born of blue, but beats blue (idiom); fig. the student becomes superior to the master ; same as couplet 青出於藍,而勝於藍|青出于蓝,而胜于蓝 | |
| 青出于蓝，而胜于蓝 | 青出於藍，而勝於藍 | qīng chū yú lán , ér shèng yú lán | lit. green is born of blue, but beats blue (idiom); fig. the student becomes superior to the master | |
| 青壮年 | 青壯年 | qīng zhuàng nián | the prime of one's life | |
| 青天霹雳 | 青天霹靂 | qīng tiān pī lì | thunder from a clear sky (idiom); a bolt from the blue | |
| 青山 | 青山 | qīng shān | green hills ; (the good) life | |
| 青山绿水 | 青山綠水 | qīng shān lù shuǐ | lit. green hills and clear waters ; pleasant country scene (idiom) | |
| 青春不再 | 青春不再 | qīng chūn bù zài | lit. one’s youth will never return ; to make the most of one’s opportunities (idiom) | |
| 青梅竹马 | 青梅竹馬 | qīng méi zhú mǎ | green plum and bamboo hobby-horse (idiom); a couple who were friends from childhood ; childhood sweethearts | |
| 青红皂白 | 青紅皂白 | qīng hóng zào bái | red-blue or black-white (idiom); the rights and wrongs of a case ; not distinguishing right from wrong | |
| 青黄不接 | 青黃不接 | qīng huáng bù jiē | lit. yellow does not reach green (idiom); the yellow autumn crop does not last until the green spring crop ; temporary deficit in manpower or resources ; unable to make ends meet | Quand la récolte de l'année écoulée commence à s'épuiser et que la prochaine est encore en herbe . avoir du mal à joindre les deux bouts; |
| 静若寒蝉 | 靜若寒蟬 | jìng ruò hán chán | as quiet as a cicada in winter (idiom) | |
| 非异人任 | 非異人任 | fēi yì rén rèn | to bear ones own responsibilities and not pass them to others (idiom) | |
| 非致命 | 非致命 | fēi zhì mìng | not fatal ; not life-threatening (medical condition) | |
| 靠山吃山，靠水吃水 | 靠山喫山，靠水喫水 | kào shān chī shān , kào shuǐ chī shuǐ | The mountain dweller lives from the mountain, the shore dweller lives from the sea. (idiom) ; to make the best use of local resources ; fig. to exploit one's position to advance oneself ; to find one's niche ; to live off the land | |
| 靠背椅 | 靠背椅 | kào bèi yǐ | high-back chair | |
| 靡不有初，鲜克有终 | 靡不有初，鮮克有終 | mǐ bù yǒu chū , xiǎn kè yǒu zhōng | almost everything has a start, but not many things have an end (idiom); don't start sth you can't handle | |
| 面授机宜 | 面授機宜 | miàn shòu jī yí | to give direct instructions on the way to deal with a matter ; to brief personally (idiom) | |
| 面朝黄土背朝天 | 面朝黃土背朝天 | miàn cháo huáng tǔ bèi cháo tiān | face to the ground, back to the sky | face contre terre, dos vers le ciel |
| 面目一新 | 面目一新 | miàn mù yī xīn | complete change (idiom); facelift ; We're in a wholly new situation. | |
| 面目全非 | 面目全非 | miàn mù quán fēi | nothing remains the same (idiom); change beyond recognition | |
| 面露不悦 | 面露不悅 | miàn lù bù yuè | to show unhappiness or displeasure (idiom) | |
| 面面俱到 | 面面俱到 | miàn miàn jù dào | (idiom) take care of everything; handle everything | traiter un problème sous tous les aspect |
| 面面相觑 | 面面相覷 | miàn miàn xiāng qù | to look at each other in dismay (idiom) | |
| 面黄肌瘦 | 面黃肌瘦 | miàn huáng jī shòu | yellow face, emaciated body (idiom); malnourished and sickly in appearance | avoir le teint jaune et le corps décharné ; être maigre et pâle ; être jaune comme de la cire |
| 面黄肌闳 | 面黃肌閎 | miàn huáng jī hóng | yellow face, emaciated body (idiom); malnourished and sickly in appearance | |
| 革故鼎新 | 革故鼎新 | gé gù dǐng xīn | to discard the old and introduce the new (idiom); to innovate | |
| 革面洗心 | 革面洗心 | gé miàn xǐ xīn | lit. to renew one's face and wash one's heart (idiom); to repent sincerely and mend one's mistaken ways ; to turn over a new leaf | |
| 鞠 | 鞠 | jū | to bring up ; to rear ; surname Ju ; Taiwan pr. ju2 | ; |
| 鞠躬尽力 | 鞠躬盡力 | jū gōng jìn lì | to bend to a task and spare no effort (idiom); striving to the utmost ; same as 鞠躬盡瘁|鞠躬尽瘁[ju1 gong1 jin4 jin3 cui4] | |
| 鞠躬尽瘁 | 鞠躬盡瘁 | jū gōng jìn cuì | to bend to a task and spare no effort (idiom); striving to the utmost | se plier à une tâche et ne ménager aucun effort (idiom), s'efforçer au maximum |
