毀譽參半

ㄏㄨㄟˇ ㄩˋ ㄘㄢ ㄅㄢˋ

хуэйюйцаньбань

/xu̯eɪ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ y⁵¹ t͡sʰän⁵⁵ pän⁵¹/

/wɐi̯³⁵ jyː²² t͡sʰaːm⁵⁵ puːn³³/

/hui⁵³⁻⁴⁴ u²²⁻²¹ t͡sʰam⁴⁴⁻²² puan²¹/

/hui⁵⁵⁴⁻²⁴ u⁴¹⁻²² t͡sʰam³³ puan⁴¹/

/hui⁵³⁻⁴⁴ u²²⁻²¹ t͡sʰam⁴⁴⁻²² puan²¹/

/hui⁵³⁻⁴⁴ u³³⁻¹¹ t͡sʰam⁴⁴⁻³³ puan¹¹/

/hui⁴¹⁻⁴⁴ u³³⁻²¹ t͡sʰam⁴⁴⁻³³ puan²¹/

/xu̯eɪ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ y⁵¹ t͡sʰän⁵⁵ pän⁵¹/

/wɐi̯³⁵ jyː²² t͡sʰaːm⁵⁵ puːn³³/

/hui⁵³⁻⁴⁴ u²²⁻²¹ t͡sʰam⁴⁴⁻²² puan²¹/

/hui⁵⁵⁴⁻²⁴ u⁴¹⁻²² t͡sʰam³³ puan⁴¹/

/hui⁵³⁻⁴⁴ u²²⁻²¹ t͡sʰam⁴⁴⁻²² puan²¹/

/hui⁵³⁻⁴⁴ u³³⁻¹¹ t͡sʰam⁴⁴⁻³³ puan¹¹/

/hui⁴¹⁻⁴⁴ u³³⁻²¹ t͡sʰam⁴⁴⁻³³ puan²¹/

委員會對秘書長的報告毀譽參半，它一方面讚賞秘書長所作的努力，另一方面又覺得該報告過於抽象，分析也不充分，使委員會難以就可能進行的重新分配任務的問題提出實際建議。 [MSC, trad.]
委员会对秘书长的报告毁誉参半，它一方面赞赏秘书长所作的努力，另一方面又觉得该报告过于抽象，分析也不充分，使委员会难以就可能进行的重新分配任务的问题提出实际建议。 [MSC, simp.]

From: 1980, United Nations, Report of the Committee for Programme and Co-ordination on the work of its 20th session

The Committee's views of the report of the Secretary-General were ambivalent. While appreciating the effort made, the Committee felt that it was too abstract, and not analytical enough to enable the Committee to make practical recommendations on a possible redistribution of tasks.

Wěiyuánhuì duì mìshūzhǎng de bàogào huǐyùcānbàn, tā yīfāngmiàn zànshǎng mìshūzhǎng suǒ zuò de nǔlì, lìngyīfāngmiàn yòu juéde gāi bàogào guòyú chōuxiàng, fēnxī yě bù chōngfèn, shǐ wěiyuánhuì nányǐ jiù kěnéng jìnxíng de chóngxīn fēnpèi rènwù de wèntí tíchū shíjì jiànyì. [Pinyin]

to get both praise and censure; mixed reception


呼吸相通

ㄏㄨ ㄒㄧ ㄒㄧㄤ ㄊㄨㄥ

/xu⁵⁵ ɕi⁵⁵ ɕi̯ɑŋ⁵⁵ tʰʊŋ⁵⁵/

/xu⁵⁵ ɕi⁵⁵ ɕi̯ɑŋ⁵⁵ tʰʊŋ⁵⁵/

要使廣大群眾認識我們是代表他們的利益的，是和他們呼吸相通的。 [MSC, trad.]
要使广大群众认识我们是代表他们的利益的，是和他们呼吸相通的。 [MSC, simp.]

From: 1934, 毛澤東 (Mao Zedong), 《關心群眾生活，注意工作方法》 (Be Concerned with the Well-Being of the Masses, Pay Attention to Methods of Work), 《毛澤東選集》 (Selected Works of Mao Tse-tung), English translation based on the Foreign Language Press edition

We should convince the masses that we represent their interests, that our lives are intimately bound up with theirs.

Yào shǐ guǎngdà qúnzhòng rènshi wǒmen shì dàibiǎo tāmen de lìyì de, shì hé tāmen hūxīxiāngtōng de. [Pinyin]

(figuratively) to share the feelings and sentiments; to be of a heart


七死八活

ㄑㄧ ㄙˇ ㄅㄚ ㄏㄨㄛˊ

/t͡ɕʰi⁵⁵ sz̩²¹⁴⁻²¹ pä⁵⁵ xu̯ɔ³⁵/

/t͡ɕʰi⁵⁵ sz̩²¹⁴⁻²¹ pä⁵⁵ xu̯ɔ³⁵/

almost dead; half dead; on the verge of death


小國寡民

ㄒㄧㄠˇ ㄍㄨㄛˊ ㄍㄨㄚˇ ㄇㄧㄣˊ

сяогогуаминь

/ɕi̯ɑʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ ku̯ɔ³⁵ ku̯ä²¹⁴⁻²¹ min³⁵/

/siːu̯³⁵ kʷɔːk̚³ kʷaː³⁵ mɐn²¹/

/ɕi̯ɑʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ ku̯ɔ³⁵ ku̯ä²¹⁴⁻²¹ min³⁵/

/siːu̯³⁵ kʷɔːk̚³ kʷaː³⁵ mɐn²¹/

From Tao Te Ching:
:
小國寡民，使有什伯之器而不用，使民重死而不遠徙。 [Classical Chinese, trad.]小国寡民，使有什伯之器而不用，使民重死而不远徙。 [Classical Chinese, simp.]
From: Tao Te Ching, 4ᵗʰ century BCE
Xiǎoguóguǎmín, shǐ yǒu shíbó zhī qì ér bù yòng, shǐ mín zhòng sǐ ér bù yuǎn xǐ. [Pinyin]
In a little state with a small population, I would so order it, that, though there were individuals with the abilities of ten or a hundred men, there should be no employment of them; I would make the people, while looking on death as a grievous thing, yet not remove elsewhere (to avoid it).

zh-x

小國寡民，使 有 什{shí}伯 之 器 而 不 用，使 民 重{zhòng} 死 而 不 遠 徙。


倘來之物

ㄊㄤˇ ㄌㄞˊ ㄓ ㄨˋ

/tʰɑŋ²¹⁴⁻²¹ laɪ̯³⁵ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵⁵ u⁵¹/

/tʰɑŋ²¹⁴⁻²¹ laɪ̯³⁵ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵⁵ u⁵¹/


時起時伏

ㄕˊ ㄑㄧˇ ㄕˊ ㄈㄨˊ

/ʂʐ̩³⁵ t͡ɕʰi²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʂʐ̩³⁵ fu³⁵/

/ʂʐ̩³⁵ t͡ɕʰi²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʂʐ̩³⁵ fu³⁵/

例如妥協的空氣時起時伏，主張妥協者的根據就是「再戰必亡」。 [MSC, trad.]
例如妥协的空气时起时伏，主张妥协者的根据就是「再战必亡」。 [MSC, simp.]

From: 1938, 毛澤東 (Mao Zedong), 《論持久戰》 (On Protracted War), 《毛澤東選集》. English translation based on the Foreign Languages Press edition

For instance, from time to time an atmosphere of compromise arises and the advocates of compromise argue that "the continuance of the war spells subjugation".

Lìrú tuǒxié de kōngqì shíqǐshífú, zhǔzhāng tuǒxié zhě de gēnjù jiùshì “zài zhàn bì wáng”. [Pinyin]

部分國家之間的領土和海洋權益爭端、民族宗教矛盾等問題仍然存在，地區安全熱點問題時起時伏。 [MSC, trad.]
部分国家之间的领土和海洋权益争端、民族宗教矛盾等问题仍然存在，地区安全热点问题时起时伏。 [MSC, simp.]

From: 2019, 國務院新聞辦公室 (State Council Information Office), 《新時代的中國國防》 (China's National Defense in the New Era)

Problems still exist among regional countries, including disputes over territorial and maritime rights and interests, as well as discord for ethnic and religious reasons. Security hotspots rise from time to time in the region.

Bùfen guójiā zhījiān de lǐngtǔ hé hǎiyáng quányì zhēngduān, mínzú zōngjiào máodùn děng wèntí réngrán cúnzài, dìqū ānquán rèdiǎn wèntí shíqǐshífú. [Pinyin]


寒冬臘月

ㄏㄢˊ ㄉㄨㄥ ㄌㄚˋ ㄩㄝˋ

/xän³⁵ tʊŋ⁵⁵ lä⁵¹⁻⁵³ ɥɛ⁵¹/

/hɔːn²¹ tʊŋ⁵⁵ laːp̚² jyːt̚²/

ghoe^去 ton lah^入 yuih; ghoe^去 ton lah yuih

/ɦø²² toŋ³³ laʔ¹¹ ɦyɪʔ²³/

/ɦø²² toŋ⁵⁵ laʔ³³ ɦyɪʔ²¹/

/xän³⁵ tʊŋ⁵⁵ lä⁵¹⁻⁵³ ɥɛ⁵¹/

/hɔːn²¹ tʊŋ⁵⁵ laːp̚² jyːt̚²/

/ɦø²² toŋ³³ laʔ¹¹ ɦyɪʔ²³/

/ɦø²² toŋ⁵⁵ laʔ³³ ɦyɪʔ²¹/


無知無識

/u³⁵ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵⁵ u³⁵ ʂʐ̩³⁵/

/u³⁵ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵⁵ u³⁵ ʂʐ̩⁵¹/

/u³⁵ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵⁵ u³⁵ ʂʐ̩³⁵/

/u³⁵ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵⁵ u³⁵ ʂʐ̩⁵¹/

若不聽從，就要被刀殺滅，無知無識而死。 [MSC, trad.]
若不听从，就要被刀杀灭，无知无识而死。 [MSC, simp.]

From: 新標點和合本 (Chinese Union Version with New Punctuation), 約伯記 (Job) 36:12

But if they do not listen, they will perish by the sword and die without knowledge.

Ruò bù tīngcóng, jiù yào bèi dāo shāmiè, wúzhīwúshí ér sǐ. [Pinyin]

對象都不是無知無識的愚民，他們多少也懂得一點，他們對我的談話很有興趣。 [MSC, trad.]
对象都不是无知无识的愚民，他们多少也懂得一点，他们对我的谈话很有兴趣。 [MSC, simp.]

The people I have talked to are by no means ignoramuses; they all have some understanding of what is going on and are very interested in what I have to say.

Duìxiàng dōu bù shì wúzhīwúshí de yúmín, tāmen duōshǎo yě dǒngde yīdiǎn, tāmen duì wǒ de tánhuà hěn yǒu xìngqù. [Pinyin]


喜怒無常

ㄒㄧˇ ㄋㄨˋ ㄨˊ ㄔㄤˊ

/ɕi²¹⁴⁻²¹ nu⁵¹ u³⁵ ʈ͡ʂʰɑŋ³⁵/

/hei̯³⁵ nou̯²² mou̯²¹ sœːŋ²¹/

/ɕi²¹⁴⁻²¹ nu⁵¹ u³⁵ ʈ͡ʂʰɑŋ³⁵/

/hei̯³⁵ nou̯²² mou̯²¹ sœːŋ²¹/


康莊大道

ㄎㄤ ㄓㄨㄤ ㄉㄚˋ ㄉㄠˋ

канчжуандадао

/kʰɑŋ⁵⁵ ʈ͡ʂu̯ɑŋ⁵⁵ tä⁵¹⁻⁵³ tɑʊ̯⁵¹/

/hɔːŋ⁵⁵ t͡sɔːŋ⁵⁵ taːi̯²² tou̯²²/

/kʰɑŋ⁵⁵ ʈ͡ʂu̯ɑŋ⁵⁵ tä⁵¹⁻⁵³ tɑʊ̯⁵¹/

/hɔːŋ⁵⁵ t͡sɔːŋ⁵⁵ taːi̯²² tou̯²²/


高壘深塹

ㄍㄠ ㄌㄟˇ ㄕㄣ ㄑㄧㄢˋ

гаолэйшэньцянь

/kɑʊ̯⁵⁵ leɪ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʂən⁵⁵ t͡ɕʰi̯ɛn⁵¹/

/kɑʊ̯⁵⁵ leɪ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʂən⁵⁵ t͡ɕʰi̯ɛn⁵¹/

深溝高壘 深溝高壘#Chinese

深沟高垒 深沟高垒#Chinese

Synonym of 深溝高壘／深沟高垒 (shēngōugāolěi, “to dig deep trenches and build high defensive walls; to fortify one's position; to dig in”)


寸利必得

ㄘㄨㄣˋ ㄌㄧˋ ㄅㄧˋ ㄉㄜˊ

/t͡sʰu̯ən⁵¹⁻⁵³ li⁵¹⁻⁵³ pi⁵¹ tɤ³⁵/

/t͡sʰu̯ən⁵¹⁻⁵³ li⁵¹⁻⁵³ pi⁵¹ tɤ³⁵/


高壘深溝

ㄍㄠ ㄌㄟˇ ㄕㄣ ㄍㄡ

гаолэйшэньгоу

/kɑʊ̯⁵⁵ leɪ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʂən⁵⁵ koʊ̯⁵⁵/

/kɑʊ̯⁵⁵ leɪ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʂən⁵⁵ koʊ̯⁵⁵/

深溝高壘 深溝高壘#Chinese

深沟高垒 深沟高垒#Chinese


輕輕易易

ㄑㄧㄥ ㄑㄧㄥ ㄧˋ ㄧˋ

/t͡ɕʰiŋ⁵⁵ t͡ɕʰiŋ⁵⁵ i⁵¹⁻⁵³ i⁵¹/

/t͡ɕʰiŋ⁵⁵ t͡ɕʰiŋ⁵⁵ i⁵¹⁻⁵³ i⁵¹/

我們是針鋒相對，寸土必爭，絕不讓國民黨輕輕易易地佔我們的地方，殺我們的人。 [MSC, trad.]
我们是针锋相对，寸土必争，绝不让国民党轻轻易易地占我们的地方，杀我们的人。 [MSC, simp.]

From: 1945, 毛澤東 (Mao Zedong), 《抗日戰爭勝利後的時局和我們的方針》 (The Situation and Our Policy After the Victory in the War of Resistance Against Japan), 《毛澤東選集》 (Selected Works of Mao Zedong). English translation based on the Foreign Languages Press edition

Our [policy] is to give tit for tat and fight for every inch of land; we will never let the Kuomintang easily seize our land and kill our people.

Wǒmen shì zhēnfēngxiāngduì, cùntǔbìzhēng, juébù ràng Guómíndǎng qīngqīngyìyì de zhàn wǒmen de dìfang, shā wǒmen de rén. [Pinyin]


寸土必爭

ㄘㄨㄣˋ ㄊㄨˇ ㄅㄧˋ ㄓㄥ

цуньтубичжэн

/t͡sʰu̯ən⁵¹ tʰu²¹⁴⁻²¹ pi⁵¹ ʈ͡ʂɤŋ⁵⁵/

/t͡sʰyːn³³ tʰou̯³⁵ piːt̚⁵ t͡sɐŋ⁵⁵/

/t͡sʰu̯ən⁵¹ tʰu²¹⁴⁻²¹ pi⁵¹ ʈ͡ʂɤŋ⁵⁵/

/t͡sʰyːn³³ tʰou̯³⁵ piːt̚⁵ t͡sɐŋ⁵⁵/


層層設防

ㄘㄥˊ ㄘㄥˊ ㄕㄜˋ ㄈㄤˊ

/t͡sʰɤŋ³⁵ t͡sʰɤŋ³⁵ ʂɤ⁵¹ fɑŋ³⁵/

/t͡sʰɤŋ³⁵ t͡sʰɤŋ³⁵ ʂɤ⁵¹ fɑŋ³⁵/

這就是大規模的運動戰，而不是深溝高壘、層層設防、專靠防禦工事的陣地戰。 [MSC, trad.]
这就是大规模的运动战，而不是深沟高垒、层层设防、专靠防御工事的阵地战。 [MSC, simp.]

This means large-scale mobile warfare, and not positional warfare depending exclusively on defence works with deep trenches, high fortresses and successive rows of defensive positions.

Zhè jiù shì dàguīmó de yùndòngzhàn, ér bù shì shēngōugāolěi, céngcéngshèfáng, zhuān kào fángyù gōngshì de zhèndìzhàn. [Pinyin]


高壘深壁

ㄍㄠ ㄌㄟˇ ㄕㄣ ㄅㄧˋ

гаолэйшэньби

/kɑʊ̯⁵⁵ leɪ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʂən⁵⁵ pi⁵¹/

/kɑʊ̯⁵⁵ leɪ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʂən⁵⁵ pi⁵¹/

深溝高壘 深溝高壘#Chinese

深沟高垒 深沟高垒#Chinese


龍興之地

ㄌㄨㄥˊ ㄒㄧㄥ ㄓ ㄉㄧˋ

/lʊŋ³⁵ ɕiŋ⁵⁵ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵⁵ ti⁵¹/

/lʊŋ²¹ hɪŋ⁵⁵ t͡siː⁵⁵ tei̯²²/

/lʊŋ³⁵ ɕiŋ⁵⁵ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵⁵ ti⁵¹/

/lʊŋ²¹ hɪŋ⁵⁵ t͡siː⁵⁵ tei̯²²/


插一槓子

/ʈ͡ʂʰä⁵⁵ i⁵⁵⁻³⁵ kɑŋ⁵¹ t͡sz̩²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/ʈ͡ʂʰä⁵⁵ i⁵⁵⁻³⁵ kɑŋ⁵¹ t͡sz̩²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

to interfere; to interrupt; to cut in; to have a hand in at a wrong time


橫插一槓子

ㄏㄥˊ ㄔㄚ ㄧ ㄍㄤˋ ㄗˇ

хэнчаиганцзы

/xɤŋ³⁵ ʈ͡ʂʰä⁵⁵ i⁵⁵⁻³⁵ kɑŋ⁵¹ t͡sz̩²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/


進退失據

ㄐㄧㄣˋ ㄊㄨㄟˋ ㄕ ㄐㄩˋ

цзиньтуйшицзюй

/t͡ɕin⁵¹⁻⁵³ tʰu̯eɪ̯⁵¹ ʂʐ̩⁵⁵ t͡ɕy⁵¹/

/t͡sɵn³³ tʰɵy̯³³ sɐt̚⁵ kɵy̯³³/

/t͡ɕin⁵¹⁻⁵³ tʰu̯eɪ̯⁵¹ ʂʐ̩⁵⁵ t͡ɕy⁵¹/

/t͡sɵn³³ tʰɵy̯³³ sɐt̚⁵ kɵy̯³³/

between a rock and a hard place
between a rock and a hard place


先天不足

ㄒㄧㄢ ㄊㄧㄢ ㄅㄨˋ ㄗㄨˊ

сяньтяньбуцзу

/ɕi̯ɛn⁵⁵ tʰi̯ɛn⁵⁵ pu⁵¹ t͡su³⁵/

/siːn⁵⁵ tʰiːn⁵⁵ pɐt̚⁵ t͡sʊk̚⁵/

/ɕi̯ɛn⁵⁵ tʰi̯ɛn⁵⁵ pu⁵¹ t͡su³⁵/

/siːn⁵⁵ tʰiːn⁵⁵ pɐt̚⁵ t͡sʊk̚⁵/

第三，日本戰爭雖是在其強的軍力、經濟力和政治組織力的基礎之上進行的，但同時又是在其先天不足的基礎之上進行的。 [MSC, trad.]
第三，日本战争虽是在其强的军力、经济力和政治组织力的基础之上进行的，但同时又是在其先天不足的基础之上进行的。 [MSC, simp.]

