Learning Mandarin Through Famous Chinese Sayings

Introduction to Chinese Sayings in Mandarin

Chinese sayings, or 成语 (chéng yǔ) and 谚语 (yàn yǔ), are short expressions that carry deep meanings and wisdom. They are widely used in both spoken and written Mandarin and are a fun way to learn about Chinese culture, values, and history.

Learning these sayings helps expat students sound more natural when speaking Chinese and understand subtle meanings in conversations, books, and media. In this guide, you will explore key sayings, their meanings, example sentences, and how to use them in everyday conversations.

What Are Chinese Sayings?

Chinese sayings can be divided into two main categories: 成语 (chéng yǔ) and 谚语 (yàn yǔ).

成语 (chéng yǔ) – idiomatic expressions, usually four characters, often derived from historical stories.
谚语 (yàn yǔ) – proverbs, short phrases expressing common sense or cultural wisdom.

Example sentences:

这个成语很有意思。
Zhège chéngyǔ hěn yǒu yìsi.
This idiom is very interesting.

中国谚语常常教我们做人道理。
Zhōngguó yànyǔ chángcháng jiào wǒmen zuòrén dàolǐ.
Chinese proverbs often teach us moral lessons.

Famous Chinese Sayings and Their Meanings

Here are some widely used sayings that are great for beginners:

• 早起的鸟儿有虫吃 (zǎo qǐ de niǎo ér yǒu chóng chī) – The early bird catches the worm.
  Example:
  如果你每天早起，你会更有效率。
  Rúguǒ nǐ měitiān zǎoqǐ, nǐ huì gèng yǒu xiàolǜ.
  If you wake up early every day, you will be more efficient.
• 画蛇添足 (huà shé tiān zú) – To ruin something by overdoing it.
  Example:
  你已经完成了工作，不要画蛇添足。
  Nǐ yǐjīng wánchéng le gōngzuò, bùyào huà shé tiān zú.
  You’ve already finished your work; don’t ruin it by overdoing it.

• 滴水穿石 (dī shuǐ chuān shí) – Perseverance can achieve great results.
  Example:
  学习中文需要耐心，滴水穿石。
  Xuéxí Zhōngwén xūyào nàixīn, dīshuǐ chuānshí.
  Learning Chinese requires patience; perseverance pays off.
• 百闻不如一见 (bǎi wén bù rú yī jiàn) – Seeing is believing.
  Example:
  关于北京的历史，百闻不如一见。
  Guānyú Běijīng de lìshǐ, bǎiwén bù rú yī jiàn.
  Regarding Beijing’s history, seeing it is better than hearing about it.
• 授人以鱼不如授人以渔 (shòu rén yǐ yú bù rú shòu rén yǐ yú) – Teach a man to fish, don’t just give him fish.
  Example:
  学习方法比答案更重要，授人以鱼不如授人以渔。
  Xuéxí fāngfǎ bǐ dá’àn gèng zhòngyào, shòu rén yǐ yú bùrú shòu rén yǐ yú.
  Learning methods are more important than answers; it’s better to teach someone how to learn than just give answers.

Using Sayings in Everyday Conversations

Chinese sayings are often used to give advice, make comparisons, or explain situations. Using them correctly can make your Mandarin sound very natural.

Example sentences:
朋友迟到了，我说：早起的鸟儿有虫吃。
Péngyǒu chídào le, wǒ shuō: zǎoqǐ de niǎo ér yǒu chóng chī.
My friend was late, I said: The early bird catches the worm.

同事总是做多余的事情，我提醒他：画蛇添足。
Tóngshì zǒng shì zuò duōyú de shìqíng, wǒ tíxǐng tā: huà shé tiān zú.
My colleague always does unnecessary things, I reminded him: don’t overdo it.

在学习中文时，我常常想：滴水穿石。
Zài xuéxí Zhōngwén shí, wǒ chángcháng xiǎng: dī shuǐ chuān shí.
When learning Chinese, I often think: Perseverance achieves results.

Expressing Opinions About Sayings

It’s also common to express whether you like or agree with a saying.

我觉得这个成语很有道理。
Wǒ juéde zhège chéngyǔ hěn yǒu dàolǐ.
I think this idiom makes a lot of sense.

这个谚语不太适合现在的情况。
Zhège yànyǔ bù tài shìhé xiànzài de qíngkuàng.
This proverb doesn’t quite fit the current situation.

很多中国人从小就学这些说法。
Hěn duō Zhōngguó rén cóng xiǎo jiù xué zhèxiē shuōfǎ.
Many Chinese people learn these sayings from a young age.

Asking Questions About Sayings

You can also ask questions to learn more about sayings:

这个成语是什么意思？
Zhège chéngyǔ shì shénme yìsi?
What does this idiom mean?

你常用这个谚语吗？
Nǐ cháng yòng zhège yànyǔ ma?
Do you often use this proverb?

为什么人们喜欢用这些说法？
Wèishénme rénmen xǐhuān yòng zhèxiē shuōfǎ?
Why do people like to use these sayings?

Conversation Practice

Here’s a short dialogue using sayings:

你学过成语吗？
Nǐ xué guò chéngyǔ ma?
Have you learned Chinese idioms?

学过一点，我最喜欢滴水穿石。
Xué guò yìdiǎn, wǒ zuì xǐhuān dī shuǐ chuān shí.
A little, I like “Perseverance can achieve great results” the most.

为什么？
Wèishénme?
Why?

因为它提醒我学习中文要有耐心。
Yīnwèi tā tíxǐng wǒ xuéxí Zhōngwén yào yǒu nàixīn.
Because it reminds me to be patient when learning Chinese.

Vocabulary

1. 成语 (chéng yǔ) – idiom
2. 谚语 (yàn yǔ) – proverb
3. 流行 (liú xíng) – popular
4. 画蛇添足 (huà shé tiān zú) – ruin something by overdoing it
5. 滴水穿石 (dī shuǐ chuān shí) – perseverance achieves results
6. 早起的鸟儿有虫吃 (zǎo qǐ de niǎo ér yǒu chóng chī) – the early bird catches the worm
7. 百闻不如一见 (bǎi wén bù rú yī jiàn) – seeing is believing
8. 授人以鱼不如授人以渔 (shòu rén yǐ yú bù rú shòu rén yǐ yú) – teach a man to fish
9. 道理 (dào lǐ) – moral or principle
10. 提醒 (tí xǐng) – to remind