| 鞠躬尽瘁，死而后已 | 鞠躬盡瘁，死而後已 | jū gōng jìn cuì , sǐ ér hòu yǐ | to bend to a task and spare no effort unto one's dying day (idiom); striving to the utmost one's whole life ; with every breath in one's body, unto one's dying day | |
| 鞭长莫及 | 鞭長莫及 | biān cháng mò jí | lit. the whip cannot reach (idiom); beyond one's influence ; too far to be able to help | être hors de portée de qn; Le fouet si long soit-il,ne peut atteindre(le poitrail du cheval)./Le pouvoir ne s'étend pas aux régions lointaines.; |
| 韬光养晦 | 韜光養晦 | tāo guāng yǎng huì | lit. to cover light and nurture in the dark (idiom); to conceal one's strengths and bide one's time ; hiding one's light under a bush | cacher ses talents et se tenir dans l'obscurité; |
| 韵人韵事 | 韻人韻事 | yùn rén yùn shì | a charming man enjoys charming pursuits (idiom) | |
| 顶嘴 | 頂嘴 | dǐng zuǐ | to talk back ; to answer back | répliquer |
| 顶天立地 | 頂天立地 | dǐng tiān lì dì | lit. able to support both heaven and earth ; of indomitable spirit (idiom) | esprit résolu, indépendant, sans peur et sans reproche ; être intrépide; (sa haute silhouette se dresse immense et imposante) |
| 顶门壮户 | 頂門壯户 | dǐng mén zhuàng hù | to support the family business (idiom) | |
| 项 | 項 | xiàng | back of neck ; item ; thing ; term (in a mathematical formula) ; sum (of money) ; classifier for principles, items, clauses, tasks, research projects etc | (prénom); nuque; chose; article |
| 项庄舞剑 | 項莊舞劍 | xiàng zhuāng wǔ jiàn | lit. Xiang Zhuang performs the sword dance, but his mind is set on Liu Bang 劉邦|刘邦[Liu2 Bang1] (idiom, refers to plot to kill Liu Bang during Feast at Hongmen 鴻門宴|鸿门宴[Hong2 men2 yan4] in | |
| 项庄舞剑，志在沛公 | 項莊舞劍，志在沛公 | xiàng zhuāng wǔ jiàn , zhì zài pèi gōng | lit. Xiangzhuang performs the sword dance, but his mind is set on Liu Bang 劉邦|刘邦 (idiom); refers to 206 BC plot to murder Liu Bang 劉邦|刘邦, Duke of Pei 沛公 and future Han emperor, during a | |
| 项庄舞剑，意在沛公 | 項莊舞劍，意在沛公 | xiàng zhuāng wǔ jiàn , yì zài pèi gōng | lit. Xiangzhuang performs the sword dance, but his mind is set on Liu Bang 劉邦|刘邦 (idiom); refers to 206 BC plot to murder Liu Bang 劉邦|刘邦, Duke of Pei 沛公 and future Han emperor, during a | |
| 项颈 | 項頸 | xiàng jǐng | back of neck | |
| 顺其自然 | 順其自然 | shùn qí zì rán | to let nature take its course (idiom) | |
| 顺手牵羊 | 順手牽羊 | shùn shǒu qiān yáng | lit. to lead away a goat in passing (idiom); to steal sth under cover of an emergency ; to take advantage of a crisis for personal gain | |
| 顽而不顾 | 頑而不顧 | wán ér bù gù | to be stubborn and inconsiderate (idiom) | |
| 顾全大局 | 顧全大局 | gù quán dà jú | to take the big picture into consideration (idiom); to work for the benefits of all | prendre en considération l'intérêt général; avoir à coeur les intérêts de l'ensemble; prendre en considération la situation général; prendre en considération la situation générale; |
| 顾客至上 | 顧客至上 | gù kè zhì shàng | the customer reigns supreme (idiom) | |
| 顾影自怜 | 顧影自憐 | gù yǐng zì lián | lit. looking at one's shadow and feeling sorry for oneself (idiom) ; fig. alone and dejected | |
| 顾盼自雄 | 顧盼自雄 | gù pàn zì xióng | to strut about feeling complacent (idiom) | |
| 顿号 | 頓號 | dùn hào | Chinese back-sloping comma 、 (punct. used to separate items in a list) | |
| 顿挫抑扬 | 頓挫抑揚 | dùn cuò yì yáng | cadence of speech (idiom) | |
| 颂声载道 | 頌聲載道 | sòng shēng zài dào | lit. praise fills the roads (idiom); praise everywhere ; universal approbation | |
| 颐养天年 | 頤養天年 | yí yǎng tiān nián | to care for oneself for one's allotted life span (idiom); to retire | |
| 颐性养寿 | 頤性養壽 | yí xìng yǎng shòu | to take care of one's spirit and keep fit (idiom) | |
| 颐指气使 | 頤指氣使 | yí zhǐ qì shǐ | lit. to order people by pointing the chin (idiom); to signal orders by facial gesture ; arrogant and bossy | |