Thirdly, Japan's war is conducted on the basis of her great military, economic and political-organizational power, but at the same time it rests on an inadequate natural endowment.

Dìsān, Rìběn zhànzhēng suī shì zài qí qiáng de jūnlì, jīngjìlì hé zhèngzhì zǔzhīlì de jīchǔ zhīshàng jìnxíng de, dàn tóngshí yòu shì zài qí xiāntiānbùzú de jīchǔ zhīshàng jìnxíng de. [Pinyin]

congenital deficiency; inherent weakness


瑟瑟發抖

ㄙㄜˋ ㄙㄜˋ ㄈㄚ ㄉㄡˇ

/sɤ⁵¹⁻⁵³ sɤ⁵¹ fä⁵⁵ toʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/sɐt̚⁵ sɐt̚⁵ faːt̚³ tɐu̯³⁵/

/sɤ⁵¹⁻⁵³ sɤ⁵¹ fä⁵⁵ toʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/sɐt̚⁵ sɐt̚⁵ faːt̚³ tɐu̯³⁵/

to shiver with cold; to shiver; to tremble


多管閒事

ㄉㄨㄛ ㄍㄨㄢˇ ㄒㄧㄢˊ ㄕˋ

догуаньсяньши

/tu̯ɔ⁵⁵ ku̯än²¹⁴⁻²¹ ɕi̯ɛn³⁵ ʂʐ̩⁵¹/

ㄉㄨㄛ ㄍㄨㄢˇ ㄒㄧㄢˊ ㄕˋㄦ

догуаньсяньшир

/tu̯ɔ⁵⁵ ku̯än²¹⁴⁻²¹ ɕi̯ɛn³⁵ ʂʐ̩ɻ⁵¹/

/tɔː⁵⁵ kuːn³⁵ haːn²¹ siː²²/

/to³³⁻²³ kuaŋ⁵²⁻³⁵ õĩ⁵⁵⁻¹¹ sɯ¹¹/

/tu̯ɔ⁵⁵ ku̯än²¹⁴⁻²¹ ɕi̯ɛn³⁵ ʂʐ̩⁵¹/

/tu̯ɔ⁵⁵ ku̯än²¹⁴⁻²¹ ɕi̯ɛn³⁵ ʂʐ̩ɻ⁵¹/

/tɔː⁵⁵ kuːn³⁵ haːn²¹ siː²²/

/to³³⁻²³ kuaŋ⁵²⁻³⁵ õĩ⁵⁵⁻¹¹ sɯ¹¹/

to bother to interfere others' business; to have an oar in everyman's boat; to meddle in other people's business


情有獨鍾

ㄑㄧㄥˊ ㄧㄡˇ ㄉㄨˊ ㄓㄨㄥ

/t͡ɕʰiŋ³⁵ joʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ tu³⁵ ʈ͡ʂʊŋ⁵⁵/

/t͡sʰɪŋ²¹ jɐu̯¹³ tʊk̚² t͡sʊŋ⁵⁵/

/t͡ɕʰiŋ³⁵ joʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ tu³⁵ ʈ͡ʂʊŋ⁵⁵/

/t͡sʰɪŋ²¹ jɐu̯¹³ tʊk̚² t͡sʊŋ⁵⁵/

to have special affection for (a person or a thing); to have a soft spot for


不足為據

ㄅㄨˋ ㄗㄨˊ ㄨㄟˊ ㄐㄩˋ

буцзувэйцзюй

/pu⁵¹ t͡su³⁵ weɪ̯³⁵ t͡ɕy⁵¹/

/pɐt̚⁵ t͡sʊk̚⁵ wɐi̯²¹ kɵy̯³³/

/pu⁵¹ t͡su³⁵ weɪ̯³⁵ t͡ɕy⁵¹/

/pɐt̚⁵ t͡sʊk̚⁵ wɐi̯²¹ kɵy̯³³/

如果我們說，這是古代，不足為據，他們又可以搬出英滅印度的事實，證明小而強的資本主義國家能夠滅亡大而弱的落後國家。 [MSC, trad.]
如果我们说，这是古代，不足为据，他们又可以搬出英灭印度的事实，证明小而强的资本主义国家能够灭亡大而弱的落后国家。 [MSC, simp.]

If we say these events occurred long ago and do not prove the point, they can cite the British subjugation of India to prove that a small but strong capitalist country can vanquish a large but weak and backward country.

Rúguǒ wǒmen shuō, zhè shì gǔdài, bùzúwéijù, tāmen yòu kěyǐ bānchū Yīng miè Yìndù de shìshí, zhèngmíng xiǎo ér qiáng de zīběnzhǔyì guójiā nénggòu mièwáng dà ér ruò de luòhòu guójiā. [Pinyin]

cannot prove the point; to be insufficient evidence


殘缺不全

ㄘㄢˊ ㄑㄩㄝ ㄅㄨˋ ㄑㄩㄢˊ

цаньцюэбуцюань

/t͡sʰän³⁵ t͡ɕʰy̯ɛ⁵⁵ pu⁵¹ t͡ɕʰy̯ɛn³⁵/

/t͡sʰaːn²¹ kʰyːt̚³ pɐt̚⁵ t͡sʰyːn²¹/

/t͡sʰän³⁵ t͡ɕʰy̯ɛ⁵⁵ pu⁵¹ t͡ɕʰy̯ɛn³⁵/

/t͡sʰaːn²¹ kʰyːt̚³ pɐt̚⁵ t͡sʰyːn²¹/

這些特點是事實上存在的，不是虛造騙人的；是戰爭的全部基本要素，不是殘缺不全的片段；是貫徹於雙方一切大小問題和一切作戰階段之中的，不是可有可無的。 [MSC, trad.]
这些特点是事实上存在的，不是虚造骗人的；是战争的全部基本要素，不是残缺不全的片段；是贯彻于双方一切大小问题和一切作战阶段之中的，不是可有可无的。 [MSC, simp.]

These characteristics exist objectively and are not invented to deceive people; they constitute all the basic elements of the war, and are not incomplete fragments; they permeate all major and minor problems on both sides and all stages of the war, and they are not matters of no consequence.

Zhèxiē tèdiǎn shì shìshíshàng cúnzài de, bù shì xūzào piànrén de; shì zhànzhēng de quánbù jīběn yàosù, bù shì cánquēbùquán de piànduàn; shì guànchè yú shuāngfāng yīqiè dàxiǎo wèntí hé yīqiè zuòzhàn jiēduàn zhīzhōng de, bù shì kěyǒukěwú de. [Pinyin]


笨頭笨腦

ㄅㄣˋ ㄊㄡˊ ㄅㄣˋ ㄋㄠˇ

бэньтоубэньнао

/pən⁵¹ tʰoʊ̯³⁵ pən⁵¹ nɑʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/pən⁵¹ tʰoʊ̯³⁵ pən⁵¹ nɑʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

(of a person) stupid; slow-witted; muddleheaded


如日方升

ㄖㄨˊ ㄖˋ ㄈㄤ ㄕㄥ

/ʐu³⁵ ʐ̩⁵¹ fɑŋ⁵⁵ ʂɤŋ⁵⁵/

/ʐu³⁵ ʐ̩⁵¹ fɑŋ⁵⁵ ʂɤŋ⁵⁵/

From the Classic of Poetry, poem 166 (《詩經·小雅·天保》):
:
如月之恆，如日之升。 [Pre-Classical Chinese, trad.]如月之恒，如日之升。 [Pre-Classical Chinese, simp.]
From: The Classic of Poetry, c. 11ᵗʰ – 7ᵗʰ centuries BCE, translated based on James Legge's version
Rú yuè zhī héng, rú rì zhī shēng. [Pinyin]
Like the moon advancing to the full,
Like the sun ascending the heavens.

lang

(《詩經·小雅·天保》)

(《詩經·小雅·天保》)

zh-x

如 月 之 恆，@如 @日 之 @升。

中國是如日方升的國家，這同日本帝國主義的沒落狀態恰是相反的對照。 [MSC, trad.]
中国是如日方升的国家，这同日本帝国主义的没落状态恰是相反的对照。 [MSC, simp.]

By contrast with Japanese imperialism, which is declining, China is a country rising like the morning sun.

Zhōngguó shì rúrìfāngshēng de guójiā, zhè tóng Rìběn dìguózhǔyì de mòluò zhuàngtài qià shì xiāngfǎn de duìzhào. [Pinyin]

(figuratively) to have broad and bright prospects


笨嘴拙舌

ㄅㄣˋ ㄗㄨㄟˇ ㄓㄨㄛ ㄕㄜˊ

ㄅㄣˋ ㄗㄨㄟˇ ㄓㄨㄛˊ ㄕㄜˊ

бэньцзуйчжошэ

/pən⁵¹ t͡su̯eɪ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʈ͡ʂu̯ɔ⁵⁵ ʂɤ³⁵/

/pən⁵¹ t͡su̯eɪ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʈ͡ʂu̯ɔ³⁵ ʂɤ³⁵/

/pɐn²² t͡sɵy̯³⁵ t͡syːt̚³ siːt̚³/

/pən⁵¹ t͡su̯eɪ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʈ͡ʂu̯ɔ⁵⁵ ʂɤ³⁵/

/pən⁵¹ t͡su̯eɪ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʈ͡ʂu̯ɔ³⁵ ʂɤ³⁵/

/pɐn²² t͡sɵy̯³⁵ t͡syːt̚³ siːt̚³/

笨口拙舌 笨口拙舌#Chinese

Synonym of 笨口拙舌 (bènkǒuzhuōshé, “awkward in speech; inarticulate”)


笨口拙舌

ㄅㄣˋ ㄎㄡˇ ㄓㄨㄛ ㄕㄜˊ

ㄅㄣˋ ㄎㄡˇ ㄓㄨㄛˊ ㄕㄜˊ

бэнькоучжошэ

bɛnʹkoučžošɛ

/pən⁵¹ kʰoʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʈ͡ʂu̯ɔ⁵⁵ ʂɤ³⁵/

/pən⁵¹ kʰoʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʈ͡ʂu̯ɔ³⁵ ʂɤ³⁵/

/pɐn²² hɐu̯³⁵ t͡syːt̚³ siːt̚²/

/pən⁵¹ kʰoʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʈ͡ʂu̯ɔ⁵⁵ ʂɤ³⁵/

/pən⁵¹ kʰoʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʈ͡ʂu̯ɔ³⁵ ʂɤ³⁵/

/pɐn²² hɐu̯³⁵ t͡syːt̚³ siːt̚²/


號寒啼飢

ㄏㄠˊ ㄏㄢˊ ㄊㄧˊ ㄐㄧ

хаоханьтицзи

/xɑʊ̯³⁵ xän³⁵ tʰi³⁵ t͡ɕi⁵⁵/

/hou̯²¹ hɔːn²¹ tʰɐi̯²¹ kei̯⁵⁵/

/xɑʊ̯³⁵ xän³⁵ tʰi³⁵ t͡ɕi⁵⁵/

/hou̯²¹ hɔːn²¹ tʰɐi̯²¹ kei̯⁵⁵/

啼飢號寒 啼飢號寒#Chinese

啼饥号寒 啼饥号寒#Chinese

Synonym of 啼飢號寒／啼饥号寒 (tíjīháohán, “to cry out in hunger and cold; to be poverty-stricken”)


啼飢號寒

ㄊㄧˊ ㄐㄧ ㄏㄠˊ ㄏㄢˊ

тицзихаохань

/tʰi³⁵ t͡ɕi⁵⁵ xɑʊ̯³⁵ xän³⁵/

/tʰɐi̯²¹ kei̯⁵⁵ hou̯²¹ hɔːn²¹/

/tʰi³⁵ t͡ɕi⁵⁵ xɑʊ̯³⁵ xän³⁵/

/tʰɐi̯²¹ kei̯⁵⁵ hou̯²¹ hɔːn²¹/

在物質上，掠奪普通人民的衣食，使廣大人民啼飢號寒；掠奪生產工具，使中國民族工業歸於毀滅和奴役化。 [MSC, trad.]
在物质上，掠夺普通人民的衣食，使广大人民啼饥号寒；掠夺生产工具，使中国民族工业归于毁灭和奴役化。 [MSC, simp.]

Materially, [the enemy] is robbing the common people even of their food and clothing, making them cry out in hunger and cold; he is plundering the means of production, thus ruining and enslaving China's national industries.

Zài wùzhì shàng, lüèduó pǔtōng rénmín de yīshí, shǐ guǎngdà rénmín tíjīháohán; lüèduó shēngchǎn gōngjù, shǐ Zhōngguó mínzú gōngyè guīyú huǐmiè hé núyìhuà. [Pinyin]

to cry out in hunger and cold; to be poverty-stricken


惺惺作態

ㄒㄧㄥ ㄒㄧㄥ ㄗㄨㄛˋ ㄊㄞˋ

синсинцзотай

/ɕiŋ⁵⁵ ɕiŋ⁵⁵ t͡su̯ɔ⁵¹⁻⁵³ tʰaɪ̯⁵¹/

/sɪŋ⁵⁵ sɪŋ⁵⁵ t͡sɔːk̚³ tʰaːi̯³³/

/ɕiŋ⁵⁵ ɕiŋ⁵⁵ t͡su̯ɔ⁵¹⁻⁵³ tʰaɪ̯⁵¹/

/sɪŋ⁵⁵ sɪŋ⁵⁵ t͡sɔːk̚³ tʰaːi̯³³/

to be affected; to simulate; to have affected manners


蠕蠕而動

ㄖㄨˊ ㄖㄨˊ ㄦˊ ㄉㄨㄥˋ

ㄖㄨㄢˇ ㄖㄨㄢˇ ㄦˊ ㄉㄨㄥˋ

/ʐu³⁵ ʐu³⁵ ˀɤɻ³⁵ tʊŋ⁵¹/

жуаньжуаньэрдун

/ʐu̯än²¹⁴⁻³⁵ ʐu̯än²¹⁴⁻²¹ ˀɤɻ³⁵ tʊŋ⁵¹/

/ʐu³⁵ ʐu³⁵ ˀɤɻ³⁵ tʊŋ⁵¹/

/ʐu̯än²¹⁴⁻³⁵ ʐu̯än²¹⁴⁻²¹ ˀɤɻ³⁵ tʊŋ⁵¹/


休戚相關

ㄒㄧㄡ ㄑㄧ ㄒㄧㄤ ㄍㄨㄢ

сюцисянгуань

/ɕi̯oʊ̯⁵⁵ t͡ɕʰi⁵⁵ ɕi̯ɑŋ⁵⁵ ku̯än⁵⁵/

/jɐu̯⁵⁵ t͡sʰɪk̚⁵ sœːŋ⁵⁵ kʷaːn⁵⁵/

/ɕi̯oʊ̯⁵⁵ t͡ɕʰi⁵⁵ ɕi̯ɑŋ⁵⁵ ku̯än⁵⁵/

/jɐu̯⁵⁵ t͡sʰɪk̚⁵ sœːŋ⁵⁵ kʷaːn⁵⁵/

空前強大的社會主義的蘇聯，它和中國是歷來休戚相關的。 [MSC, trad.]
空前强大的社会主义的苏联，它和中国是历来休戚相关的。 [MSC, simp.]

The socialist Soviet Union, now strong as never before, has always shared China's joys and sorrows.

Kōngqián qiángdà de shèhuìzhǔyì de Sūlián, tā hé Zhōngguó shì lìlái xiūqīxiāngguān de. [Pinyin]

to share joys and sorrows; to be bound together by a common cause; to be in the same boat


衝口而出

ㄔㄨㄥ ㄎㄡˇ ㄦˊ ㄔㄨ

/ʈ͡ʂʰʊŋ⁵⁵ kʰoʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ ˀɤɻ³⁵ ʈ͡ʂʰu⁵⁵/

/t͡sʰʊŋ⁵⁵ hɐu̯³⁵ jiː²¹ t͡sʰɵt̚⁵/

/ʈ͡ʂʰʊŋ⁵⁵ kʰoʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ ˀɤɻ³⁵ ʈ͡ʂʰu⁵⁵/

/t͡sʰʊŋ⁵⁵ hɐu̯³⁵ jiː²¹ t͡sʰɵt̚⁵/


匕鬯不驚

ㄅㄧˇ ㄔㄤˋ ㄅㄨˋ ㄐㄧㄥ

/pi²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʈ͡ʂʰɑŋ⁵¹⁻⁵³ pu⁵¹ t͡ɕiŋ⁵⁵/

/pi²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʈ͡ʂʰɑŋ⁵¹⁻⁵³ pu⁵¹ t͡ɕiŋ⁵⁵/

From the I Ching, originally meaning that sacrificial offerings are not disturbed.

(of an army) well-disciplined and not injuring the people in the least


用進廢退

ㄩㄥˋ ㄐㄧㄣˋ ㄈㄟˋ ㄊㄨㄟˋ

юнцзиньфэйтуй

/jʊŋ⁵¹⁻⁵³ t͡ɕin⁵¹⁻⁵³ feɪ̯⁵¹⁻⁵³ tʰu̯eɪ̯⁵¹/

語言學習的根本法則是用進廢退。 [MSC, trad.]
语言学习的根本法则是用进废退。 [MSC, simp.]

A fundamental rule of language learning is: Use it, or lose it.