| 颐指风使 | 頤指風使 | yí zhǐ fēng shǐ | lit. to order people by pointing the chin (idiom); to signal orders by facial gesture ; arrogant and bossy | |
| 频眉蹙额 | 頻眉蹙額 | pín méi cù é | worried and unhappy (idiom) | |
| 颓垣断壁 | 頹垣斷壁 | tuí yuán duàn bì | crumbling fences and dilapidated walls (idiom) | |
| 颜面扫地 | 顏面掃地 | yán miàn sǎo dì | lit. for one’s face to reach rock bottom ; to be thoroughly discredited (idiom) | |
| 颠倒 | 顛倒 | diān dǎo | to turn upside-down ; to reverse ; back-to-front ; confused ; deranged ; crazy | renverser; inverser perdre la tête; |
| 颠倒黑白 | 顛倒黑白 | diān dǎo hēi bái | lit. to invert black and white (idiom); to distort the truth deliberately ; to misrepresent the facts ; to invert right and wrong | |
| 颠沛流离 | 顛沛流離 | diān pèi liú lí | homeless and miserable (idiom); to wander about in a desperate plight ; to drift | |
| 风云人物 | 風雲人物 | fēng yún rén wù | the man of the moment (idiom); a prominent personality | (idiome) l'homme du moment; une personnalité de premier plan |
| 风云变幻 | 風雲變幻 | fēng yún biàn huàn | sudden change (idiom); changeable situation | |
| 风华绝代 | 風華絕代 | fēng huá jué dài | magnificent style unmatched in his generation (idiom); peerless talent | |
| 风吹雨打 | 風吹雨打 | fēng chuī yǔ dǎ | lit. windswept and battered by rain ; to undergo hardship (idiom) | |
| 风和日丽 | 風和日麗 | fēng hé rì lì | moderate wind, beautiful sun (idiom); fine sunny weather, esp. in springtime | |
| 风和日暄 | 風和日暄 | fēng hé rì xuān | gentle wind and warm sunshine (idiom) | |
| 风和日暖 | 風和日暖 | fēng hé rì nuǎn | gentle wind and warm sunshine (idiom) | fait doux et ensoleillé |
| 风土人情 | 風土人情 | fēng tǔ rén qíng | local conditions and customs (idiom) | moeurs et coutumes d'une région |
| 风平浪静 | 風平浪靜 | fēng píng làng jìng | lit. breeze is still, waves are quiet (idiom); tranquil environment ; All is quiet. ; a dead calm (at sea) | calme et tranquille; sans la moindre agitation (Le vent est tombé et les vagues se sont apaisées); |
| 风恬浪静 | 風恬浪靜 | fēng tián làng jìng | lit. breeze is still, waves are quiet (idiom); tranquil environment ; All is quiet. ; a dead calm (at sea) | |
| 风流 | 風流 | fēng liú | distinguished and accomplished ; outstanding ; talented in letters and unconventional in life style ; romantic ; dissolute ; loose | remarquable et élégant; talentueux et méritoire ; affranchi des conventions sociales ; romantique; |
| 风流云散 | 風流雲散 | fēng liú yún sàn | lit. wind flows, clouds scatter (idiom); the crisis settles down ; people disperse home ; things return to normal | disperser comme des nuages au souffle du vent |
| 风花雪月 | 風花雪月 | fēng huā xuě yuè | wind, flower, snow and moon, trite poetry subject (idiom); effete language without substance ; love affair ; romance is in the air | |
| 风调雨顺 | 風調雨順 | fēng diào yǔ shùn | favorable weather (idiom); good weather for crops | jouir de conditions climatiques favorables ; Les vents et les pluies sont opportuns et favorables ; Les vents et les pluies sont propices et bienfaisants |
| 风起云涌 | 風起雲湧 | fēng qǐ yún yǒng | lit. rising winds, scudding clouds (idiom); turbulent times ; violent development | comme le vent qui se lève et les nuages qui s'amoncellent; ne cesser de surgir et de se répandre avec impétuosité; |
| 风起潮涌 | 風起潮涌 | fēng qǐ cháo yǒng | lit. wind rises, tide bubbles up ; turbulent times ; violent development (idiom) | |
| 风雨同舟 | 風雨同舟 | fēng yǔ tóng zhōu | lit. in the same boat under wind and rain (idiom); fig. to stick together in hard times | |
| 风雨如晦 | 風雨如晦 | fēng yǔ rú huì | lit. wind and rain darken the sky (idiom); fig. the situation looks grim | |
| 风雨晦冥 | 風雨晦冥 | fēng yǔ huì míng | conditions of extreme adversity (idiom) | |
| 风雨欲来 | 風雨欲來 | fēng yǔ yù lái | lit. storm clouds approach ; troubles lie ahead (idiom) | |
| 风雨漂摇 | 風雨漂搖 | fēng yǔ piāo yáo | tossed about by the wind and rain (idiom) ; (of a situation) unstable | |
| 风雨飘摇 | 風雨飄搖 | fēng yǔ piāo yáo | tossed about by the wind and rain (idiom) ; (of a situation) unstable | |