Yǔyán xuéxí de gēnběn fǎzé shì yòngjìnfèituì. [Pinyin]


再下一城

ㄗㄞˋ ㄒㄧㄚˋ ㄧ ㄔㄥˊ

/t͡saɪ̯⁵¹⁻⁵³ ɕi̯ä⁵¹⁻⁵³ i⁵⁵⁻⁵¹ ʈ͡ʂʰɤŋ³⁵/

/t͡sɔːi̯³³ haː²² jɐt̚⁵ sɪŋ²¹/

/t͡saɪ̯⁵¹⁻⁵³ ɕi̯ä⁵¹⁻⁵³ i⁵⁵⁻⁵¹ ʈ͡ʂʰɤŋ³⁵/

/t͡sɔːi̯³³ haː²² jɐt̚⁵ sɪŋ²¹/


興無滅資

ㄒㄧㄥ ㄨˊ ㄇㄧㄝˋ ㄗ

/ɕiŋ⁵⁵ u³⁵ mi̯ɛ⁵¹ t͡sz̩⁵⁵/

/ɕiŋ⁵⁵ u³⁵ mi̯ɛ⁵¹ t͡sz̩⁵⁵/

無／无 (wú) is short for 無產階級／无产阶级 (wúchǎn jiējí, “proletariat”) and 資／资 (zī) is short for 資產階級／资产阶级 (zīchǎn jiējí, “bourgeoisie”).

to foster what is proletarian and eliminate what is bourgeois


傷天害理

ㄕㄤ ㄊㄧㄢ ㄏㄞˋ ㄌㄧˇ

шантяньхайли

/ʂɑŋ⁵⁵ tʰi̯ɛn⁵⁵ xaɪ̯⁵¹ li²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/sœːŋ⁵⁵ tʰiːn⁵⁵ hɔːi̯²² lei̯¹³/

/siɔŋ⁴⁴⁻²² tʰiɛn⁴⁴⁻²² hai²²⁻²¹ li⁵³/

/siɔŋ³³ tʰiɛn³³ hai⁴¹⁻²² li⁵⁵⁴/

/siɔŋ⁴⁴⁻²² tʰiɛn⁴⁴⁻²² hai²²⁻²¹ li⁵³/

/siɔŋ⁴⁴⁻³³ tʰiɛn⁴⁴⁻³³ hai³³⁻¹¹ li⁵³/

/siɔŋ⁴⁴⁻³³ tʰiɛn⁴⁴⁻³³ hai³³⁻²¹ li⁴¹/

/ʂɑŋ⁵⁵ tʰi̯ɛn⁵⁵ xaɪ̯⁵¹ li²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/sœːŋ⁵⁵ tʰiːn⁵⁵ hɔːi̯²² lei̯¹³/

/siɔŋ⁴⁴⁻²² tʰiɛn⁴⁴⁻²² hai²²⁻²¹ li⁵³/

/siɔŋ³³ tʰiɛn³³ hai⁴¹⁻²² li⁵⁵⁴/

/siɔŋ⁴⁴⁻²² tʰiɛn⁴⁴⁻²² hai²²⁻²¹ li⁵³/

/siɔŋ⁴⁴⁻³³ tʰiɛn⁴⁴⁻³³ hai³³⁻¹¹ li⁵³/

/siɔŋ⁴⁴⁻³³ tʰiɛn⁴⁴⁻³³ hai³³⁻²¹ li⁴¹/


國富民強

ㄍㄨㄛˊ ㄈㄨˋ ㄇㄧㄣˊ ㄑㄧㄤˊ

/ku̯ɔ³⁵ fu⁵¹ min³⁵ t͡ɕʰi̯ɑŋ³⁵/

/kʷɔːk̚³ fuː³³ mɐn²¹ kʰœːŋ²¹/

/ku̯ɔ³⁵ fu⁵¹ min³⁵ t͡ɕʰi̯ɑŋ³⁵/

/kʷɔːk̚³ fuː³³ mɐn²¹ kʰœːŋ²¹/

the nation is prosperous and the people are strong and powerful


離家出走

ㄌㄧˊ ㄐㄧㄚ ㄔㄨ ㄗㄡˇ

/li³⁵ t͡ɕi̯ä⁵⁵ ʈ͡ʂʰu⁵⁵ t͡soʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/lei̯²¹ kaː⁵⁵ t͡sʰɵt̚⁵ t͡sɐu̯³⁵/

/li³³⁻¹¹ ka⁴⁴⁻³³ t͡sʰut̚³²⁻⁴ t͡sau⁵³/

/li³³⁻²¹ ka⁴⁴⁻³³ t͡sʰut̚³²⁻⁴ t͡sau⁴¹/

/li²³⁻³³ ka⁴⁴⁻³³ t͡sʰut̚³²⁻⁴ t͡sau⁴¹/

/li²⁴⁻¹¹ ka⁴⁴⁻³³ t͡sʰut̚³²⁻⁴ t͡sau⁵³/

/li³⁵ t͡ɕi̯ä⁵⁵ ʈ͡ʂʰu⁵⁵ t͡soʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/lei̯²¹ kaː⁵⁵ t͡sʰɵt̚⁵ t͡sɐu̯³⁵/

/li³³⁻¹¹ ka⁴⁴⁻³³ t͡sʰut̚³²⁻⁴ t͡sau⁵³/

/li³³⁻²¹ ka⁴⁴⁻³³ t͡sʰut̚³²⁻⁴ t͡sau⁴¹/

/li²³⁻³³ ka⁴⁴⁻³³ t͡sʰut̚³²⁻⁴ t͡sau⁴¹/

/li²⁴⁻¹¹ ka⁴⁴⁻³³ t͡sʰut̚³²⁻⁴ t͡sau⁵³/


踏上征途

ㄊㄚˋ ㄕㄤˋ ㄓㄥ ㄊㄨˊ

/tʰä⁵¹⁻⁵³ ʂɑŋ⁵¹ ʈ͡ʂɤŋ⁵⁵ tʰu³⁵/

/tʰä⁵¹⁻⁵³ ʂɑŋ⁵¹ ʈ͡ʂɤŋ⁵⁵ tʰu³⁵/

to embark on the journey; to embark on the road; first step


躡手躡腳

ㄋㄧㄝˋ ㄕㄡˇ ㄋㄧㄝˋ ㄐㄧㄠˇ

/ni̯ɛ⁵¹ ʂoʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ ni̯ɛ⁵¹ t͡ɕi̯ɑʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/niːp̚² sɐu̯³⁵ niːp̚² kœːk̚³/

/niːp̚² sɐu̯³⁵ niːp̚² kœːk̚³/

to walk on tiptoe; to creep; to walk gingerly


膘肥體壯

ㄅㄧㄠ ㄈㄟˊ ㄊㄧˇ ㄓㄨㄤˋ

бяофэйтичжуан

/pi̯ɑʊ̯⁵⁵ feɪ̯³⁵ tʰi²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʈ͡ʂu̯ɑŋ⁵¹/

/piːu̯⁵⁵ fei̯²¹ tʰɐi̯³⁵ t͡sɔːŋ³³/

/pi̯ɑʊ̯⁵⁵ feɪ̯³⁵ tʰi²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʈ͡ʂu̯ɑŋ⁵¹/

/piːu̯⁵⁵ fei̯²¹ tʰɐi̯³⁵ t͡sɔːŋ³³/


彪炳千古

ㄅㄧㄠ ㄅㄧㄥˇ ㄑㄧㄢ ㄍㄨˇ

бяобинцяньгу

/pi̯ɑʊ̯⁵⁵ piŋ²¹⁴⁻²¹ t͡ɕʰi̯ɛn⁵⁵ ku²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/piːu̯⁵⁵ pɪŋ³⁵ t͡sʰiːn⁵⁵ kuː³⁵/

/piːu̯⁵⁵ pɪŋ³⁵ t͡sʰiːn⁵⁵ kuː³⁵/

(of achievements) shining through the ages


秉筆直書

ㄅㄧㄥˇ ㄅㄧˇ ㄓˊ ㄕㄨ

/piŋ²¹⁴⁻³⁵ pi²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩³⁵ ʂu⁵⁵/

/pɪŋ³⁵ pɐt̚⁵ t͡sɪk̚² syː⁵⁵/

/piŋ²¹⁴⁻³⁵ pi²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩³⁵ ʂu⁵⁵/

/pɪŋ³⁵ pɐt̚⁵ t͡sɪk̚² syː⁵⁵/

to write the truth without fear or favor; to record faithfully


話糙理不糙

ㄏㄨㄚˋ ㄘㄠ ㄌㄧˇ ㄅㄨˋ ㄘㄠ

хуацаолибуцао

/xu̯ä⁵¹ t͡sʰɑʊ̯⁵⁵ li²¹⁴⁻²¹ pu⁵¹ t͡sʰɑʊ̯⁵⁵/

the wording is rude but the message is not


層見疊出

ㄘㄥˊ ㄒㄧㄢˋ ㄉㄧㄝˊ ㄔㄨ

/t͡sʰɤŋ³⁵ ɕi̯ɛn⁵¹ ti̯ɛ³⁵ ʈ͡ʂʰu⁵⁵/

/t͡sʰɤŋ³⁵ ɕi̯ɛn⁵¹ ti̯ɛ³⁵ ʈ͡ʂʰu⁵⁵/

to occur frequently; to appear repeatedly


層出疊見

ㄘㄥˊ ㄔㄨ ㄉㄧㄝˊ ㄒㄧㄢˋ

/t͡sʰɤŋ³⁵ ʈ͡ʂʰu⁵⁵ ti̯ɛ³⁵ ɕi̯ɛn⁵¹/

/t͡sʰɤŋ³⁵ ʈ͡ʂʰu⁵⁵ ti̯ɛ³⁵ ɕi̯ɛn⁵¹/

層見疊出 層見疊出#Chinese

层见叠出 层见叠出#Chinese

Alternative form of 層見疊出／层见叠出 (céngxiàndiéchū, “to occur frequently; to appear repeatedly”)


足智多謀

ㄗㄨˊ ㄓˋ ㄉㄨㄛ ㄇㄡˊ

/t͡su³⁵ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵¹ tu̯ɔ⁵⁵ moʊ̯³⁵/

/t͡sʊk̚⁵ t͡siː³³ tɔː⁵⁵ mɐu̯²¹/

/t͡su³⁵ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵¹ tu̯ɔ⁵⁵ moʊ̯³⁵/

/t͡sʊk̚⁵ t͡siː³³ tɔː⁵⁵ mɐu̯²¹/


滿門抄斬

ㄇㄢˇ ㄇㄣˊ ㄔㄠ ㄓㄢˇ

маньмэньчаочжань

/män²¹⁴⁻²¹ mən³⁵ ʈ͡ʂʰɑʊ̯⁵⁵ ʈ͡ʂän²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/muːn¹³ muːn²¹ t͡sʰaːu̯⁵⁵ t͡saːm³⁵/

/muːn¹³ muːn²¹ t͡sʰaːu̯⁵⁵ t͡saːm³⁵/

to confiscate property of the family and behead all its member


度德量力

ㄉㄨㄛˊ ㄉㄜˊ ㄌㄧㄤˋ ㄌㄧˋ

ㄉㄨㄛˋ ㄉㄜˊ ㄌㄧㄤˋ ㄌㄧˋ

/tu̯ɔ³⁵ tɤ³⁵ li̯ɑŋ⁵¹⁻⁵³ li⁵¹/

/tu̯ɔ⁵¹ tɤ³⁵ li̯ɑŋ⁵¹⁻⁵³ li⁵¹/

/tɔːk̚² tɐk̚⁵ lœːŋ²² lɪk̚²/

/tu̯ɔ³⁵ tɤ³⁵ li̯ɑŋ⁵¹⁻⁵³ li⁵¹/

/tu̯ɔ⁵¹ tɤ³⁵ li̯ɑŋ⁵¹⁻⁵³ li⁵¹/

/tɔːk̚² tɐk̚⁵ lœːŋ²² lɪk̚²/

to estimate one's own moral and material strength


睹微知著

ㄉㄨˇ ㄨㄟ ㄓ ㄓㄨˋ

ㄉㄨˇ ㄨㄟˊ ㄓ ㄓㄨˋ

/tu²¹⁴⁻²¹ weɪ̯⁵⁵ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵⁵ ʈ͡ʂu⁵¹/

/tu²¹⁴⁻²¹ weɪ̯³⁵ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵⁵ ʈ͡ʂu⁵¹/

/tu²¹⁴⁻²¹ weɪ̯⁵⁵ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵⁵ ʈ͡ʂu⁵¹/

/tu²¹⁴⁻²¹ weɪ̯³⁵ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵⁵ ʈ͡ʂu⁵¹/

見微知著 見微知著#Chinese

见微知著 见微知著#Chinese


整齊劃一

ㄓㄥˇ ㄑㄧˊ ㄏㄨㄚˋ ㄧ

/ʈ͡ʂɤŋ²¹⁴⁻²¹ t͡ɕʰi³⁵ xu̯ä⁵¹⁻⁵³ i⁵⁵⁻⁵¹/

/t͡sɪŋ³⁵ t͡sʰɐi̯²¹ waːk̚² jɐt̚⁵/

/ʈ͡ʂɤŋ²¹⁴⁻²¹ t͡ɕʰi³⁵ xu̯ä⁵¹⁻⁵³ i⁵⁵⁻⁵¹/

/t͡sɪŋ³⁵ t͡sʰɐi̯²¹ waːk̚² jɐt̚⁵/

根據中國政治和經濟不平衡的狀態，第三階段的戰略反攻，在其前一時期將不是全國整齊劃一的姿態，而是帶地域性的和此起彼落的姿態。 [MSC, trad.]
根据中国政治和经济不平衡的状态，第三阶段的战略反攻，在其前一时期将不是全国整齐划一的姿态，而是带地域性的和此起彼落的姿态。 [MSC, simp.]

Because of the unevenness in China's political and economic development, the strategic counter-offensive of the third stage will not present a uniform and even picture throughout the country in its initial phase but will be regional in character, rising here and subsiding there.

Gēnjù Zhōngguó zhèngzhì hé jīngjì bù pínghéng de zhuàngtài, dì sān jiēduàn de zhànlüè fǎngōng, zài qí qián yī shíqī jiāng bùshì quánguó zhěngqíhuàyī de zītài, érshì dài dìyùxìng de hé cǐqǐbǐluò de zītài. [Pinyin]


犬牙交錯

ㄑㄩㄢˇ ㄧㄚˊ ㄐㄧㄠ ㄘㄨㄛˋ

цюаньяцзяоцо

/t͡ɕʰy̯ɛn²¹⁴⁻²¹ jä³⁵ t͡ɕi̯ɑʊ̯⁵⁵ t͡sʰu̯ɔ⁵¹/

/hyːn³⁵ ŋaː²¹ kaːu̯⁵⁵ t͡sʰɔː³³/

/hyːn³⁵ ŋaː²¹ kaːu̯⁵⁵ t͡sʰɔː³³/

(by extension) tangled and complicated; intricate


隨之而來

ㄙㄨㄟˊ ㄓ ㄦˊ ㄌㄞˊ

/su̯eɪ̯³⁵ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵⁵ ˀɤɻ³⁵ laɪ̯³⁵/

/su̯eɪ̯³⁵ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵⁵ ˀɤɻ³⁵ laɪ̯³⁵/

這樣看來，戰爭的長期性和隨之而來的殘酷性，是明顯的。 [MSC, trad.]
这样看来，战争的长期性和随之而来的残酷性，是明显的。 [MSC, simp.]

It is thus obvious that the war is protracted and consequently ruthless in nature.

Zhèyàng kànlái, zhànzhēng de chángqīxìng hé suízhī'érlái de cánkùxìng, shì míngxiǎn de. [Pinyin]

in the train of …; that follows …; that comes with …; consequent


天羅地網

CJKV/code

Sino-Xenic (天羅地網):
* → Japanese: 天(てん)羅(ら)地(ち)網(もう) (tenrachimō)
* → Korean: 천라지망(天羅地網) (cheollajimang)
* → Vietnamese: thiên la địa võng (天羅地網)

ㄊㄧㄢ ㄌㄨㄛˊ ㄉㄧˋ ㄨㄤˇ

/tʰi̯ɛn⁵⁵ lu̯ɔ³⁵ ti⁵¹ wɑŋ²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/tʰiːn⁵⁵ lɔː²¹ tei̯²² mɔːŋ¹³/

/tʰiɛn⁴⁴⁻²² lo²⁴⁻²² tue²²⁻²¹ baŋ²²/

/tʰiɛn⁴⁴⁻²² lo²⁴⁻²² te²²⁻²¹ baŋ²²/

/tʰiɛn⁴⁴⁻³³ lo²⁴⁻¹¹ te³³⁻¹¹ bɔŋ⁵³/

/tʰiɛn⁴⁴⁻³³ lɤ²³⁻³³ te³³⁻²¹ bɔŋ⁴¹/

/tʰiɛn⁴⁴⁻³³ lo²⁴⁻¹¹ tue³³⁻¹¹ bɔŋ⁵³/

/tʰiaŋ³³⁻²³ lo⁵⁵ ti¹¹ maŋ³⁵/

/tʰi̯ɛn⁵⁵ lu̯ɔ³⁵ ti⁵¹ wɑŋ²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/tʰiːn⁵⁵ lɔː²¹ tei̯²² mɔːŋ¹³/

/tʰiɛn⁴⁴⁻²² lo²⁴⁻²² tue²²⁻²¹ baŋ²²/

/tʰiɛn⁴⁴⁻²² lo²⁴⁻²² te²²⁻²¹ baŋ²²/

/tʰiɛn⁴⁴⁻³³ lo²⁴⁻¹¹ te³³⁻¹¹ bɔŋ⁵³/

/tʰiɛn⁴⁴⁻³³ lɤ²³⁻³³ te³³⁻²¹ bɔŋ⁴¹/

/tʰiɛn⁴⁴⁻³³ lo²⁴⁻¹¹ tue³³⁻¹¹ bɔŋ⁵³/

/tʰiaŋ³³⁻²³ lo⁵⁵ ti¹¹ maŋ³⁵/

(figuratively) far-flung network; inescapable net; tight encirclement with no escape (Classifier: 張／张 m)


上躥下跳

ㄕㄤˋ ㄘㄨㄢ ㄒㄧㄚˋ ㄊㄧㄠˋ

шанцуаньсятяо

/ʂɑŋ⁵¹ t͡sʰu̯än⁵⁵ ɕi̯ä⁵¹⁻⁵³ tʰi̯ɑʊ̯⁵¹/

/ʂɑŋ⁵¹ t͡sʰu̯än⁵⁵ ɕi̯ä⁵¹⁻⁵³ tʰi̯ɑʊ̯⁵¹/

(of animals) to run and jump all over the place


陽光明媚

ㄧㄤˊ ㄍㄨㄤ ㄇㄧㄥˊ ㄇㄟˋ

янгуанминмэй

/jɑŋ³⁵ ku̯ɑŋ⁵⁵ miŋ³⁵ meɪ̯⁵¹/

/jœːŋ²¹ kʷɔːŋ⁵⁵ mɪŋ²¹ mei̯²²/

/jɑŋ³⁵ ku̯ɑŋ⁵⁵ miŋ³⁵ meɪ̯⁵¹/

/jœːŋ²¹ kʷɔːŋ⁵⁵ mɪŋ²¹ mei̯²²/


齊心一致

ㄑㄧˊ ㄒㄧㄣ ㄧ ㄓˋ

/t͡ɕʰi³⁵ ɕin⁵⁵ i⁵⁵⁻³⁵ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵¹/

/t͡sʰɐi̯²¹ sɐm⁵⁵ jɐt̚⁵ t͡siː³³/

/t͡ɕʰi³⁵ ɕin⁵⁵ i⁵⁵⁻³⁵ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵¹/

/t͡sʰɐi̯²¹ sɐm⁵⁵ jɐt̚⁵ t͡siː³³/

必須把這個目的告訴一切軍民人等，方能造成抗日的熱潮，使幾萬萬人齊心一致，貢獻一切給戰爭。 [MSC, trad.]
必须把这个目的告诉一切军民人等，方能造成抗日的热潮，使几万万人齐心一致，贡献一切给战争。 [MSC, simp.]