| 风靡一时 | 風靡一時 | fēng mǐ yī shí | fashionable for a while (idiom); all the rage | en vogue ; à la mode ; au goût du jour ; avoir un succès passager |
| 风马牛不相及 | 風馬牛不相及 | fēng mǎ niú bù xiāng jí | lit. a horse and cow in heat do not look to each other ; two things that have absolutely nothing to do with each other (idiom) | |
| 飘蓬 | 飄蓬 | piāo péng | to float in the wind ; by ext., to lead a wandering life | |
| 飞扬跋扈 | 飛揚跋扈 | fēi yáng bá hù | to rise to be domineering (idiom); bossy and domineering ; throwing one's weight about | |
| 飞来横祸 | 飛來橫禍 | fēi lái hèng huò | sudden and unexpected disaster (idiom) | |
| 飞短流长 | 飛短流長 | fēi duǎn liú cháng | lit. flies near and flows far (idiom); fig. malicious gossip-mongering ; to calumny | |
| 飞蛾投火 | 飛蛾投火 | fēi é tóu huǒ | lit. like a moth flying into the fire (idiom); fig. to choose a path to certain destruction | aller se brûler à la chandelle comme un papillon de nuit ; le papillon de nuit se porte vers la flamme ; se ruiner ; courir à sa perte (idiome) |
| 飞觥走斝 | 飛觥走斝 | fēi gōng zǒu jiǎ | lit. let the big cup fly and the small cup walk ; to drink copiously (idiom) | |
| 飞针走线 | 飛針走線 | fēi zhēn zǒu xiàn | flying needle and running seam (idiom); skillful needlework | |
| 飞鹰走马 | 飛鷹走馬 | fēi yīng zǒu mǎ | to ride out hawking (idiom); to hunt | |
| 飞黄腾达 | 飛黃騰達 | fēi huáng téng dá | lit. the divine steed Huang flashes past (idiom); fig. a meteoric rise ; career success ; The Apprentice (UK reality TV series) | avancer dans la carrière en brulant les étapes ; parvenir rapidement à un rang élevé ; monter en flèche |
| 食不知味 | 食不知味 | shí bù zhī wèi | lit. to eat without tasting the food ; worried or downhearted (idiom) | |
| 食肉寝皮 | 食肉寢皮 | shí ròu qǐn pí | lit. to eat his meat and lie on his skin (idiom); fig. to swear revenge on sb ; implacable hatred ; to have sb's guts for garters | |
| 食荼卧棘 | 食荼臥棘 | shí tú wò jí | to eat bitter fruit and lie on thorns (idiom); to share the hard life of the common people | |
| 食言 | 食言 | shí yán | lit. to eat one's words ; to break a promise ; to go back on one's word ; to renege ; unsworn testimony | se rétracter ; manquer à sa parole |
| 飨以闭门羹 | 饗以閉門羹 | xiǎng yǐ bì mén gēng | to close the door in one's face (idiom) | |
| 餍于游乐 | 饜於游樂 | yàn yú yóu lè | to be satiated with food and drink (idiom) | |
| 饕餮大餐 | 饕餮大餐 | tāo tiè dà cān | great meal fit for dragon's son (idiom); sumptuous banquet | |
| 饥不择食 | 饑不擇食 | jī bù zé shí | when hungry, you can't pick what you eat (idiom); beggars can't be choosers ; When matters are urgent, don't spend time choosing alternatives. | La faim assaisonne tout ; Ventre affamé prend tout à gré |
| 饥寒交迫 | 饑寒交迫 | jī hán jiāo pò | lit. both hunger and cold press (idiom); starving and freezing ; in desperate poverty | souffrir le froid et la faim ; être en proie à la faim et au froid |
| 饥馑荐臻 | 饑饉薦臻 | jī jǐn jiàn zhēn | famine repeats unceasingly (idiom, from Book of Songs) | |
| 饫甘餍肥 | 飫甘饜肥 | yù gān yàn féi | to live off the fat of the land ; to have a luxurious lifestyle ; (idiom) | |
| 饮恨吞声 | 飲恨吞聲 | yǐn hèn tūn shēng | to harbor a grudge with deep-seated hatred (idiom) | |
| 饮水思源 | 飲水思源 | yǐn shuǐ sī yuán | lit. when you drink water, think of its source (idiom); gratitude for blessings and their well-spring ; Don't forget where your happiness come from. ; Be grateful for all your blessings! | |
| 饮流怀源 | 飲流懷源 | yǐn liú huái yuán | lit. when you drink water, think of its source (idiom); gratitude for blessings and their well-spring ; Don't forget where your happiness come from. ; Be grateful for all your blessings! | |
| 饱人不知饿人饥 | 飽人不知餓人飢 | bǎo rén bù zhī è rén jī | The well-fed cannot know how the starving suffer (idiom). | |
| 饱汉不知饿汉饥 | 飽漢不知餓漢飢 | bǎo hàn bù zhī è hàn jī | The well-fed cannot know how the starving suffer (idiom). | |