We must proclaim this aim to everybody, to all soldiers and civilians, before we can create an anti-Japanese upsurge and unite hundreds of millions as one person to contribute their all to the war.

Bìxū bǎ zhège mùdì gàosu yīqiè jūnmín rénděng, fāng néng zàochéng kàngrì de rècháo, shǐ jǐ wànwàn rén qíxīnyīzhì, gòngxiàn yīqiè gěi zhànzhēng. [Pinyin]


三絕韋編

ㄙㄢ ㄐㄩㄝˊ ㄨㄟˊ ㄅㄧㄢ

саньцзюэвэйбянь

/sän⁵⁵ t͡ɕy̯ɛ³⁵ weɪ̯³⁵ pi̯ɛn⁵⁵/

/sän⁵⁵ t͡ɕy̯ɛ³⁵ weɪ̯³⁵ pi̯ɛn⁵⁵/

韋編三絕 韋編三絕#Chinese

韦编三绝 韦编三绝#Chinese

Alternative form of 韋編三絕／韦编三绝 (wéibiānsānjué)


貌合神離

ㄇㄠˋ ㄏㄜˊ ㄕㄣˊ ㄌㄧˊ

/mɑʊ̯⁵¹ xɤ³⁵ ʂən³⁵ li³⁵/

/maːu̯²² hɐp̚² sɐn²¹ lei̯²¹/

/mɑʊ̯⁵¹ xɤ³⁵ ʂən³⁵ li³⁵/

/maːu̯²² hɐp̚² sɐn²¹ lei̯²¹/

to appear united or intimate but in reality have different thoughts


自上而下

ㄗˋ ㄕㄤˋ ㄦˊ ㄒㄧㄚˋ

/t͡sz̩⁵¹⁻⁵³ ʂɑŋ⁵¹ ˀɤɻ³⁵ ɕi̯ä⁵¹/

/t͡siː²² sœːŋ²² jiː²¹ haː²²/

/t͡sz̩⁵¹⁻⁵³ ʂɑŋ⁵¹ ˀɤɻ³⁵ ɕi̯ä⁵¹/

/t͡siː²² sœːŋ²² jiː²¹ haː²²/


自下而上

ㄗˋ ㄒㄧㄚˋ ㄦˊ ㄕㄤˋ

/t͡sz̩⁵¹⁻⁵³ ɕi̯ä⁵¹ ˀɤɻ³⁵ ʂɑŋ⁵¹/

/t͡siː²² haː²² jiː²¹ sœːŋ²²/

/t͡sz̩⁵¹⁻⁵³ ɕi̯ä⁵¹ ˀɤɻ³⁵ ʂɑŋ⁵¹/

/t͡siː²² haː²² jiː²¹ sœːŋ²²/


侃侃而言

ㄎㄢˇ ㄎㄢˇ ㄦˊ ㄧㄢˊ

каньканьэрянь

/kʰän²¹⁴⁻³⁵ kʰän²¹⁴⁻²¹ ˀɤɻ³⁵ jɛn³⁵/

/kʰän²¹⁴⁻³⁵ kʰän²¹⁴⁻²¹ ˀɤɻ³⁵ jɛn³⁵/


侃侃而談

ㄎㄢˇ ㄎㄢˇ ㄦˊ ㄊㄢˊ

каньканьэртань

/kʰän²¹⁴⁻³⁵ kʰän²¹⁴⁻²¹ ˀɤɻ³⁵ tʰän³⁵/

/hɔːn³⁵ hɔːn³⁵ jiː²¹ tʰaːm²¹/

/kʰän²¹⁴⁻³⁵ kʰän²¹⁴⁻²¹ ˀɤɻ³⁵ tʰän³⁵/

/hɔːn³⁵ hɔːn³⁵ jiː²¹ tʰaːm²¹/


另立門戶

ㄌㄧㄥˋ ㄌㄧˋ ㄇㄣˊ ㄏㄨˋ

/liŋ⁵¹⁻⁵³ li⁵¹ mən³⁵ xu⁵¹/

/liŋ⁵¹⁻⁵³ li⁵¹ mən³⁵ xu⁵¹/


喜得千金

ㄒㄧˇ ㄉㄜˊ ㄑㄧㄢ ㄐㄧㄣ

сидэцяньцзинь

/ɕi²¹⁴⁻²¹ tɤ³⁵ t͡ɕʰi̯ɛn⁵⁵ t͡ɕin⁵⁵/

/hei̯³⁵ tɐk̚⁵ t͡sʰiːn⁵⁵ kɐm⁵⁵/

/ɕi²¹⁴⁻²¹ tɤ³⁵ t͡ɕʰi̯ɛn⁵⁵ t͡ɕin⁵⁵/

/hei̯³⁵ tɐk̚⁵ t͡sʰiːn⁵⁵ kɐm⁵⁵/

hearty congratulations for the arrival of a new daughter


相反相成

ㄒㄧㄤ ㄈㄢˇ ㄒㄧㄤ ㄔㄥˊ

сянфаньсянчэн

/ɕi̯ɑŋ⁵⁵ fän²¹⁴⁻²¹ ɕi̯ɑŋ⁵⁵ ʈ͡ʂʰɤŋ³⁵/

/sœːŋ⁵⁵ faːn³⁵ sœːŋ⁵⁵ sɪŋ²¹/

/ɕi̯ɑŋ⁵⁵ fän²¹⁴⁻²¹ ɕi̯ɑŋ⁵⁵ ʈ͡ʂʰɤŋ³⁵/

/sœːŋ⁵⁵ faːn³⁵ sœːŋ⁵⁵ sɪŋ²¹/

怎樣解釋戰爭中提倡勇敢犧牲呢？豈非與「保存自己」相矛盾？不相矛盾，是相反相成的。 [MSC, trad.]
怎样解释战争中提倡勇敢牺牲呢？岂非与「保存自己」相矛盾？不相矛盾，是相反相成的。 [MSC, simp.]

How do we justify the encouragement of heroic sacrifice in war? Does it not contradict "self-preservation"? No, it does not; sacrifice and self-preservation are both opposite and complementary to each other.

Zěnyàng jiěshì zhànzhēng zhōng tíchàng yǒnggǎn xīshēng ne? Qǐfēi yǔ “bǎocún zìjǐ” xiāng máodùn? Bù xiāng máodùn, shì xiāngfǎnxiāngchéng de. [Pinyin]

to be both opposite and complementary; to oppose each other and yet also complement each other


汪洋大海

ㄨㄤ ㄧㄤˊ ㄉㄚˋ ㄏㄞˇ

/wɑŋ⁵⁵ jɑŋ³⁵ tä⁵¹ xaɪ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/wɔːŋ⁵⁵ jœːŋ²¹ taːi̯²² hɔːi̯³⁵/

/wɑŋ⁵⁵ jɑŋ³⁵ tä⁵¹ xaɪ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/wɔːŋ⁵⁵ jœːŋ²¹ taːi̯²² hɔːi̯³⁵/

動員了全國的老百姓，就造成了陷敵於滅頂之災的汪洋大海。 [MSC, trad.]
动员了全国的老百姓，就造成了陷敌于灭顶之灾的汪洋大海。 [MSC, simp.]

The mobilization of the common people throughout the country will create a vast sea in which to drown the enemy.

Dòngyuán le quánguó de lǎobǎixìng, jiù zàochéng le xiàn dí yú mièdǐngzhīzāi de wāngyángdàhǎi. [Pinyin]

(figuratively) something great in strength and impetus


富國強兵

ja-r

ふ%こく% きょう%へい

CJKV/code

ふ%こく% きょう%へい

Sino-Xenic (富國強兵):
* → Japanese: 富(ふ)国(こく)強(きょう)兵(へい) (fukoku kyōhei)
* → Korean: 부국강병(富國強兵) (bugukgangbyeong)

CJKV

ふ%こく% きょう%へい

ㄈㄨˋ ㄍㄨㄛˊ ㄑㄧㄤˊ ㄅㄧㄥ

/fu⁵¹ ku̯ɔ³⁵ t͡ɕʰi̯ɑŋ³⁵ piŋ⁵⁵/

/fuː³³ kʷɔːk̚³ kʰœːŋ²¹ pɪŋ⁵⁵/

/fu⁵¹ ku̯ɔ³⁵ t͡ɕʰi̯ɑŋ³⁵ piŋ⁵⁵/

/fuː³³ kʷɔːk̚³ kʰœːŋ²¹ pɪŋ⁵⁵/

故治國者，其摶力也，以富國強兵也；其殺力也，以事敵勸農也。 [Classical Chinese, trad.]
故治国者，其抟力也，以富国强兵也；其杀力也，以事敌劝农也。 [Classical Chinese, simp.]

From: The Book of Lord Shang, circa 3ʳᵈ century BCE, translated based on J.J.L. Duyvendak's version

Therefore, for one who administers a country, the way to consolidate its strength, is to make the country rich and its soldiers strong; the way to reduce the people's force is to attack the enemy and to encourage the people.

Gù zhìguó zhě, qí tuánlì yě, yǐ fùguóqiángbīng yě; qí shālì yě, yǐ shì dí quàn nóng yě. [Pinyin]

to make the country rich and the military powerful


分進合擊

ㄈㄣ ㄐㄧㄣˋ ㄏㄜˊ ㄐㄧ

ㄈㄣ ㄐㄧㄣˋ ㄏㄜˊ ㄐㄧˊ

фэньцзиньхэцзи

/fən⁵⁵ t͡ɕin⁵¹ xɤ³⁵ t͡ɕi⁵⁵/

/fən⁵⁵ t͡ɕin⁵¹ xɤ³⁵ t͡ɕi³⁵/

/fən⁵⁵ t͡ɕin⁵¹ xɤ³⁵ t͡ɕi⁵⁵/

/fən⁵⁵ t͡ɕin⁵¹ xɤ³⁵ t͡ɕi³⁵/

將敵軍對我軍的戰略上的分進合擊，改為我軍對敵軍的戰役或戰鬥上的分進合擊。 [MSC, trad.]
将敌军对我军的战略上的分进合击，改为我军对敌军的战役或战斗上的分进合击。 [MSC, simp.]

From: 1936, 毛澤東 (Mao Zedong), 《中國革命戰爭的戰略問題》 (Problems of Strategy in China's Revolutionary War), 《毛澤東選集》. English translation based on the Foreign Languages Press edition

We can change the converging attack directed by the enemy against us on the plane of strategy into converging attacks directed by us against the enemy on the plane of campaigns and battles.

Jiāng díjūn duì wǒjūn de zhànlüè shàng de fēnjìnhéjī, gǎiwéi wǒjūn duì díjūn de zhànyì huò zhàndòu shàng de fēnjìnhéjī. [Pinyin]

(of troops) to advance separately and attack jointly; concerted attack by converging columns


誘敵深入

ㄧㄡˋ ㄉㄧˊ ㄕㄣ ㄖㄨˋ

/joʊ̯⁵¹ ti³⁵ ʂən⁵⁵ ʐu⁵¹/

/joʊ̯⁵¹ ti³⁵ ʂən⁵⁵ ʐu⁵¹/

我們歷來主張「誘敵深入」，就是因為這是戰略防禦中弱軍對強軍作戰的最有效的軍事政策。 [MSC, trad.]
我们历来主张「诱敌深入」，就是因为这是战略防御中弱军对强军作战的最有效的军事政策。 [MSC, simp.]

We have always advocated the policy of "luring the enemy in deep", precisely because it is the most effective military policy for a weak army strategically on the defensive to employ against a strong army.

Wǒmen lìlái zhǔzhāng “yòudíshēnrù”, jiùshì yīnwèi zhè shì zhànlüè fángyù zhōng ruòjūn duì qiángjūn zuòzhàn de zuì yǒuxiào de jūnshì zhèngcè. [Pinyin]


百看不厭

to see something ahundred times and not get tired of it

ㄅㄞˇ ㄎㄢˋ ㄅㄨˋ ㄧㄢˋ

байканьбуянь

/paɪ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ kʰän⁵¹ pu⁵¹⁻³⁵ jɛn⁵¹/

/paːk̚³ hɔːn³³ pɐt̚⁵ jiːm³³/

/paɪ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ kʰän⁵¹ pu⁵¹⁻³⁵ jɛn⁵¹/

/paːk̚³ hɔːn³³ pɐt̚⁵ jiːm³³/


徑行直遂

ㄐㄧㄥˋ ㄒㄧㄥˊ ㄓˊ ㄙㄨㄟˋ

цзинсинчжисуй

/t͡ɕiŋ⁵¹ ɕiŋ³⁵ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩³⁵ su̯eɪ̯⁵¹/

/t͡ɕiŋ⁵¹ ɕiŋ³⁵ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩³⁵ su̯eɪ̯⁵¹/

徑情直遂 徑情直遂#Chinese

径情直遂 径情直遂#Chinese

Synonym of 徑情直遂／径情直遂 (jìngqíngzhísuì, “to attain success as smoothly as one would wish”)


徑情直遂

ㄐㄧㄥˋ ㄑㄧㄥˊ ㄓˊ ㄙㄨㄟˋ

цзинцинчжисуй

/t͡ɕiŋ⁵¹ t͡ɕʰiŋ³⁵ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩³⁵ su̯eɪ̯⁵¹/

/kɪŋ³³ t͡sʰɪŋ²¹ t͡sɪk̚² sɵy̯²²/

/t͡ɕiŋ⁵¹ t͡ɕʰiŋ³⁵ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩³⁵ su̯eɪ̯⁵¹/

/kɪŋ³³ t͡sʰɪŋ²¹ t͡sɪk̚² sɵy̯²²/

事物是往返曲折的，不是徑情直遂的，戰爭也是一樣，只有形式主義者想不通這個道理。 [MSC, trad.]
事物是往返曲折的，不是径情直遂的，战争也是一样，只有形式主义者想不通这个道理。 [MSC, simp.]

Events have their twists and turns and do not follow a straight line, and war is no exception; only formalists are unable to comprehend this truth.

Shìwù shì wǎngfǎn qūzhé de, bù shì jìngqíngzhísuì de, zhànzhēng yě shì yīyàng, zhǐyǒu xíngshìzhǔyìzhě xiǎng bu tōng zhège dàolǐ. [Pinyin]

(to attain success) as smoothly as one would wish


以人為本

ㄧˇ ㄖㄣˊ ㄨㄟˊ ㄅㄣˇ

ижэньвэйбэнь

ižɛnʹvɛjbɛnʹ

/i²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʐən³⁵ weɪ̯³⁵ pən²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/jiː¹³ jɐn²¹ wɐi̯²¹ puːn³⁵/

/ĩ⁵²⁻³⁵ naŋ⁵⁵⁻¹¹ ui⁵⁵⁻¹¹ puŋ⁵²/

/i²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʐən³⁵ weɪ̯³⁵ pən²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/jiː¹³ jɐn²¹ wɐi̯²¹ puːn³⁵/

/ĩ⁵²⁻³⁵ naŋ⁵⁵⁻¹¹ ui⁵⁵⁻¹¹ puŋ⁵²/

to put people first; people-oriented; people-centered


氣定神閒

ㄑㄧˋ ㄉㄧㄥˋ ㄕㄣˊ ㄒㄧㄢˊ

цидиншэньсянь

/t͡ɕʰi⁵¹⁻⁵³ tiŋ⁵¹ ʂən³⁵ ɕi̯ɛn³⁵/

/hei̯³³ tɪŋ²² sɐn²¹ haːn²¹/

/t͡ɕʰi⁵¹⁻⁵³ tiŋ⁵¹ ʂən³⁵ ɕi̯ɛn³⁵/

/hei̯³³ tɪŋ²² sɐn²¹ haːn²¹/

calm and composed; unperturbed; cool and collected


另當別論

ㄌㄧㄥˋ ㄉㄤ ㄅㄧㄝˊ ㄌㄨㄣˋ

линданбелунь

/liŋ⁵¹ tɑŋ⁵⁵ pi̯ɛ³⁵ lu̯ən⁵¹/

/lɪŋ²² tɔːŋ⁵⁵ piːt̚² lɵn²²/

/liŋ⁵¹ tɑŋ⁵⁵ pi̯ɛ³⁵ lu̯ən⁵¹/

/lɪŋ²² tɔːŋ⁵⁵ piːt̚² lɵn²²/

to be discussed or dealt with another way


生人勿近

ㄕㄥ ㄖㄣˊ ㄨˋ ㄐㄧㄣˋ

шэнжэньуцзинь

/ʂɤŋ⁵⁵ ʐən³⁵ u⁵¹⁻⁵³ t͡ɕin⁵¹/

/saːŋ⁵⁵ jɐn²¹ mɐt̚² kɐn²²/

/ʂɤŋ⁵⁵ ʐən³⁵ u⁵¹⁻⁵³ t͡ɕin⁵¹/

/saːŋ⁵⁵ jɐn²¹ mɐt̚² kɐn²²/

生人勿近的氣場／生人勿近的气场


廣土眾民

ㄍㄨㄤˇ ㄊㄨˇ ㄓㄨㄥˋ ㄇㄧㄣˊ

гуантучжунминь

/ku̯ɑŋ²¹⁴⁻³⁵ tʰu²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʈ͡ʂʊŋ⁵¹ min³⁵/

/kʷɔːŋ³⁵ tʰou̯³⁵ t͡sʊŋ³³ mɐn²¹/

/ku̯ɑŋ²¹⁴⁻³⁵ tʰu²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʈ͡ʂʊŋ⁵¹ min³⁵/

/kʷɔːŋ³⁵ tʰou̯³⁵ t͡sʊŋ³³ mɐn²¹/

From Mencius:
:
廣土眾民，君子欲之，所樂不存焉。 [Classical Chinese, trad.]广土众民，君子欲之，所乐不存焉。 [Classical Chinese, simp.]
From: Mencius, c. 4ᵗʰ century BCE
Guǎngtǔzhòngmín, jūnzǐ yù zhī, suǒ lè bù cún yān. [Pinyin]
Wide territory and a numerous people are desired by the superior man, but what he delights in is not here.

zh-q

廣土眾民，君子 欲 之，所 樂{lè} 不 存 焉。

豈有如此廣土眾民的國家而患財窮之理？ [MSC, trad.]
岂有如此广土众民的国家而患财穷之理？ [MSC, simp.]

Why should a country as large and populous [as China] suffer from lack of funds?

Qǐ yǒu rúcǐ guǎngtǔzhòngmín de guójiā ér huàn cái qióng zhī lǐ? [Pinyin]

a vast territory with a large population


快馬加鞭

ㄎㄨㄞˋ ㄇㄚˇ ㄐㄧㄚ ㄅㄧㄢ

куаймацзябянь

/kʰu̯aɪ̯⁵¹ mä²¹⁴⁻²¹ t͡ɕi̯ä⁵⁵ pi̯ɛn⁵⁵/

/faːi̯³³ maː¹³ kaː⁵⁵ piːn⁵⁵/

/kʰu̯aɪ̯⁵¹ mä²¹⁴⁻²¹ t͡ɕi̯ä⁵⁵ pi̯ɛn⁵⁵/

/faːi̯³³ maː¹³ kaː⁵⁵ piːn⁵⁵/

(of a fast person or thing) to go even faster


國不堪貳

ㄍㄨㄛˊ ㄅㄨˋ ㄎㄢ ㄦˋ

/ku̯ɔ³⁵ pu⁵¹ kʰän⁵⁵ ˀɤɻ⁵¹/

/kʷɔːk̚³ pɐt̚⁵ hɐm⁵⁵ jiː²²/

/ku̯ɔ³⁵ pu⁵¹ kʰän⁵⁵ ˀɤɻ⁵¹/

/kʷɔːk̚³ pɐt̚⁵ hɐm⁵⁵ jiː²²/


目無全牛

ㄇㄨˋ ㄨˊ ㄑㄩㄢˊ ㄋㄧㄡˊ

/mu⁵¹ u³⁵ t͡ɕʰy̯ɛn³⁵ ni̯oʊ̯³⁵/

/mʊk̚² mou̯²¹ t͡sʰyːn²¹ ŋɐu̯²¹/

/mu⁵¹ u³⁵ t͡ɕʰy̯ɛn³⁵ ni̯oʊ̯³⁵/

/mʊk̚² mou̯²¹ t͡sʰyːn²¹ ŋɐu̯²¹/

From Zhuangzi, chapter 3 (《莊子·養生主》):
:
始臣之解牛之時，所見無非全牛者。三年之後，未嘗見全牛也。 [Classical Chinese, trad.]始臣之解牛之时，所见无非全牛者。三年之后，未尝见全牛也。 [Classical Chinese, simp.]
From: Zhuangzi, circa 3ʳᵈ – 2ⁿᵈ centuries BCE, translation from The Complete Works Of Chuang Tzu (2013), by Burton Watson
Shǐ chén zhī jiě niú zhī shí, suǒjiàn wú fēi quán niú zhě. Sān nián zhīhòu, wèicháng jiàn quán niú yě. [Pinyin]
When I first began cutting up oxen, all I could see was the ox itself. After three years I no longer saw the whole ox.

zh-x

始 臣 之 解 牛 之 時，所見 無 非 全 牛 者。三 年 之後，未嘗 見 @全 @牛 也。


兄弟鬩牆

ㄒㄩㄥ ㄉㄧˋ ㄒㄧˋ ㄑㄧㄤˊ

/ɕi̯ʊŋ⁵⁵ ti⁵¹⁻⁵³ ɕi⁵¹ t͡ɕʰi̯ɑŋ³⁵/

/hɪŋ⁵⁵ tɐi̯²² jɪk̚⁵ t͡sʰœːŋ²¹/

/ɕi̯ʊŋ⁵⁵ ti⁵¹⁻⁵³ ɕi⁵¹ t͡ɕʰi̯ɑŋ³⁵/

/hɪŋ⁵⁵ tɐi̯²² jɪk̚⁵ t͡sʰœːŋ²¹/

From the Classic of Poetry, poem 164 (《詩經·小雅·常棣》):
:
兄弟鬩于牆，外禦其務。
每有良朋，蒸也無戎。 [Pre-Classical Chinese, trad.]兄弟阋于墙，外御其务。
每有良朋，蒸也无戎。 [Pre-Classical Chinese, simp.]
From: The Classic of Poetry, c. 11ᵗʰ – 7ᵗʰ centuries BCE, translated based on James Legge's version
Xiōngdì xì yú qiáng, wài yù qí wǔ.
Měi yǒu liángpéng, zhēng yě wú róng. [Pinyin]
Brothers may quarrel inside the walls,
But they will oppose insult from without.
When friends, however good they may be,
Will not afford help.

lang

(《詩經·小雅·常棣》)

(《詩經·小雅·常棣》)

zh-x

@兄弟 @鬩 于 @牆，外 禦 其 務{wǔ}。
每 有 良朋，蒸 也 無 戎。


微言大義

ㄨㄟ ㄧㄢˊ ㄉㄚˋ ㄧˋ

ㄨㄟˊ ㄧㄢˊ ㄉㄚˋ ㄧˋ

/weɪ̯⁵⁵ jɛn³⁵ tä⁵¹⁻⁵³ i⁵¹/

/weɪ̯³⁵ jɛn³⁵ tä⁵¹⁻⁵³ i⁵¹/

/mei̯²¹ jiːn²¹ taːi̯²² jiː²²/

/weɪ̯⁵⁵ jɛn³⁵ tä⁵¹⁻⁵³ i⁵¹/

/weɪ̯³⁵ jɛn³⁵ tä⁵¹⁻⁵³ i⁵¹/

/mei̯²¹ jiːn²¹ taːi̯²² jiː²²/


目牛遊刃

ㄇㄨˋ ㄋㄧㄡˊ ㄧㄡˊ ㄖㄣˋ

/mu⁵¹ ni̯oʊ̯³⁵ joʊ̯³⁵ ʐən⁵¹/

/mu⁵¹ ni̯oʊ̯³⁵ joʊ̯³⁵ ʐən⁵¹/

From Zhuangzi. Blend of 目無全牛／目无全牛 (mùwúquánniú) + 遊刃有餘／游刃有余 (yóurènyǒuyú).

zh-l

目無全牛／目无全牛 (mùwúquánniú)

遊刃有餘／游刃有余 (yóurènyǒuyú)


小心謹慎

ㄒㄧㄠˇ ㄒㄧㄣ ㄐㄧㄣˇ ㄕㄣˋ

сяосиньцзиньшэнь

/ɕi̯ɑʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ ɕin⁵⁵ t͡ɕin²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʂən⁵¹/

/siːu̯³⁵ sɐm⁵⁵ kɐn³⁵ sɐn²²/

/sio⁵³⁻⁴⁴ sim⁴⁴⁻²² kin⁵³⁻⁴⁴ sin²²/

/sio⁵⁵⁴⁻²⁴ sim³³ kin⁵⁵⁴⁻²⁴ sin⁴¹/

/sio⁵³⁻⁴⁴ sim⁴⁴⁻²² kin⁵³⁻⁴⁴ sin²²/

/sio⁵³⁻⁴⁴ sim⁴⁴⁻³³ kin⁵³⁻⁴⁴ sin³³/

/siɤ⁴¹⁻⁴⁴ sim⁴⁴⁻³³ kin⁴¹⁻⁴⁴ sin³³/

/ɕi̯ɑʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ ɕin⁵⁵ t͡ɕin²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʂən⁵¹/

/siːu̯³⁵ sɐm⁵⁵ kɐn³⁵ sɐn²²/

/sio⁵³⁻⁴⁴ sim⁴⁴⁻²² kin⁵³⁻⁴⁴ sin²²/

/sio⁵⁵⁴⁻²⁴ sim³³ kin⁵⁵⁴⁻²⁴ sin⁴¹/

/sio⁵³⁻⁴⁴ sim⁴⁴⁻²² kin⁵³⁻⁴⁴ sin²²/

/sio⁵³⁻⁴⁴ sim⁴⁴⁻³³ kin⁵³⁻⁴⁴ sin³³/

/siɤ⁴¹⁻⁴⁴ sim⁴⁴⁻³³ kin⁴¹⁻⁴⁴ sin³³/


愚不可及

ㄩˊ ㄅㄨˋ ㄎㄜˇ ㄐㄧˊ

/y³⁵ pu⁵¹ kʰɤ²¹⁴⁻²¹ t͡ɕi³⁵/

/jyː²¹ pɐt̚⁵ hɔː³⁵ kʰɐp̚²/

/y³⁵ pu⁵¹ kʰɤ²¹⁴⁻²¹ t͡ɕi³⁵/

/jyː²¹ pɐt̚⁵ hɔː³⁵ kʰɐp̚²/

From the Analects, Book 5 (《論語·公冶長》). The modern meaning is a reinterpretation.
:
甯武子，邦有道則知；邦無道則愚。其知可及也，其愚不可及也。 [Classical Chinese, trad.]甯武子，邦有道则知；邦无道则愚。其知可及也，其愚不可及也。 [Classical Chinese, simp.]
From: The Analects of Confucius, c. 475 – 221 BCE, translated based on James Legge's version
Nìng Wǔ Zǐ, bāng yǒudào zé zhì; bāng wúdào zé yú. Qí zhì kě jí yě, qí yú bùkě jí yě. [Pinyin]
Lord Wu of Ning (甯武子) was wise when the state was ruled by justice. He became foolish when the state was ruled by injustice. Others may be as good a wise man as he was, but never as good a fool as he was.

zh-x

@^甯{Nìng}.^武.^子，邦 有道 則 知{zhì}；邦 無道 則 愚。其 知{zhì} 可 及 也，其 愚.不可.及 也。

(idiomatic) very stupid; stupid beyond reach


軍令如山

ㄐㄩㄣ ㄌㄧㄥˋ ㄖㄨˊ ㄕㄢ

цзюньлинжушань

/t͡ɕyn⁵⁵ liŋ⁵¹ ʐu³⁵ ʂän⁵⁵/

/kʷɐn⁵⁵ lɪŋ²² jyː²¹ saːn⁵⁵/

/t͡ɕyn⁵⁵ liŋ⁵¹ ʐu³⁵ ʂän⁵⁵/

/kʷɐn⁵⁵ lɪŋ²² jyː²¹ saːn⁵⁵/


磕磕巴巴

ㄎㄜ ˙ㄎㄜ ㄅㄚ ㄅㄚ

/kʰɤ⁵⁵ kʰə² pä⁵⁵ pä⁵⁵/

/hɐp̚² hɐp̚² paː⁵⁵ paː⁵⁵/

/kʰɤ⁵⁵ kʰə² pä⁵⁵ pä⁵⁵/

/hɐp̚² hɐp̚² paː⁵⁵ paː⁵⁵/


三年五載

ㄙㄢ ㄋㄧㄢˊ ㄨˇ ㄗㄞˇ

саньняньуцзай

/sän⁵⁵ ni̯ɛn³⁵ u²¹⁴⁻³⁵ t͡saɪ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/saːm⁵⁵ niːn²¹ ŋ̍¹³ t͡sɔːi̯³⁵/

/sän⁵⁵ ni̯ɛn³⁵ u²¹⁴⁻³⁵ t͡saɪ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/saːm⁵⁵ niːn²¹ ŋ̍¹³ t͡sɔːi̯³⁵/


願聞其詳

ㄩㄢˋ ㄨㄣˊ ㄑㄧˊ ㄒㄧㄤˊ

юаньвэньцисян

/ɥɛn⁵¹ wən³⁵ t͡ɕʰi³⁵ ɕi̯ɑŋ³⁵/

/jyːn²² mɐn²¹ kʰei̯²¹ t͡sʰœːŋ²¹/

/ɥɛn⁵¹ wən³⁵ t͡ɕʰi³⁵ ɕi̯ɑŋ³⁵/

/jyːn²² mɐn²¹ kʰei̯²¹ t͡sʰœːŋ²¹/


瘦骨嶙峋

ㄕㄡˋ ㄍㄨˇ ㄌㄧㄣˊ ㄒㄩㄣˊ

шоугулиньсюнь

/ʂoʊ̯⁵¹ ku²¹⁴⁻²¹ lin³⁵ ɕyn³⁵/

/sɐu̯³³ kʷɐt̚⁵ lɵn²¹ sɵn⁵⁵/

/ʂoʊ̯⁵¹ ku²¹⁴⁻²¹ lin³⁵ ɕyn³⁵/

/sɐu̯³³ kʷɐt̚⁵ lɵn²¹ sɵn⁵⁵/


活蹦亂跳

ㄏㄨㄛˊ ㄅㄥˋ ㄌㄨㄢˋ ㄊㄧㄠˋ

хобэнлуаньтяо

/xu̯ɔ³⁵ pɤŋ⁵¹⁻⁵³ lu̯än⁵¹⁻⁵³ tʰi̯ɑʊ̯⁵¹/

/wuːt̚² pɐŋ⁵⁵ lyːn²² tʰiːu̯³³/

/xu̯ɔ³⁵ pɤŋ⁵¹⁻⁵³ lu̯än⁵¹⁻⁵³ tʰi̯ɑʊ̯⁵¹/

/wuːt̚² pɐŋ⁵⁵ lyːn²² tʰiːu̯³³/


年年有餘

ㄋㄧㄢˊ ㄋㄧㄢˊ ㄧㄡˇ ㄩˊ

/ni̯ɛn³⁵ ni̯ɛn³⁵ joʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ y³⁵/

/niːn²¹ niːn²¹ jɐu̯¹³ jyː²¹/

/n̠ʲiɛn³⁵ n̠ʲiɛn² iu²¹³⁻¹³ y³⁵/

/ni²³⁻²¹ ni²³ iu⁴⁴⁵⁻³³ u²³/

/ni⁵⁵⁻¹¹ ni⁵⁵⁻¹¹ u³⁵⁻¹¹ ɯ⁵⁵/

/ni̯ɛn³⁵ ni̯ɛn³⁵ joʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ y³⁵/

/niːn²¹ niːn²¹ jɐu̯¹³ jyː²¹/

/n̠ʲiɛn³⁵ n̠ʲiɛn² iu²¹³⁻¹³ y³⁵/

/ni²³⁻²¹ ni²³ iu⁴⁴⁵⁻³³ u²³/

/ni⁵⁵⁻¹¹ ni⁵⁵⁻¹¹ u³⁵⁻¹¹ ɯ⁵⁵/


義正言辭

ㄧˋ ㄓㄥˋ ㄧㄢˊ ㄘˊ

/i⁵¹⁻⁵³ ʈ͡ʂɤŋ⁵¹ jɛn³⁵ t͡sʰz̩³⁵/

/i⁵¹⁻⁵³ ʈ͡ʂɤŋ⁵¹ jɛn³⁵ t͡sʰz̩³⁵/

黃國棟開始給李、杜二人培訓之前，忽然抬起脸來，義正言辭地正告拉拉道：[…] [MSC, trad.]
黄国栋开始给李、杜二人培训之前，忽然抬起脸来，义正言辞地正告拉拉道：[…] [MSC, simp.]

From: 2007, Li Ke, 杜拉拉升职记 [A Story of Lala's Promotion]

Huáng Guódòng kāishǐ gěi Lǐ, Dù èrrén péixùn zhīqián, hūrán tái qi liǎn lái, yìzhèngyáncí de zhènggào Lālā dào: […] [Pinyin]

義正詞嚴 義正詞嚴#Chinese

义正词严 义正词严#Chinese

Misconstruction of 義正詞嚴／义正词严 (yìzhèngcíyán)


爭妍鬥豔

ㄓㄥ ㄧㄢˊ ㄉㄡˋ ㄧㄢˋ

чжэнъяньдоуянь

/ʈ͡ʂɤŋ⁵⁵ jɛn³⁵ toʊ̯⁵¹⁻⁵³ jɛn⁵¹/

/ʈ͡ʂɤŋ⁵⁵ jɛn³⁵ toʊ̯⁵¹⁻⁵³ jɛn⁵¹/


燃眉之急

ㄖㄢˊ ㄇㄟˊ ㄓ ㄐㄧˊ

жаньмэйчжицзи

/ʐän³⁵ meɪ̯³⁵ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵⁵ t͡ɕi³⁵/

/jiːn²¹ mei̯²¹ t͡siː⁵⁵ kɐp̚⁵/

/ʐän³⁵ meɪ̯³⁵ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵⁵ t͡ɕi³⁵/

/jiːn²¹ mei̯²¹ t͡siː⁵⁵ kɐp̚⁵/


屢敗屢戰

ㄌㄩˇ ㄅㄞˋ ㄌㄩˇ ㄓㄢˋ

люйбайлюйчжань

/ly²¹⁴⁻²¹ paɪ̯⁵¹ ly²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʈ͡ʂän⁵¹/

/lɵy̯¹³ paːi̯²² lɵy̯¹³ t͡siːn³³/

/ly²¹⁴⁻²¹ paɪ̯⁵¹ ly²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʈ͡ʂän⁵¹/

/lɵy̯¹³ paːi̯²² lɵy̯¹³ t͡siːn³³/

to keep on fighting despite serial defeats


爽然若失

ㄕㄨㄤˇ ㄖㄢˊ ㄖㄨㄛˋ ㄕ

шуанжаньжоши

/ʂu̯ɑŋ²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʐän³⁵ ʐu̯ɔ⁵¹ ʂʐ̩⁵⁵/

/sɔːŋ³⁵ jiːn²¹ jœːk̚² sɐt̚⁵/

/ʂu̯ɑŋ²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʐän³⁵ ʐu̯ɔ⁵¹ ʂʐ̩⁵⁵/

/sɔːŋ³⁵ jiːn²¹ jœːk̚² sɐt̚⁵/


樂此不疲

ㄌㄜˋ ㄘˇ ㄅㄨˋ ㄆㄧˊ

/lɤ⁵¹ t͡sʰz̩²¹⁴⁻²¹ pu⁵¹ pʰi³⁵/

/lɔːk̚² t͡sʰiː³⁵ pɐt̚⁵ pʰei̯²¹/

/lɤ⁵¹ t͡sʰz̩²¹⁴⁻²¹ pu⁵¹ pʰi³⁵/

/lɔːk̚² t͡sʰiː³⁵ pɐt̚⁵ pʰei̯²¹/

to ardently love doing something and not feel tired because of it


蛇蠍心腸

ㄕㄜˊ ㄒㄧㄝ ㄒㄧㄣ ㄔㄤˊ

/ʂɤ³⁵ ɕi̯ɛ⁵⁵ ɕin⁵⁵ ʈ͡ʂʰɑŋ³⁵/

/sɛː²¹ kʰiːt̚³ sɐm⁵⁵ t͡sʰœːŋ²¹/

/ʂɤ³⁵ ɕi̯ɛ⁵⁵ ɕin⁵⁵ ʈ͡ʂʰɑŋ³⁵/

/sɛː²¹ kʰiːt̚³ sɐm⁵⁵ t͡sʰœːŋ²¹/


冬練三九，夏練三伏

ㄉㄨㄥ ㄌㄧㄢˋ ㄙㄢ ㄐㄧㄡˇ

ㄒㄧㄚˋ ㄌㄧㄢˋ ㄙㄢ ㄈㄨˊ

дунляньсаньцзю

сяляньсаньфу

/tʊŋ⁵⁵ li̯ɛn⁵¹ sän⁵⁵ t͡ɕi̯oʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ ɕi̯ä⁵¹⁻⁵³ li̯ɛn⁵¹ sän⁵⁵ fu³⁵/

to carry out training in the coldest and the hottest parts of the year


百業蕭條

ㄅㄞˇ ㄧㄝˋ ㄒㄧㄠ ㄊㄧㄠˊ

/paɪ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ jɛ⁵¹ ɕi̯ɑʊ̯⁵⁵ tʰi̯ɑʊ̯³⁵/

/paɪ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ jɛ⁵¹ ɕi̯ɑʊ̯⁵⁵ tʰi̯ɑʊ̯³⁵/


其勢洶洶

ㄑㄧˊ ㄕˋ ㄒㄩㄥ ㄒㄩㄥ

/t͡ɕʰi³⁵ ʂʐ̩⁵¹ ɕi̯ʊŋ⁵⁵ ɕi̯ʊŋ⁵⁵/

/t͡ɕʰi³⁵ ʂʐ̩⁵¹ ɕi̯ʊŋ⁵⁵ ɕi̯ʊŋ⁵⁵/

誰人不知，兩個拳師放對，聰明的拳師往往退讓一步，而蠢人則其勢洶洶，闢頭就使出全副本領，結果卻往往被退讓者打倒。 [MSC, trad.]
谁人不知，两个拳师放对，聪明的拳师往往退让一步，而蠢人则其势汹汹，辟头就使出全副本领，结果却往往被退让者打倒。 [MSC, simp.]