| 饱经风霜 | 飽經風霜 | bǎo jīng fēng shuāng | weather-beaten ; having experienced the hard ship of life | être endurci par vents et givres; être passé par de rudes épreuves; avoir connu toutes les vicissitudes du destin; avoir connu toutes les vicissitudes de la fortun; |
| 饶命 | 饒命 | ráo mìng | to spare sb's life | faire grâce de la vie |
| 饶有风趣 | 饒有風趣 | ráo yǒu fēng qù | bubbling with humor (idiom); witty and interesting | |
| 饶舌调唇 | 饒舌調唇 | ráo shé tiáo chún | blabbing and showing off (idiom); loud-mouthed trouble maker | |
| 饿殍载道 | 餓殍載道 | è piǎo zài dào | starved corpses fill the roads (idiom); state of famine | |
| 饿莩载道 | 餓莩載道 | è piǎo zài dào | starved corpses fill the roads (idiom); state of famine | |
| 饿莩遍野 | 餓莩遍野 | è piǎo biàn yě | starving people everywhere (idiom); a state of famine | |
| 首屈一指 | 首屈一指 | shǒu qū yī zhǐ | to count as number one (idiom); second to none ; outstanding | être le premier en son genre ; surpasser tous les autres en quelque choseh |
| 香味扑鼻 | 香味撲鼻 | xiāng wèi pū bí | exotic odors assail the nostrils (idiom) | |
| 香汤沐浴 | 香湯沐浴 | xiāng tāng mù yù | to bathe in a fragrant hot spring (idiom) | |
| 香车宝马 | 香車寶馬 | xiāng chē bǎo mǎ | magnificent carriage and precious horses (idiom); rich family with extravagant lifestyle ; ostentatious display of luxury | |
| 香轮宝骑 | 香輪寶騎 | xiāng lún bǎo qí | magnificent carriage and precious horses (idiom); rich family with extravagant lifestyle ; ostentatious display of luxury | (idiome) magnifique voiture et chevaux précieux; riche famille au style de vie extravagant; étalage de luxe |
| 马工枚速 | 馬工枚速 | mǎ gōng méi sù | Sima Xiangru is meticulous and Mei Gao is fast (idiom) ; to each his good points | |
| 驮 | 馱 | tuó | to carry on one's back | porter sur le dos ; charger sur une bête de somme; |
| 驮运 | 馱運 | tuó yùn | to transport on pack animal ; to carry (a load on one's back) | |
| 驴唇马觜 | 驢脣馬觜 | lǘ chún mǎ zī | lit.camel's lip, horse's mouth (idiom) ; fig. to chatter ; nonsense ; blather | |
| 驽马恋栈 | 驽馬戀棧 | nú mǎ liàn zhàn | an incompetent man clings to a good position (idiom) | |
| 驾轻就熟 | 駕輕就熟 | jià qīng jiù shú | lit. an easy drive on a familiar path (idiom); fig. experience makes progress easy ; a task that is so familiar one can do it with one's hand tied behind one's back | conduire une voiture légère sur une route familière; s'y prendre en vieux routier; agir en connaisseur; l'expérience allège (ou facilite) la tâche; |
| 驾鹤西去 | 駕鶴西去 | jià hè xī qù | lit. to fly on a crane to the Western Paradise ; fig. to pass away (idiom) | (idiome) voler sur une grue pour le Paradis de l'Ouest; disparaître; décéder |
| 骁勇善战 | 驍勇善戰 | xiāo yǒng shàn zhàn | to be brave and good at fighting (idiom) | |
| 骂不绝口 | 罵不絕口 | mà bù jué kǒu | to scold without end (idiom); incessant abuse | |
| 骊黄牝牡 | 驪黃牝牡 | lí huáng pìn mǔ | a black stallion or possibly a yellow mare (idiom); don't judge by outward appearance | |
| 骑虎难下 | 騎虎難下 | qí hǔ nán xià | if you ride a tiger, it's hard to get off (idiom); fig. impossible to stop halfway | (idiome) si tu chevauches un tigre, il est difficile d'en descendre; impossible de s'arrêter à mi-chemin |
| 骑鹤上扬州 | 騎鶴上揚州 | qí hè shàng yáng zhōu | lit. to ride a crane to Yangzhou (idiom); to get an official position | (idiom) monter une grue à Yangzhou ; obtenir une position officielle |
| 骨瘦如柴 | 骨瘦如柴 | gǔ shòu rú chái | as thin as a match ; emaciated (idiom) | |
| 骨肉相残 | 骨肉相殘 | gǔ ròu xiāng cán | close kindred slaughter one another (idiom); internecine strife | |
| 骨肉相连 | 骨肉相連 | gǔ ròu xiāng lián | lit. interrelated as bones and flesh (idiom); inseparably related ; closely intertwined | |
| 骨鲠之臣 | 骨鯁之臣 | gǔ gěng zhī chén | lit. fish bone of a minister (idiom); fig. person one can rely on for candid criticism | |
| 骨鲠在喉 | 骨鯁在喉 | gǔ gěng zài hóu | fish bone stuck in one's throat (idiom); fig. to feel obliged to speak out candidly ; sth on one's mind | |
| 高不凑低不就 | 高不湊低不就 | gāo bù còu dī bù jiù | can't reach the high or accept the low (idiom); not good enough for a high post, but too proud to take a low one | |
| 高不可攀 | 高不可攀 | gāo bùkě pān | too high to reach (idiom); eminent and unapproachable | être trop élevé pour l'escalade; être d'un accès pratiquement impossible; être inaccessible; |
| 高不成低不就 | 高不成低不就 | gāo bù chéng dī bù jiù | can't reach the high or accept the low (idiom); not good enough for a high post, but too proud to take a low one | |
| 高举远蹈 | 高舉遠蹈 | gāo jǔ yuǎn dǎo | to leave office for a high and distant place (idiom); to retire and place oneself above the fray | |
| 高低不就 | 高低不就 | gāo dī bù jiù | can't reach the high or accept the low (idiom); not good enough for a high post, but too proud to take a low one | |
| 高唱入云 | 高唱入雲 | gāo chàng rù yún | loud songs reaches the clouds (idiom); fig. to praise to the skies | |
| 高城深池 | 高城深池 | gāo chéng shēn chí | high walls and deep moat (idiom); impenetrable defense | |
| 高官厚禄 | 高官厚祿 | gāo guān hòu lù | high post and generous salary (idiom); promotion to a high official position | |
| 高岸深谷 | 高岸深谷 | gāo àn shēn gǔ | high bank, deep valley (idiom); secluded location | |
| 高抬贵手 | 高抬貴手 | gāo tái guì shǒu | lit. please raise your hand (idiom); fig. to ask for higher pay ; Please forgive the inadequacies of my humble service and pay me a little more. | |
| 高朋满座 | 高朋滿座 | gāo péng mǎn zuò | surrounded by distinguished friends (idiom); in company | |
| 高歌猛进 | 高歌猛進 | gāo gē měng jìn | to advance singing loudly (idiom); triumphant progress | |
| 高瞻远瞩 | 高瞻遠矚 | gāo zhān yuǎn zhǔ | to stand tall and see far (idiom); taking the long and broad view ; acute foresight | se placer haut et voir loin ; avoir une prévision pénétrante ; avec clairvoyance |
| 高耸入云 | 高聳入雲 | gāo sǒng rù yún | tall and erect, reaching through the clouds (idiom); used to describe tall mountain or skyscraper | |
| 高风亮节 | 高風亮節 | gāo fēng liàng jié | of noble character and unquestionable integrity (idiom) | |
| 高风峻节 | 高風峻節 | gāo fēng jùn jié | a high class upright character (idiom) | |
| 高飞远走 | 高飛遠走 | gāo fēi yuǎn zǒu | to fly high and run far (idiom); to leave in a hurry for a distance place | |
| 高高在上 | 高高在上 | gāo gāo zài shàng | set up on high (idiom); not in touch with reality ; aloof and remote | se placer au-dessus des masses; se tenir au-dessus de la réalité; |
| 鬼使神差 | 鬼使神差 | guǐ shǐ shén chāi | demons and gods at work (idiom); unexplained event crying out for a supernatural explanation ; curious coincidence | |
| 鬼怕恶人 | 鬼怕惡人 | guǐ pà è rén | lit. ghosts are afraid of evil too ; an evil person fears someone even more evil (idiom) | |
| 鬼斧神工 | 鬼斧神工 | guǐ fǔ shén gōng | supernaturally fine craft (idiom); the work of the Gods ; uncanny workmanship ; superlative craftsmanship | |
| 鬼计多端 | 鬼計多端 | guǐ jì duō duān | full of devilish tricks and cunning stratagems (idiom) ; sly ; crafty ; malicious | |
| 鬼迷心窍 | 鬼迷心竅 | guǐ mí xīn qiào | lit. devil charms heart tunnel (idiom); infatuated ; possessed by a devil | |
| 魂不附体 | 魂不附體 | hún bù fù tǐ | lit. body and soul separated (idiom); fig. scared out of one's wits ; beside oneself | être frappé de terreur ; mort de frayeur ; paralysé de peur |
| 魂飞魄散 | 魂飛魄散 | hún fēi pò sàn | the soul flies away and scatter (idiom); be frightened stiff ; spooked out of one's mind ; terror-stricken | |
| 魑魅魍魉 | 魑魅魍魎 | chī mèi wǎng liǎng | demons and monsters (idiom) | génies malfaisants; mauvais esprits; démons; |
| 魔高一丈，道高一尺 | 魔高一丈，道高一尺 | mó gāo yī zhàng , dào gāo yī chǐ | the devil is ten foot tall, virtue one foot (idiom); It takes constant vigilance to stave off evil. | |
| 鱼与熊掌 | 魚與熊掌 | yú yǔ xióng zhǎng | 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 | |
| 鱼与熊掌不可兼得 | 魚與熊掌不可兼得 | yú yǔ xióng zhǎng bù kě jiān dé | 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 | |