We all know that when two boxers fight, the clever boxer usually gives a little ground at first, while the foolish one rushes in furiously and uses up all the resources at the very start, and in the end is often beaten by the one who has given ground.

Shéirén bù zhī, liǎng gè quánshī fàngduì, cōngmíng de quánshī wǎngwǎng tuìràng yī bù, ér chǔnrén zé qíshìxiōngxiōng, pītóu jiù shǐchū quánfù běnlǐng, jiéguǒ què wǎngwǎng bèi tuìràngzhě dǎdǎo. [Pinyin]


真知灼見

ㄓㄣ ㄓ ㄓㄨㄛˊ ㄐㄧㄢˋ

чжэньчжичжоцзянь

čžɛnʹčžičžoczjanʹ

/ʈ͡ʂən⁵⁵ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵⁵ ʈ͡ʂu̯ɔ³⁵ t͡ɕi̯ɛn⁵¹/

/t͡sɐn⁵⁵ t͡siː⁵⁵ t͡sœːk̚³ kiːn³³/

/t͡sɐn⁵⁵ t͡siː⁵⁵ t͡sʰœːk̚³ kiːn³³/

/ʈ͡ʂən⁵⁵ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵⁵ ʈ͡ʂu̯ɔ³⁵ t͡ɕi̯ɛn⁵¹/

/t͡sɐn⁵⁵ t͡siː⁵⁵ t͡sœːk̚³ kiːn³³/

/t͡sɐn⁵⁵ t͡siː⁵⁵ t͡sʰœːk̚³ kiːn³³/

real knowledge and deep insight; correct and penetrating views


威武雄壯

ㄨㄟ ㄨˇ ㄒㄩㄥˊ ㄓㄨㄤˋ

вэйусюнчжуан

/weɪ̯⁵⁵ u²¹⁴⁻²¹ ɕi̯ʊŋ³⁵ ʈ͡ʂu̯ɑŋ⁵¹/

/wɐi̯⁵⁵ mou̯¹³ hʊŋ²¹ t͡sɔːŋ³³/

/weɪ̯⁵⁵ u²¹⁴⁻²¹ ɕi̯ʊŋ³⁵ ʈ͡ʂu̯ɑŋ⁵¹/

/wɐi̯⁵⁵ mou̯¹³ hʊŋ²¹ t͡sɔːŋ³³/

軍事家活動的舞臺建築在客觀物質條件的上面，然而軍事家憑著這個舞臺，卻可以導演出許多有聲有色威武雄壯的活劇來。 [MSC, trad.]
军事家活动的舞台建筑在客观物质条件的上面，然而军事家凭着这个舞台，却可以导演出许多有声有色威武雄壮的活剧来。 [MSC, simp.]

The stage of action for military people is built upon objective material conditions, but on that stage they can direct the performance of many a drama, full of sound and colour, power and grandeur.

Jūnshìjiā huódòng de wǔtái jiànzhù zài kèguān wùzhì tiáojiàn de shàngmiàn, rán'ér jūnshìjiā píngzhe zhège wǔtái, què kěyǐ dǎoyǎn chū xǔduō yǒushēngyǒusè wēiwǔxióngzhuàng de huójù lái. [Pinyin]

magnificent and mighty; full of power and grandeur


長驅直進

ㄔㄤˊ ㄑㄩ ㄓˊ ㄐㄧㄣˋ

чанцюйчжицзинь

/ʈ͡ʂʰɑŋ³⁵ t͡ɕʰy⁵⁵ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩³⁵ t͡ɕin⁵¹/

/ʈ͡ʂʰɑŋ³⁵ t͡ɕʰy⁵⁵ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩³⁵ t͡ɕin⁵¹/

我們應該學習它，具體地說，學北伐戰爭的長驅直進和奪取大城市。 [MSC, trad.]
我们应该学习它，具体地说，学北伐战争的长驱直进和夺取大城市。 [MSC, simp.]

We must learn from it, or, to put it more concretely, we must imitate the Northern Expedition in driving straight ahead to seize the big cities.

Wǒmen yīnggāi xuéxí tā, jùtǐ de shuō, xué Běifá Zhànzhēng de chángqūzhíjìn hé duóqǔ dà chéngshì. [Pinyin]


畏敵如虎

ㄨㄟˋ ㄉㄧˊ ㄖㄨˊ ㄏㄨˇ

/weɪ̯⁵¹ ti³⁵ ʐu³⁵ xu²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/weɪ̯⁵¹ ti³⁵ ʐu³⁵ xu²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/


畏縮不前

ㄨㄟˋ ㄙㄨㄛ ㄅㄨˋ ㄑㄧㄢˊ

/weɪ̯⁵¹ su̯ɔ⁵⁵ pu⁵¹ t͡ɕʰi̯ɛn³⁵/

/wɐi̯³³ sʊk̚⁵ pɐt̚⁵ t͡sʰiːn²¹/

/weɪ̯⁵¹ su̯ɔ⁵⁵ pu⁵¹ t͡ɕʰi̯ɛn³⁵/

/wɐi̯³³ sʊk̚⁵ pɐt̚⁵ t͡sʰiːn²¹/

而不要滿足於已得的勝利，輕視敵人，放鬆對於敵人的進攻，或者畏縮不前，坐失消滅敵人的時機，招致革命的失敗。 [MSC, trad.]
而不要满足于已得的胜利，轻视敌人，放松对于敌人的进攻，或者畏缩不前，坐失消灭敌人的时机，招致革命的失败。 [MSC, simp.]

And [the masses] must not rest content with the victories already won, underestimate the enemy, slacken their attacks or hesitate to press forward, and so let slip the opportunity of destroying the enemy, bringing failure to the revolution.

Ér bùyào mǎnzú yú yǐ dé de shènglì, qīngshì dírén, fàngsōng duìyú dírén de jìngōng, huòzhě wèisuōbùqián, zuòshī xiāomiè dírén de shíjī, zhāozhì gémìng de shībài. [Pinyin]

to hesitate to press forward; to recoil in fear


救亡圖存

ㄐㄧㄡˋ ㄨㄤˊ ㄊㄨˊ ㄘㄨㄣˊ

цзювантуцунь

/t͡ɕi̯oʊ̯⁵¹ wɑŋ³⁵ tʰu³⁵ t͡sʰu̯ən³⁵/

/t͡ɕi̯oʊ̯⁵¹ wɑŋ³⁵ tʰu³⁵ t͡sʰu̯ən³⁵/

中國共產黨在革命鬥爭中的偉大的歷史成就，使得今天處在民族敵人侵入的緊急關頭的中國有了救亡圖存的條件。 [MSC, trad.]
中国共产党在革命斗争中的伟大的历史成就，使得今天处在民族敌人侵入的紧急关头的中国有了救亡图存的条件。 [MSC, simp.]

The Party's great historic achievements in its revolutionary struggles have provided the prerequisite for the survival and salvation of China at this critical juncture when she is being invaded by a national enemy.

Zhōngguó Gòngchǎndǎng zài gémìng dòuzhēng zhōng de wěidà de lìshǐ chéngjiù, shǐdé jīntiān chǔzài mínzú dírén qīnrù de jǐnjí guāntóu de Zhōngguó yǒu le jiùwángtúcún de tiáojiàn. [Pinyin]

to save (a country, nation, etc.) and ensure its survival


措置裕如

ㄘㄨㄛˋ ㄓˋ ㄩˋ ㄖㄨˊ

/t͡sʰu̯ɔ⁵¹⁻⁵³ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵¹⁻⁵³ y⁵¹ ʐu³⁵/

/t͡sʰou̯³³ t͡siː³³ jyː²² jyː²¹/

/t͡sʰu̯ɔ⁵¹⁻⁵³ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵¹⁻⁵³ y⁵¹ ʐu³⁵/

/t͡sʰou̯³³ t͡siː³³ jyː²² jyː²¹/


全功盡棄

ㄑㄩㄢˊ ㄍㄨㄥ ㄐㄧㄣˋ ㄑㄧˋ

цюаньгунцзиньци

/t͡ɕʰy̯ɛn³⁵ kʊŋ⁵⁵ t͡ɕin⁵¹⁻⁵³ t͡ɕʰi⁵¹/

/t͡ɕʰy̯ɛn³⁵ kʊŋ⁵⁵ t͡ɕin⁵¹⁻⁵³ t͡ɕʰi⁵¹/

戰爭歷史中有在連戰皆捷之後吃了一個敗仗以至全功盡棄的，有在吃了許多敗仗之後打了一個勝仗因而開展了新局面的。 [MSC, trad.]
战争历史中有在连战皆捷之后吃了一个败仗以至全功尽弃的，有在吃了许多败仗之后打了一个胜仗因而开展了新局面的。 [MSC, simp.]

In the history of war, there are instances where defeat in a single battle nullified all the advantages of a series of victories, and there are also instances where victory in a single battle after many defeats opened up a new situation.

Zhànzhēng lìshǐ zhōng yǒu zài liánzhànjiējié zhīhòu chī le yīge bàizhàng yǐzhì quángōngjìnqì de, yǒu zài chī le xǔduō bàizhàng zhīhòu dǎ le yīge shèngzhàng yīn'ér kāizhǎn le xīn júmiàn de. [Pinyin]

to nullify all the advantages; to waste all efforts made


視為畏途

ㄕˋ ㄨㄟˊ ㄨㄟˋ ㄊㄨˊ

/ʂʐ̩⁵¹ weɪ̯³⁵ weɪ̯⁵¹ tʰu³⁵/

/siː²² wɐi̯²¹ wɐi̯³³ tʰou̯²¹/

/ʂʐ̩⁵¹ weɪ̯³⁵ weɪ̯⁵¹ tʰu³⁵/

/siː²² wɐi̯²¹ wɐi̯³³ tʰou̯²¹/

to view as a dangerous road; to regard as a perilous undertaking


滅此朝食

ㄇㄧㄝˋ ㄘˇ ㄓㄠ ㄕˊ

/mi̯ɛ⁵¹ t͡sʰz̩²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʈ͡ʂɑʊ̯⁵⁵ ʂʐ̩³⁵/

/miːt̚² t͡sʰiː³⁵ t͡siːu̯⁵⁵ sɪk̚²/

/mi̯ɛ⁵¹ t͡sʰz̩²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʈ͡ʂɑʊ̯⁵⁵ ʂʐ̩³⁵/

/miːt̚² t͡sʰiː³⁵ t͡siːu̯⁵⁵ sɪk̚²/

From 《左傳·成公二年》: 余姑翦滅此而朝食.

to not have breakfast before the enemy is wiped out

(figuratively) to be resolute to annihilate the enemy


挑燈夜戰

ㄊㄧㄠˇ ㄉㄥ ㄧㄝˋ ㄓㄢˋ

тяодэнъечжань

/tʰi̯ɑʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ tɤŋ⁵⁵ jɛ⁵¹⁻⁵³ ʈ͡ʂän⁵¹/

/tʰiːu̯⁵⁵ tɐŋ⁵⁵ jɛː²² t͡siːn³³/

/tʰi̯ɑʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ tɤŋ⁵⁵ jɛ⁵¹⁻⁵³ ʈ͡ʂän⁵¹/

/tʰiːu̯⁵⁵ tɐŋ⁵⁵ jɛː²² t͡siːn³³/

burn the midnight oil
burn the midnight oil

to work late into the night; to burn the midnight oil


養精蓄銳

ㄧㄤˇ ㄐㄧㄥ ㄒㄩˋ ㄖㄨㄟˋ

янцзинсюйжуй

/jɑŋ²¹⁴⁻²¹ t͡ɕiŋ⁵⁵ ɕy⁵¹⁻⁵³ ʐu̯eɪ̯⁵¹/

/jœːŋ¹³ t͡sɪŋ⁵⁵ t͡sʰʊk̚⁵ jɵy̯²²/

/jɑŋ²¹⁴⁻²¹ t͡ɕiŋ⁵⁵ ɕy⁵¹⁻⁵³ ʐu̯eɪ̯⁵¹/

/jœːŋ¹³ t͡sɪŋ⁵⁵ t͡sʰʊk̚⁵ jɵy̯²²/

紅軍雖弱，卻養精蓄銳，以逸待勞。 [MSC, trad.]
红军虽弱，却养精蓄锐，以逸待劳。 [MSC, simp.]

But the Red Army, though weak, has conserved its strength and stored up its energy, and is waiting at its ease [for the fatigued enemy].

Hóngjūn suī ruò, què yǎngjīngxùruì, yǐyìdàiláo. [Pinyin]


智勇雙全

CJKV/code

Sino-Xenic (智勇雙全):
* → Vietnamese: trí dũng song toàn (智勇雙全)

ㄓˋ ㄩㄥˇ ㄕㄨㄤ ㄑㄩㄢˊ

чжиюншуанцюань

/ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵¹ jʊŋ²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʂu̯ɑŋ⁵⁵ t͡ɕʰy̯ɛn³⁵/

/t͡siː³³ jʊŋ¹³ sœːŋ⁵⁵ t͡sʰyːn²¹/

/ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵¹ jʊŋ²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʂu̯ɑŋ⁵⁵ t͡ɕʰy̯ɛn³⁵/

/t͡siː³³ jʊŋ¹³ sœːŋ⁵⁵ t͡sʰyːn²¹/

我們要求在戰爭過程中一般地打勝仗的勇敢而明智的將軍——智勇雙全的將軍。 [MSC, trad.]
我们要求在战争过程中一般地打胜仗的勇敢而明智的将军——智勇双全的将军。 [MSC, simp.]
Wǒmen yāoqiú zài zhànzhēng guòchéng zhōng yībān de dǎ shèngzhàng de yǒnggǎn ér míngzhì de jiāngjūn — zhìyǒngshuāngquán de jiāngjūn. [Pinyin]

What we can ask for is generals who are brave and sagacious and who normally win their battles in the course of a war, generals who combine wisdom with courage.

both wise and courageous; both brave and sagacious


縱橫馳騁

ㄗㄨㄥ ㄏㄥˊ ㄔˊ ㄔㄥˇ

цзунхэнчичэн

/t͡sʊŋ⁵⁵ xɤŋ³⁵ ʈ͡ʂʰʐ̩³⁵ ʈ͡ʂʰɤŋ²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/t͡sʊŋ⁵⁵ waːŋ²¹ t͡sʰiː²¹ pʰɪŋ³³/

/t͡sʊŋ⁵⁵ waːŋ²¹ t͡sʰiː²¹ pʰɪŋ³³/

to sweep over the length and breadth of the area; to maneuver freely; to run unhindered


孤軍作戰

ㄍㄨ ㄐㄩㄣ ㄗㄨㄛˋ ㄓㄢˋ

гуцзюньцзочжань

/ku⁵⁵ t͡ɕyn⁵⁵ t͡su̯ɔ⁵¹⁻⁵³ ʈ͡ʂän⁵¹/

/kuː⁵⁵ kʷɐn⁵⁵ t͡sɔːk̚³ t͡siːn³³/

/ku⁵⁵ t͡ɕyn⁵⁵ t͡su̯ɔ⁵¹⁻⁵³ ʈ͡ʂän⁵¹/

/kuː⁵⁵ kʷɐn⁵⁵ t͡sɔːk̚³ t͡siːn³³/

你並非孤軍作戰。 [MSC, trad.]
你并非孤军作战。 [MSC, simp.]

可以說我們已經脫離了過去的那種慢慢發展的孤軍作戰的景況。 [MSC, trad.]
可以说我们已经脱离了过去的那种慢慢发展的孤军作战的景况。 [MSC, simp.]

It can be said that we have outgrown the past state of slow development and fighting in isolation.

Kěyǐ shuō wǒmen yǐjīng tuōlí le guòqù de nà zhǒng mànmàn fāzhǎn de gūjūnzuòzhàn de jǐngkuàng. [Pinyin]


魯莽滅裂

ㄌㄨˇ ㄇㄤˇ ㄇㄧㄝˋ ㄌㄧㄝˋ

/lu²¹⁴⁻³⁵ mɑŋ²¹⁴⁻²¹ mi̯ɛ⁵¹⁻⁵³ li̯ɛ⁵¹/

/lu²¹⁴⁻³⁵ mɑŋ²¹⁴⁻²¹ mi̯ɛ⁵¹⁻⁵³ li̯ɛ⁵¹/

我軍全然不講退卻，原因在於對局部形勢和整個形勢都不注意，實在是一種魯莽滅裂的幹法。 [MSC, trad.]
我军全然不讲退却，原因在于对局部形势和整个形势都不注意，实在是一种鲁莽灭裂的干法。 [MSC, simp.]

Our army gave no consideration whatsoever to retreat, because it did not take account of either the partial or the total situation, and this was really rash and foolhardy conduct.

Wǒjūn quánrán bù jiǎng tuìquè, yuányīn zàiyú duì júbù xíngshì hé zhěngge xíngshì dōu bù zhùyì, shízài shì yīzhǒng lǔmǎngmièliè de gànfǎ. [Pinyin]


人人皆知

ㄖㄣˊ ㄖㄣˊ ㄐㄧㄝ ㄓ

жэньжэньцзечжи

žɛnʹžɛnʹczečži

/ʐən³⁵ ʐən³⁵ t͡ɕi̯ɛ⁵⁵ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵⁵/

/jɐn²¹ jɐn²¹ kaːi̯⁵⁵ t͡siː⁵⁵/

/ʐən³⁵ ʐən³⁵ t͡ɕi̯ɛ⁵⁵ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵⁵/

/jɐn²¹ jɐn²¹ kaːi̯⁵⁵ t͡siː⁵⁵/

人人皆知的秘密

人人皆知以多勝少是最好的辦法，然而很多人不能做，相反地每每分散兵力。 [MSC, trad.]
人人皆知以多胜少是最好的办法，然而很多人不能做，相反地每每分散兵力。 [MSC, simp.]

Everybody knows that the best way is to use a large force to defeat a small one, and yet many people fail to do so and on the contrary often divide their forces up.

Rénrénjiēzhī yǐduōshèngshǎo shì zuìhǎo de bànfǎ, rán'ér hěnduō rén bùnéng zuò, xiāngfǎn de měiměi fēnsàn bīnglì. [Pinyin]


高人一等

ㄍㄠ ㄖㄣˊ ㄧ ㄉㄥˇ

/kɑʊ̯⁵⁵ ʐən³⁵ i⁵⁵⁻⁵¹ tɤŋ²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/kou̯⁵⁵ jɐn²¹ jɐt̚⁵ tɐŋ³⁵/

/kɤ⁴⁴⁻³³ zin²³⁻³³ it̚³²⁻⁴ tiɪŋ⁴¹/

/kɑʊ̯⁵⁵ ʐən³⁵ i⁵⁵⁻⁵¹ tɤŋ²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/kou̯⁵⁵ jɐn²¹ jɐt̚⁵ tɐŋ³⁵/

/kɤ⁴⁴⁻³³ zin²³⁻³³ it̚³²⁻⁴ tiɪŋ⁴¹/

我們只有使自己操練得高人一等，才有戰略勝利的可能。 [MSC, trad.]
我们只有使自己操练得高人一等，才有战略胜利的可能。 [MSC, simp.]

Only when we have trained ourselves to be a head taller than the enemy will strategic victories be possible.

Wǒmen zhǐyǒu shǐ zìjǐ cāoliàn de gāorényīděng, cái yǒu zhànlüè shènglì de kěnéng. [Pinyin]

to be superior to others; to be a head taller than others


深孚眾望

ㄕㄣ ㄈㄨˊ ㄓㄨㄥˋ ㄨㄤˋ

шэньфучжунван

/ʂən⁵⁵ fu³⁵ ʈ͡ʂʊŋ⁵¹⁻⁵³ wɑŋ⁵¹/

/sɐm⁵⁵ fuː⁵⁵ t͡sʊŋ³³ mɔːŋ²²/

/ʂən⁵⁵ fu³⁵ ʈ͡ʂʊŋ⁵¹⁻⁵³ wɑŋ⁵¹/

/sɐm⁵⁵ fuː⁵⁵ t͡sʊŋ³³ mɔːŋ²²/

to enjoy great popularity; to enjoy high prestige


彼竭我盈

ㄅㄧˇ ㄐㄧㄝˊ ㄨㄛˇ ㄧㄥˊ

/pi²¹⁴⁻²¹ t͡ɕi̯ɛ³⁵ wɔ²¹⁴⁻²¹ iŋ³⁵/

/pi²¹⁴⁻²¹ t͡ɕi̯ɛ³⁵ wɔ²¹⁴⁻²¹ iŋ³⁵/

彼竭我盈，故克之。 [Classical Chinese, trad. and simp.]

From: Commentary of Zuo, c. 4ᵗʰ century BCE

When the enemy's courage ran out, ours was still high and so we won.

the enemy's courage is running out and one's own is high


後發制人

ㄏㄡˋ ㄈㄚ ㄓˋ ㄖㄣˊ

хоуфачжижэнь

/xoʊ̯⁵¹ fä⁵⁵ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵¹ ʐən³⁵/

/hɐu̯²² faːt̚³ t͡sɐi̯³³ jɐn²¹/

/xoʊ̯⁵¹ fä⁵⁵ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵¹ ʐən³⁵/

/hɐu̯²² faːt̚³ t͡sɐi̯³³ jɐn²¹/

都是雙方強弱不同，弱者先讓一步，後發制人，因而戰勝的。 [MSC, trad.]
都是双方强弱不同，弱者先让一步，后发制人，因而战胜的。 [MSC, simp.]

In each case the contending sides were unequal, and the weaker side, yielding some ground at first, gained mastery by striking only after the enemy had struck and so defeated the stronger side.

Dōu shì shuāngfāng qiángruò bùtóng, ruòzhě xiān ràng yībù, hòufāzhìrén, yīn'ér zhànshèng de. [Pinyin]

to gain mastery by striking only after the enemy had struck


一鼓作氣

ㄧ ㄍㄨˇ ㄗㄨㄛˋ ㄑㄧˋ

/i⁵⁵⁻⁵¹ ku²¹⁴⁻²¹ t͡su̯ɔ⁵¹⁻⁵³ t͡ɕʰi⁵¹/

/jɐt̚⁵ kuː³⁵ t͡sɔːk̚³ hei̯³³/

/i⁵⁵⁻⁵¹ ku²¹⁴⁻²¹ t͡su̯ɔ⁵¹⁻⁵³ t͡ɕʰi⁵¹/

/jɐt̚⁵ kuː³⁵ t͡sɔːk̚³ hei̯³³/

From Zuo Zhuan, regrading Cao Gui's (曹劌) tactics in the Battle of Changshao (《左傳·莊公十年》):
:
公與之乘。戰於長勺。公將鼓之。劌曰：『未可。』齊人三鼓，劌曰：『可矣。』齊師敗績。……既克，公問其故。對曰：『夫戰，勇氣也，一鼓作氣，再而衰，三而竭。彼竭我盈，故克之。…… [Classical Chinese, trad.]公与之乘。战于长勺。公将鼓之。刿曰：『未可。』齐人三鼓，刿曰：『可矣。』齐师败绩。……既克，公问其故。对曰：『夫战，勇气也，一鼓作气，再而衰，三而竭。彼竭我盈，故克之。…… [Classical Chinese, simp.]
From: Commentary of Zuo, c. 4ᵗʰ century BCE, translated based on James Legge's version
Gōng yǔ zhī chéng. Zhàn yú Chángsháo. Gōng jiāng gǔ zhī. Guì yuē: ‘Wèikě.’ Qí rén sān gǔ, Guì yuē: ‘Kě yǐ.’ Qí shī bàijì....... Jì kè, Gōng wèn qí gù. Duì yuē: ‘Fú zhàn, yǒngqì yě, yīgǔ zuò qì, zài ér shuāi, sān ér jié. Bǐ jié wǒ yíng, gù kè zhī....... [Pinyin]
The duke took him with him in his chariot. The battle was fought in Changshao. The duke was about to order the drums to beat an advance, when Gui said, "Not yet;" and after the men of Qi had advanced three times with their drums beating, he said, "Now is the time." The army of Qi received a severe defeat; … When the victoiy had been secured, the duke asked Gui the reasons of what he had done. "In fighting," was the reply, "all depends on the courageous spirit. When the drums first beat, that excites the spirit. A second advance occasions a diminution of the spirit; and with a third, it is exhausted. With our spirit at the highest pitch we fell on them with their spirit exhausted; and so we conquered them. …

zh-x

^公 與 之 乘。戰 於 @^長勺。^公 將 鼓 之。^@劌 曰：『未可。』^齊 人 三 鼓，^@劌 曰：『可 矣。』^齊 師 敗績。……既 克，^公 問 其 故。對 曰：『夫{fú} 戰，勇氣 也，一鼓.作.氣，再 而 衰，三 而 竭。彼 竭 我 盈，故 克 之。……

(literary) to accomplish in one vigorous effort


頭角崢嶸

ㄊㄡˊ ㄐㄧㄠˇ ㄓㄥ ㄖㄨㄥˊ

тоуцзяочжэнжун

/tʰoʊ̯³⁵ t͡ɕi̯ɑʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʈ͡ʂɤŋ⁵⁵ ʐʊŋ³⁵/

/tʰɐu̯²¹ kɔːk̚³ t͡saːŋ⁵⁵ wɪŋ²¹/

/tʰoʊ̯³⁵ t͡ɕi̯ɑʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʈ͡ʂɤŋ⁵⁵ ʐʊŋ³⁵/

/tʰɐu̯²¹ kɔːk̚³ t͡saːŋ⁵⁵ wɪŋ²¹/

full of talent; brilliant and outstanding


多災多難

ㄉㄨㄛ ㄗㄞ ㄉㄨㄛ ㄋㄢˋ

доцзайдонань

/tu̯ɔ⁵⁵ t͡saɪ̯⁵⁵ tu̯ɔ⁵⁵ nän⁵¹/

/tɔː⁵⁵ t͡sɔːi̯⁵⁵ tɔː⁵⁵ naːn²²/

/tu̯ɔ⁵⁵ t͡saɪ̯⁵⁵ tu̯ɔ⁵⁵ nän⁵¹/

/tɔː⁵⁵ t͡sɔːi̯⁵⁵ tɔː⁵⁵ naːn²²/

我們這個國家真是多災多難。 [MSC, trad.]
我们这个国家真是多灾多难。 [MSC, simp.]

Wǒmen zhège guójiā zhēnshì duōzāiduōnàn. [Pinyin]


多難興邦

ㄉㄨㄛ ㄋㄢˋ ㄒㄧㄥ ㄅㄤ

донаньсинбан

/tu̯ɔ⁵⁵ nän⁵¹ ɕiŋ⁵⁵ pɑŋ⁵⁵/

/tɔː⁵⁵ naːn²² hɪŋ⁵⁵ pɔːŋ⁵⁵/

/tu̯ɔ⁵⁵ nän⁵¹ ɕiŋ⁵⁵ pɑŋ⁵⁵/

/tɔː⁵⁵ naːn²² hɪŋ⁵⁵ pɔːŋ⁵⁵/

the numerous disasters may bring the people of country together to revive the country


取信於民

ㄑㄩˇ ㄒㄧㄣˋ ㄩˊ ㄇㄧㄣˊ

цюйсиньюйминь

/t͡ɕʰy²¹⁴⁻²¹ ɕin⁵¹ y³⁵ min³⁵/

/t͡sʰɵy̯³⁵ sɵn³³ jyː⁵⁵ mɐn²¹/

/t͡ɕʰy²¹⁴⁻²¹ ɕin⁵¹ y³⁵ min³⁵/

/t͡sʰɵy̯³⁵ sɵn³³ jyː⁵⁵ mɐn²¹/

to attain the people's trust; to win the confidence of the people


轍亂旗靡

wheeltracks crisscrossed and banners drooping

ㄓㄜˊ ㄌㄨㄢˋ ㄑㄧˊ ㄇㄧˇ

ㄔㄜˋ ㄌㄨㄢˋ ㄑㄧˊ ㄇㄧˇ

чжэлуаньцими

/ʈ͡ʂɤ³⁵ lu̯än⁵¹ t͡ɕʰi³⁵ mi²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/ʈ͡ʂʰɤ⁵¹⁻⁵³ lu̯än⁵¹ t͡ɕʰi³⁵ mi²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/ʈ͡ʂɤ³⁵ lu̯än⁵¹ t͡ɕʰi³⁵ mi²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

(of the enemy) to be defeated and dispersed


無隙可乘

ㄨˊ ㄒㄧˋ ㄎㄜˇ ㄔㄥˊ

/u³⁵ ɕi⁵¹ kʰɤ²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʈ͡ʂʰɤŋ³⁵/

/mou̯²¹ kʷɪk̚⁵ hɔː³⁵ sɪŋ²¹/

/u³⁵ ɕi⁵¹ kʰɤ²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʈ͡ʂʰɤŋ³⁵/

/mou̯²¹ kʷɪk̚⁵ hɔː³⁵ sɪŋ²¹/

有時退到該地區還無隙可乘，便不得不再退幾步，待敵發生可乘之「隙」。 [MSC, trad.]
有时退到该地区还无隙可乘，便不得不再退几步，待敌发生可乘之「隙」。 [MSC, simp.]

Sometimes when we have retreated to the predetermined area and not yet found openings to exploit, we have to retreat farther and wait for the enemy to give us an opening.

Yǒushí tuì dào gāi dìqū hái wúxìkěchéng, biàn bùdébù zài tuì jǐ bù, dài dí fāshēng kě chéng zhī “xì”. [Pinyin]


肉食者鄙

ㄖㄡˋ ㄕˊ ㄓㄜˇ ㄅㄧˇ

/ʐoʊ̯⁵¹ ʂʐ̩³⁵ ʈ͡ʂɤ²¹⁴⁻³⁵ pi²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/jʊk̚² sɪk̚² t͡sɛː³⁵ pʰei̯³⁵/

/ʐoʊ̯⁵¹ ʂʐ̩³⁵ ʈ͡ʂɤ²¹⁴⁻³⁵ pi²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/jʊk̚² sɪk̚² t͡sɛː³⁵ pʰei̯³⁵/

肉食者鄙，未能遠謀。 [Classical Chinese, trad.]
肉食者鄙，未能远谋。 [Classical Chinese, simp.]

Meat-eaters are fools, they cannot plan ahead.


罈罈罐罐

ㄊㄢˊ ㄊㄢˊ ㄍㄨㄢˋ ㄍㄨㄢˋ

таньтаньгуаньгуань

/tʰän³⁵ tʰän³⁵ ku̯än⁵¹⁻⁵³ ku̯än⁵¹/

/tʰän³⁵ tʰän³⁵ ku̯än⁵¹⁻⁵³ ku̯än⁵¹/


行若無事

ㄒㄧㄥˊ ㄖㄨㄛˋ ㄨˊ ㄕˋ

/ɕiŋ³⁵ ʐu̯ɔ⁵¹ u³⁵ ʂʐ̩⁵¹/

/ɕiŋ³⁵ ʐu̯ɔ⁵¹ u³⁵ ʂʐ̩⁵¹/

聽了不正確的議論也不爭辯，甚至聽了反革命分子的話也不報告，泰然處之，行若無事。 [MSC, trad.]
听了不正确的议论也不争辩，甚至听了反革命分子的话也不报告，泰然处之，行若无事。 [MSC, simp.]

From: 1937, 毛澤東 (Mao Zedong), 《反對自由主義》 (Combat Liberalism), 《毛澤東選集》. English translation based on the Foreign Languages Press edition

To hear incorrect views without rebutting them and even to hear counter-revolutionary remarks without reporting them, but instead to take them calmly as if nothing had happened.

Tīng le bù zhèngquè de yìlùn yě bù zhēngbiàn, shènzhì tīng le fǎngémìng fènzǐ de huà yě bù bàogào, tàiránchǔzhī, xíngruòwúshì. [Pinyin]

as if nothing had happened
as if nothing had happened


乘勝直追

ㄔㄥˊ ㄕㄥˋ ㄓˊ ㄓㄨㄟ

чэншэнчжичжуй

čɛnšɛnčžičžuj

/ʈ͡ʂʰɤŋ³⁵ ʂɤŋ⁵¹ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩³⁵ ʈ͡ʂu̯eɪ̯⁵⁵/

/ʈ͡ʂʰɤŋ³⁵ ʂɤŋ⁵¹ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩³⁵ ʈ͡ʂu̯eɪ̯⁵⁵/


淡泊名利

ㄉㄢˋ ㄅㄛˊ ㄇㄧㄥˊ ㄌㄧˋ

/tän⁵¹ pu̯ɔ³⁵ miŋ³⁵ li⁵¹/

/taːm²² pɔːk̚² mɪŋ²¹ lei̯²²/

/tän⁵¹ pu̯ɔ³⁵ miŋ³⁵ li⁵¹/

/taːm²² pɔːk̚² mɪŋ²¹ lei̯²²/


以身殉職

ㄧˇ ㄕㄣ ㄒㄩㄣˋ ㄓˊ

ишэньсюньчжи

/i²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʂən⁵⁵ ɕyn⁵¹ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩³⁵/

/i²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʂən⁵⁵ ɕyn⁵¹ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩³⁵/


泰然處之

ㄊㄞˋ ㄖㄢˊ ㄔㄨˇ ㄓ

тайжаньчучжи

/tʰaɪ̯⁵¹ ʐän³⁵ ʈ͡ʂʰu²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵⁵/

/tʰaːi̯³³ jiːn²¹ t͡sʰyː³⁵ t͡siː⁵⁵/

/tʰaɪ̯⁵¹ ʐän³⁵ ʈ͡ʂʰu²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵⁵/

/tʰaːi̯³³ jiːn²¹ t͡sʰyː³⁵ t͡siː⁵⁵/

to take things calmly; to handle the situation calmly


漠然置之

ㄇㄛˋ ㄖㄢˊ ㄓˋ ㄓ

можаньчжичжи

možanʹčžičži

/mu̯ɔ⁵¹ ʐän³⁵ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵¹ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵⁵/

/mɔːk̚² jiːn²¹ t͡siː³³ t͡siː⁵⁵/

/mu̯ɔ⁵¹ ʐän³⁵ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵¹ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵⁵/

/mɔːk̚² jiːn²¹ t͡siː³³ t͡siː⁵⁵/

見群眾不宣傳，不鼓動，不演說，不調查，不詢問，不關心其痛癢，漠然置之。 [MSC, trad.]
见群众不宣传，不鼓动，不演说，不调查，不询问，不关心其痛痒，漠然置之。 [MSC, simp.]

To be among the masses and fail to conduct propaganda and agitation or speak at meetings or conduct investigations and inquiries among them, and instead to be indifferent to them and show no concern for their well-being.

Jiàn qúnzhòng bù xuānchuán, bù gǔdòng, bù yǎnshuō, bù diàochá, bù xúnwèn, bù guānxīn qí tòngyǎng, mòránzhìzhī. [Pinyin]

to show indifference to; to turn a blind eye


滿腔熱忱

ㄇㄢˇ ㄑㄧㄤ ㄖㄜˋ ㄔㄣˊ

маньцянжэчэнь

/män²¹⁴⁻²¹ t͡ɕʰi̯ɑŋ⁵⁵ ʐɤ⁵¹ ʈ͡ʂʰən³⁵/

/muːn¹³ hɔːŋ⁵⁵ jiːt̚² sɐm²¹/

/män²¹⁴⁻²¹ t͡ɕʰi̯ɑŋ⁵⁵ ʐɤ⁵¹ ʈ͡ʂʰən³⁵/

/muːn¹³ hɔːŋ⁵⁵ jiːt̚² sɐm²¹/

to be full of enthusiasm; to be filled with ardor and sincerity


事不關己

ㄕˋ ㄅㄨˋ ㄍㄨㄢ ㄐㄧˇ

шибугуаньцзи

/ʂʐ̩⁵¹⁻⁵³ pu⁵¹ ku̯än⁵⁵ t͡ɕi²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/siː²² pɐt̚⁵ kʷaːn⁵⁵ kei̯³⁵/

/ʂʐ̩⁵¹⁻⁵³ pu⁵¹ ku̯än⁵⁵ t͡ɕi²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/siː²² pɐt̚⁵ kʷaːn⁵⁵ kei̯³⁵/


不加思索

ㄅㄨˋ ㄐㄧㄚ ㄙ ㄙㄨㄛˇ

/pu⁵¹ t͡ɕi̯ä⁵⁵ sz̩⁵⁵ su̯ɔ²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/pɐt̚⁵ kaː⁵⁵ siː⁵⁵ sɔːk̚³/

/pu⁵¹ t͡ɕi̯ä⁵⁵ sz̩⁵⁵ su̯ɔ²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/pɐt̚⁵ kaː⁵⁵ siː⁵⁵ sɔːk̚³/

一類所謂朋友，他們自稱是中國人民的朋友；中國人中間有些人也不加思索地稱他們做朋友。 [MSC, trad.]
一类所谓朋友，他们自称是中国人民的朋友；中国人中间有些人也不加思索地称他们做朋友。 [MSC, simp.]