| 鱼死网破 | 魚死網破 | yú sǐ wǎng pò | lit. either the fish dies or the net splits ; a life and death struggle (idiom) | |
| 鱼沉雁杳 | 魚沉雁杳 | yú chén yàn yǎo | lit. the fish sinks, the goose vanishes into the distance (idiom); a letter does not arrive ; lost in transmission | |
| 鱼目混珠 | 魚目混珠 | yú mù hùn zhū | to pass off fish eyes for pearls ; to pass off fake products as genuine (idiom) | faire prendre un oeil de poisson pour une perle ; faire prendre des vessies pour des lanternes |
| 鱼龙混杂 | 魚龍混雜 | yú lóng hùnzá | lit. fish and dragons mixed in together (idiom); fig. crooks mixed in with the honest folk | (phrase) mélange de poissons et de dragons; mélange de bien et de mal; Les méchants et les bons se confondent.; |
| 鲜为人知 | 鮮為人知 | xiǎn wéi rén zhī | rarely known to anyone (idiom); almost unknown ; secret to all but a few | |
| 鳌背负山 | 鰲背負山 | áo bèi fù shān | debt as heavy as a mountain on a turtle's back | |
| 鸟尽弓藏 | 鳥盡弓藏 | niǎo jìn gōng cáng | lit. the birds are over, the bow is put away (idiom); fig. to get rid of sb once he has served his purpose | |
| 鸟枪换炮 | 鳥槍換炮 | niǎo qiāng huàn pào | bird shotgun replaced by cannon (idiom); equipment improved enormously | |
| 鸟语花香 | 鳥語花香 | niǎo yǔ huā xiāng | lit. birdsong and fragrant flowers (idiom); fig. the intoxication of a beautiful spring day | comme un beau jour de printemps (idiome) |
| 鸡毛蒜皮 | 雞毛蒜皮 | jī máo suàn pí | chicken feather, garlic skin (idiom); trivial matter ; kitchen trash | bagatelle ; futilités ; des riens |
| 鸡犬升天 | 雞犬升天 | jī quǎn shēng tiān | lit. poultry and dogs rise to Heaven (idiom) ; fig. to ride on sb else's success ; Once one man gets a government position, all his cronies get in too ; Once sb has cracked the problem, every Tom, Dick and Harry can do it | |
| 鸡蛋里挑骨头 | 雞蛋裏挑骨頭 | jī dàn li tiāo gǔ tou | to look for bones in an egg ; to find fault ; to nitpick (idiom) | |
| 鸡飞蛋打 | 雞飛蛋打 | jī fēi dàn dǎ | the chicken has flown the coop and the eggs are broken ; a dead loss (idiom) | |
| 鸣金收兵 | 鳴金收兵 | míng jīn shōu bīng | to beat the gong to recall troops (idiom); to order a retreat | |
| 鸣金收军 | 鳴金收軍 | míng jīn shōu jūn | to beat the gong to recall troops (idiom); to order a retreat | |
| 鸦雀无声 | 鴉雀無聲 | yā què wú shēng | lit. crow and peacock make no sound ; absolute silence (idiom); not a single voice can be heard ; absolute silence | Il règne un silence absolu, un calme parfait. ; On entendrait voler une mouche. |
| 鸴鸠笑鹏 | 鷽鳩笑鵬 | xué jiū xiào péng | the phoenix laughs at the roc (idiom) | |
| 鸾翔凤翥 | 鸞翔鳳翥 | luán xiáng fèng zhù | lit. firebirds soar, phoenix gather (idiom); a distinguished literary group | |
| 鸾翔凤集 | 鸞翔鳳集 | luán xiáng fèng jí | lit. firebirds soar, phoenix gather (idiom); a distinguished literary group | |
| 鸾飘凤泊 | 鸞飄鳳泊 | luán piāo fèng bó | lit. firebird soars, phoenix alights (idiom); fig. exquisite bold calligraphy ; fig. marriage breaks up ; fig. scholar unsuccessful | |
| 鸿毛泰山 | 鴻毛泰山 | hóng máo tài shān | light as a goose feather, heavy as Mt Tai (idiom); of no consequence to one person, a matter of life or death to another | |
| 鸿毛泰岱 | 鴻毛泰岱 | hóng máo tài dài | light as a goose feather, heavy as Mt Tai (idiom); of no consequence to one person, a matter of life or death to another | |
| 鹄候回音 | 鵠候回音 | hú hòu huí yīn | to respectfully await sb’s reply (idiom) | |
| 鹅毛大雪 | 鵝毛大雪 | é máo dà xuě | snow like goose feathers (idiom) | |
| 鹏程万里 | 鵬程萬里 | péng chéng wàn lǐ | the fabled roc flies ten thousand miles (idiom) ; one's future prospects are brilliant | |
| 鹤立鸡群 | 鶴立雞群 | hè lì jī qún | a crane in a flock of chicken (idiom); way above the common ; manifestly superior | être à cent pieds au-dessus des autres; se distinguer de la masse; |
| 鹬蚌相争 | 鷸蚌相爭 | yù bàng xiāng zhēng | lit. sandpiper and clam war together (and the fisherman catches both, idiom); fig. neighbors who can't agree lose out to a third party | |
| 鹬蚌相争渔翁得利 | 鷸蚌相爭漁翁得利 | yù bàng xiāng zhēng yú wēng dé lì | lit. sandpiper and clam war together (and the fisherman catches both, idiom); fig. neighbors who can't agree lose out to a third party | |
| 鹿死谁手 | 鹿死誰手 | lù sǐ shéi shǒu | to whom the deer falls (idiom); the one to emerge victor (i.e. to seize the empire) ; prize winner ; champion | |
| 麟角凤觜 | 麟角鳳觜 | lín jiǎo fèng zuǐ | lit. qilin's horn, phoenix's mouth (idiom) ; fig. rara avis ; rarity | |
| 麻雀虽小，五脏俱全 | 麻雀雖小，五臟俱全 | má què suī xiǎo , wǔ zàng jù quán | The sparrow may be small but all its vital organs are there (idiom). ; small but complete in every detail | |
| 黄炎贵胄 | 黃炎貴胄 | huáng yán guì zhòu | honorable Chinese nationals (idiom) | |
| 黄父鬼 | 黃父鬼 | huáng fù guǐ | Huang Fugui, ghost of legends who provided Liu Juanzi with his magical recipes 劉涓子鬼遺方|刘涓子鬼遗方 | |
| 黄钟毀弃瓦釜雷鸣 | 黄鐘譭棄瓦釜雷鳴 | huáng zhōng huǐ qì wǎ fǔ léi míng | lit. earthern pots make more noise than classical bells ; good men are discarded in favor of bombastic ones (idiom) | |
| 黄鼠狼给鸡拜年 | 黃鼠狼給雞拜年 | huáng shǔ láng gěi jī bài nián | Beware of suspicious folk bearing gifts, they are sure to be ill-intentioned. (idiom) | |
| 黎明前的黑暗 | 黎明前的黑暗 | lí míng qián de hēi àn | darkness comes before dawn ; things can only get better(idiom) | (idiome) l'obscurité vient avant l'aube; les choses ne peuvent que s'améliorer |
| 黑天半夜 | 黑天半夜 | hēi tiān bàn yè | lit. the black sky of midnight ; very late at night (idiom) | |
| 黑白不分 | 黑白不分 | hēi bái bù fēn | can't tell black from white (idiom); unable to distinguish wrong from right | |
| 默默无闻 | 默默無聞 | mò mò wú wén | obscure and unknown (idiom); an outsider without any reputation ; a nobody ; an unknown quantity | |
| 黯然销魂 | 黯然銷魂 | àn rán xiāo hún | overwhelming sadness (idiom); sorrow at parting | |
| 鼎铛玉石 | 鼎鐺玉石 | dǐng chēng yù shí | lit. to use a sacred tripod as cooking pot and jade as ordinary stone (idiom); fig. a waste of precious material ; casting pearls before swine | |
| 鼎革 | 鼎革 | dǐng gé | change of dynasties ; clear out the old, bring in the new | |
| 鼓盆之戚 | 鼓盆之戚 | gǔ pén zhī qī | drumming on a bowl in grief (idiom, refers to Zhuangzi 莊子|庄子 grieving for his lost wife) ; fig. grief for a lost wife | |
| 鼻青眼肿 | 鼻青眼腫 | bí qīng yǎn zhǒng | a black eye (idiom); serious injury to the face ; fig. a setback ; a defeat | |
| 齎 | 齎 | jī | send ; to present in both hands | |
| 齐大非偶 | 齊大非偶 | qí dà fēi ǒu | too rich to be a good match (in marriage) (idiom) | |
| 齐头并进 | 齊頭並進 | qí tóu bìng jìn | to go forward together (idiom); to undertake simultaneous tasks ; going hand in hand | |
| 齐家治国 | 齊家治國 | qí jiā zhì guó | regulate the family and rule the state (idiom) | |
| 齐心协力 | 齊心協力 | qí xīn xié lì | to work with a common purpose (idiom); to make concerted efforts ; to pull together ; to work as one | |
| 齐心合力 | 齊心合力 | qí xīn hé lì | to work as one (idiom); united in a concerted effort ; working hard together | |
| 齐眉 | 齊眉 | qí méi | lit. two eyebrows are equal ; mutual respect in a marriage ; abbr. of idiom 舉案齊眉|举案齐眉[ju3 an4 qi2 mei2] | |
| 龙争虎斗 | 龍爭虎鬥 | lóng zhēng hǔ dòu | lit. the dragon wars, the tiger battles (idiom); fierce battle between giants | lutte acharnée entre deux adversaires qui sont aussi puissants l'un que l'autre; |
| 龙头蛇尾 | 龍頭蛇尾 | lóng tóu shé wěi | lit. dragon's head, snake's tail (idiom); fig. a strong start but weak finish | |
| 龙生九子 | 龍生九子 | lóng shēng jiǔ zǐ | lit. the dragon has nine sons (idiom); fig. all kinds of characters ; good and bad intermingled ; It takes all sorts to make a world. | |
| 龙飞凤舞 | 龍飛鳳舞 | lóng fēi fèng wǔ | flamboyant or bold cursive calligraphy (idiom) | beau paysage de hautes montagnes; belle calligraphie dont les traits sont vigoureux et coulants |
| 龙马精神 | 龍馬精神 | lóng mǎ jīng shén | old but still full of vitality (idiom) |
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