From: Mao Zedong, Stalin, Friend of the Chinese People

There are so-called friends, self-styled friends of the Chinese people, whom even some Chinese unthinkingly accept as friends.

Yī lèi suǒwèi péngyou, tāmen zìchēng shì Zhōngguó rénmín de péngyou; zhōngguórén zhōngjiān yǒuxiē rén yě bùjiāsīsuǒ de chēng tāmen zuò péngyou. [Pinyin]

不假思索 不假思索#Chinese

Synonym of 不假思索 (bùjiǎ-sīsuǒ, “without hesitation; without thought”)


襟懷坦白

ㄐㄧㄣ ㄏㄨㄞˊ ㄊㄢˇ ㄅㄞˊ

цзиньхуайтаньбай

/t͡ɕin⁵⁵ xu̯aɪ̯³⁵ tʰän²¹⁴⁻²¹ paɪ̯³⁵/

/kʰɐm⁵⁵ waːi̯²¹ tʰaːn³⁵ paːk̚²/

/t͡ɕin⁵⁵ xu̯aɪ̯³⁵ tʰän²¹⁴⁻²¹ paɪ̯³⁵/

/kʰɐm⁵⁵ waːi̯²¹ tʰaːn³⁵ paːk̚²/

一個共產黨員，應該是襟懷坦白，忠實，積極，以革命利益為第一生命，以個人利益服從革命利益。 [MSC, trad.]
一个共产党员，应该是襟怀坦白，忠实，积极，以革命利益为第一生命，以个人利益服从革命利益。 [MSC, simp.]

A Communist should have largeness of mind and should be staunch and active, looking upon the interests of the revolution as their very life and subordinating their personal interests to those of the revolution.

Yīge Gòngchǎndǎngyuán, yīnggāi shì jīnhuáitǎnbái, zhōngshí, jījí, yǐ gémìng lìyì wéi dìyī shēngmìng, yǐ gèrén lìyì fúcóng gémìng lìyì. [Pinyin]

to have largeness of mind; to be magnanimous and unselfish


敷衍了事

ㄈㄨ ㄧㄢˇ ㄌㄧㄠˇ ㄕˋ

/fu⁵⁵ jɛn²¹⁴⁻³⁵ li̯ɑʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʂʐ̩⁵¹/

/fuː⁵⁵ hiːn³⁵ liːu̯¹³ siː²²/

/fu⁵⁵ jɛn²¹⁴⁻³⁵ li̯ɑʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʂʐ̩⁵¹/

/fuː⁵⁵ hiːn³⁵ liːu̯¹³ siː²²/

go through the motions
go through the motions

to work halfheartedly; to gloss things over; to go through the motions


見異思遷

ㄐㄧㄢˋ ㄧˋ ㄙ ㄑㄧㄢ

цзяньисыцянь

/t͡ɕi̯ɛn⁵¹⁻⁵³ i⁵¹ sz̩⁵⁵ t͡ɕʰi̯ɛn⁵⁵/

/kiːn³³ jiː²² siː⁵⁵ t͡sʰiːn⁵⁵/

/kiaŋ²¹³⁻⁵⁵ i³⁵⁻¹¹ sɯ³³⁻²³ t͡sʰiaŋ³³/

/t͡ɕi̯ɛn⁵¹⁻⁵³ i⁵¹ sz̩⁵⁵ t͡ɕʰi̯ɛn⁵⁵/

/kiːn³³ jiː²² siː⁵⁵ t͡sʰiːn⁵⁵/

/kiaŋ²¹³⁻⁵⁵ i³⁵⁻¹¹ sɯ³³⁻²³ t͡sʰiaŋ³³/

to change one's mind the moment one sees something new


事不關己，己不勞心

ㄕˋ ㄅㄨˋ ㄍㄨㄢ ㄐㄧˇ

ㄐㄧˇ ㄅㄨˋ ㄌㄠˊ ㄒㄧㄣ

si⁶ bat¹ gwaan¹ gei², gei² bat¹ lou⁴ sam¹

шибугуаньцзи

цзибулаосинь

/ʂʐ̩⁵¹⁻⁵³ pu⁵¹ ku̯än⁵⁵ t͡ɕi²¹⁴⁻³⁵ t͡ɕi²¹⁴⁻²¹ pu⁵¹ lɑʊ̯³⁵ ɕin⁵⁵/

si⁶ bat⁷ gwaan¹ gei², gei² bat⁷ lou⁴ sam¹

xi⁶ bed¹ guan¹ géi², géi² bed¹ lou⁴ sem¹

/siː²² pɐt̚⁵ kʷaːn⁵⁵ kei̯³⁵ kei̯³⁵ pɐt̚⁵ lou̯²¹ sɐm⁵⁵/

if the matter does not concern oneself, one should not worry about it; never mind others' business


遲疑未決

ㄔˊ ㄧˊ ㄨㄟˋ ㄐㄩㄝˊ

/ʈ͡ʂʰʐ̩³⁵ i³⁵ weɪ̯⁵¹ t͡ɕy̯ɛ³⁵/

/t͡sʰiː²¹ jiː²¹ mei̯²² kʰyːt̚³/

/ʈ͡ʂʰʐ̩³⁵ i³⁵ weɪ̯⁵¹ t͡ɕy̯ɛ³⁵/

/t͡sʰiː²¹ jiː²¹ mei̯²² kʰyːt̚³/


素未謀面

ㄙㄨˋ ㄨㄟˋ ㄇㄡˊ ㄇㄧㄢˋ

сувэймоумянь

/su⁵¹⁻⁵³ weɪ̯⁵¹ moʊ̯³⁵ mi̯ɛn⁵¹/

/sou̯³³ mei̯²² mɐu̯²¹ miːn²²/

/su²¹³⁻⁵⁵ bue¹¹ mou⁵⁵⁻¹¹ miŋ¹¹/

/su⁵¹⁻⁵³ weɪ̯⁵¹ moʊ̯³⁵ mi̯ɛn⁵¹/

/sou̯³³ mei̯²² mɐu̯²¹ miːn²²/

/su²¹³⁻⁵⁵ bue¹¹ mou⁵⁵⁻¹¹ miŋ¹¹/


事不關己，高高掛起

ㄕˋ ㄅㄨˋ ㄍㄨㄢ ㄐㄧˇ

ㄍㄠ ㄍㄠ ㄍㄨㄚˋ ㄑㄧˇ

si⁶ bat¹ gwaan¹ gei², gou¹ gou¹ gwaa³ hei²

шибугуаньцзи

гаогао гуаци

/ʂʐ̩⁵¹⁻⁵³ pu⁵¹ ku̯än⁵⁵ t͡ɕi²¹⁴⁻²¹ kɑʊ̯⁵⁵ kɑʊ̯⁵⁵ ku̯ä⁵¹ t͡ɕʰi²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

si⁶ bat⁷ gwaan¹ gei², gou¹ gou¹ gwaa³ hei²

xi⁶ bed¹ guan¹ géi², gou¹ gou¹ gua³ héi²

/siː²² pɐt̚⁵ kʷaːn⁵⁵ kei̯³⁵ kou̯⁵⁵ kou̯⁵⁵ kʷaː³³ hei̯³⁵/

to let things drift if they do not affect one personally


冷冷清清

ㄌㄥˇ ㄌㄥˇ ㄑㄧㄥ ㄑㄧㄥ

лэнлэнцинцин

/lɤŋ²¹⁴⁻³⁵ lɤŋ²¹⁴⁻²¹ t͡ɕʰiŋ⁵⁵ t͡ɕʰiŋ⁵⁵/

/laːŋ¹³ laːŋ¹³ t͡sʰɪŋ⁵⁵ t͡sʰɪŋ⁵⁵/

/lɤŋ²¹⁴⁻³⁵ lɤŋ²¹⁴⁻²¹ t͡ɕʰiŋ⁵⁵ t͡ɕʰiŋ⁵⁵/

/laːŋ¹³ laːŋ¹³ t͡sʰɪŋ⁵⁵ t͡sʰɪŋ⁵⁵/

AABB-type reduplication of 冷清 (lěngqīng).

zh-AABB

cold and cheerless; desolate; lonely; deserted


遲疑不決

ㄔˊ ㄧˊ ㄅㄨˋ ㄐㄩㄝˊ

/ʈ͡ʂʰʐ̩³⁵ i³⁵ pu⁵¹ t͡ɕy̯ɛ³⁵/

/t͡sʰiː²¹ jiː²¹ pɐt̚⁵ kʰyːt̚³/

/ti²⁴⁻²² ɡi²⁴⁻²² put̚³²⁻⁴ kuat̚³²/

/ti²⁴⁻²² ɡi²⁴⁻²² put̚⁵⁻²⁴ kuat̚⁵/

/ti¹³⁻²² ɡi¹³⁻²² put̚³²⁻⁵ kuat̚³²/

/ti²⁴⁻¹¹ ɡi²⁴⁻¹¹ put̚³²⁻⁴ kuat̚³²/

/ti²³⁻³³ ɡi²³⁻³³ put̚³²⁻⁴ kuat̚³²/

/ʈ͡ʂʰʐ̩³⁵ i³⁵ pu⁵¹ t͡ɕy̯ɛ³⁵/

/t͡sʰiː²¹ jiː²¹ pɐt̚⁵ kʰyːt̚³/

/ti²⁴⁻²² ɡi²⁴⁻²² put̚³²⁻⁴ kuat̚³²/

/ti²⁴⁻²² ɡi²⁴⁻²² put̚⁵⁻²⁴ kuat̚⁵/

/ti¹³⁻²² ɡi¹³⁻²² put̚³²⁻⁵ kuat̚³²/

/ti²⁴⁻¹¹ ɡi²⁴⁻¹¹ put̚³²⁻⁴ kuat̚³²/

/ti²³⁻³³ ɡi²³⁻³³ put̚³²⁻⁴ kuat̚³²/


面黃肌瘦

ㄇㄧㄢˋ ㄏㄨㄤˊ ㄐㄧ ㄕㄡˋ

мяньхуанцзишоу

/mi̯ɛn⁵¹ xu̯ɑŋ³⁵ t͡ɕi⁵⁵ ʂoʊ̯⁵¹/

/miːn²² wɔːŋ²¹ kei̯⁵⁵ sɐu̯³³/

/mi̯ɛn⁵¹ xu̯ɑŋ³⁵ t͡ɕi⁵⁵ ʂoʊ̯⁵¹/

/miːn²² wɔːŋ²¹ kei̯⁵⁵ sɐu̯³³/

to have a sallow complexion and emaciated body; to look sick or malnourished


怡然自得

ㄧˊ ㄖㄢˊ ㄗˋ ㄉㄜˊ

/i³⁵ ʐän³⁵ t͡sz̩⁵¹ tɤ³⁵/

/jiː²¹ jiːn²¹ t͡siː²² tɐk̚⁵/

/i³⁵ ʐän³⁵ t͡sz̩⁵¹ tɤ³⁵/

/jiː²¹ jiːn²¹ t͡siː²² tɐk̚⁵/


自得其樂

ㄗˋ ㄉㄜˊ ㄑㄧˊ ㄌㄜˋ

/t͡sz̩⁵¹ tɤ³⁵ t͡ɕʰi³⁵ lɤ⁵¹/

/t͡siː²² tɐk̚⁵ kʰei̯²¹ lɔːk̚²/

/t͡sz̩⁵¹ tɤ³⁵ t͡ɕʰi³⁵ lɤ⁵¹/

/t͡siː²² tɐk̚⁵ kʰei̯²¹ lɔːk̚²/


拈輕怕重

ㄋㄧㄢ ㄑㄧㄥ ㄆㄚˋ ㄓㄨㄥˋ

ㄋㄧㄢˊ ㄑㄧㄥ ㄆㄚˋ ㄓㄨㄥˋ

няньцинпачжун

/ni̯ɛn⁵⁵ t͡ɕʰiŋ⁵⁵ pʰä⁵¹⁻⁵³ ʈ͡ʂʊŋ⁵¹/

/ni̯ɛn³⁵ t͡ɕʰiŋ⁵⁵ pʰä⁵¹⁻⁵³ ʈ͡ʂʊŋ⁵¹/

/niːm⁵⁵ hɪŋ⁵⁵ pʰaː³³ t͡sʰʊŋ¹³/

/ni̯ɛn⁵⁵ t͡ɕʰiŋ⁵⁵ pʰä⁵¹⁻⁵³ ʈ͡ʂʊŋ⁵¹/

/ni̯ɛn³⁵ t͡ɕʰiŋ⁵⁵ pʰä⁵¹⁻⁵³ ʈ͡ʂʊŋ⁵¹/

/niːm⁵⁵ hɪŋ⁵⁵ pʰaː³³ t͡sʰʊŋ¹³/

to pick easy jobs and avoid the hard ones


但求無過

ㄉㄢˋ ㄑㄧㄡˊ ㄨˊ ㄍㄨㄛˋ

/tän⁵¹ t͡ɕʰi̯oʊ̯³⁵ u³⁵ ku̯ɔ⁵¹/

/taːn²² kʰɐu̯²¹ mou̯²¹ kʷɔː³³/

/tän⁵¹ t͡ɕʰi̯oʊ̯³⁵ u³⁵ ku̯ɔ⁵¹/

/taːn²² kʰɐu̯²¹ mou̯²¹ kʷɔː³³/

to hope only to make no mistakes; to seek only to avoid blame


自由放任

ㄗˋ ㄧㄡˊ ㄈㄤˋ ㄖㄣˋ

/t͡sz̩⁵¹ joʊ̯³⁵ fɑŋ⁵¹⁻⁵³ ʐən⁵¹/

/t͡siː²² jɐu̯²¹ fɔːŋ³³ jɐm²²/

/t͡sz̩⁵¹ joʊ̯³⁵ fɑŋ⁵¹⁻⁵³ ʐən⁵¹/

/t͡siː²² jɐu̯²¹ fɔːŋ³³ jɐm²²/


大展身手

ㄉㄚˋ ㄓㄢˇ ㄕㄣ ㄕㄡˇ

дачжаньшэньшоу

dačžanʹšɛnʹšou

/tä⁵¹ ʈ͡ʂän²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʂən⁵⁵ ʂoʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/taːi̯²² t͡siːn³⁵ sɐn⁵⁵ sɐu̯³⁵/

/tä⁵¹ ʈ͡ʂän²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʂən⁵⁵ ʂoʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/taːi̯²² t͡siːn³⁵ sɐn⁵⁵ sɐu̯³⁵/


日暮途窮

ㄖˋ ㄇㄨˋ ㄊㄨˊ ㄑㄩㄥˊ

/ʐ̩⁵¹⁻⁵³ mu⁵¹ tʰu³⁵ t͡ɕʰi̯ʊŋ³⁵/

/jɐt̚² mou̯²² tʰou̯²¹ kʰʊŋ²¹/

/ʐ̩⁵¹⁻⁵³ mu⁵¹ tʰu³⁵ t͡ɕʰi̯ʊŋ³⁵/

/jɐt̚² mou̯²² tʰou̯²¹ kʰʊŋ²¹/

to be in a very desperate situation and close to perishing


急中生智

ㄐㄧˊ ㄓㄨㄥ ㄕㄥ ㄓˋ

цзичжуншэнчжи

/t͡ɕi³⁵ ʈ͡ʂʊŋ⁵⁵ ʂɤŋ⁵⁵ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵¹/

/kɐp̚⁵ t͡sʊŋ⁵⁵ sɐŋ⁵⁵ t͡siː³³/

/t͡ɕi³⁵ ʈ͡ʂʊŋ⁵⁵ ʂɤŋ⁵⁵ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵¹/

/kɐp̚⁵ t͡sʊŋ⁵⁵ sɐŋ⁵⁵ t͡siː³³/

to suddenly come up with a solution in an emergency


風雨交加

ㄈㄥ ㄩˇ ㄐㄧㄠ ㄐㄧㄚ

фэнъюйцзяоцзя

/fɤŋ⁵⁵ y²¹⁴⁻²¹ t͡ɕi̯ɑʊ̯⁵⁵ t͡ɕi̯ä⁵⁵/

/fʊŋ⁵⁵ jyː¹³ kaːu̯⁵⁵ kaː⁵⁵/

/fɤŋ⁵⁵ y²¹⁴⁻²¹ t͡ɕi̯ɑʊ̯⁵⁵ t͡ɕi̯ä⁵⁵/

/fʊŋ⁵⁵ jyː¹³ kaːu̯⁵⁵ kaː⁵⁵/

strong wind blows and heavy rain pours simultaneously; to have a storm


行若狗彘

one's behavior is like that of dogs and pigs

ㄒㄧㄥˊ ㄖㄨㄛˋ ㄍㄡˇ ㄓˋ

/ɕiŋ³⁵ ʐu̯ɔ⁵¹ koʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵¹/

/hɐŋ²¹ jœːk̚² kɐu̯³⁵ t͡siː²²/

/ɕiŋ³⁵ ʐu̯ɔ⁵¹ koʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵¹/

/hɐŋ²¹ jœːk̚² kɐu̯³⁵ t͡siː²²/


愁眉鎖眼

ㄔㄡˊ ㄇㄟˊ ㄙㄨㄛˇ ㄧㄢˇ

/ʈ͡ʂʰoʊ̯³⁵ meɪ̯³⁵ su̯ɔ²¹⁴⁻³⁵ jɛn²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/sɐu̯²¹ mei̯²¹ sɔː³⁵ ŋaːn¹³/

/sɐu̯²¹ mei̯²¹ sɔː³⁵ ŋaːn¹³/

大家以為有了出路，愁眉鎖眼的姿態為之一掃。 [MSC, trad.]
大家以为有了出路，愁眉锁眼的姿态为之一扫。 [MSC, simp.]

From: 1940, 毛澤東 (Mao Zedong), 《新民主主義論》 (On New Democracy), 《毛澤東選集》. English translation based on the Foreign Languages Press edition

There is a general feeling that a way out of the impasse has been found, and people no longer knit their brows in despair.

Dàjiā yǐwéi yǒu le chūlù, chóuméisuǒyǎn de zītài wéi zhī yī sǎo. [Pinyin]

to knit one's brows in despair; to look worried


開臺鑼鼓

ㄎㄞ ㄊㄞˊ ㄌㄨㄛˊ ㄍㄨˇ

/kʰaɪ̯⁵⁵ tʰaɪ̯³⁵ lu̯ɔ³⁵ ku²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/hɔːi̯⁵⁵ tʰɔːi̯²¹ lɔː²¹ kuː³⁵/

/kʰaɪ̯⁵⁵ tʰaɪ̯³⁵ lu̯ɔ³⁵ ku²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/hɔːi̯⁵⁵ tʰɔːi̯²¹ lɔː²¹ kuː³⁵/

好在延安許多同志已有詳盡的文章，我的粗枝大葉的東西，就當作一番開臺鑼鼓好了。 [MSC, trad.]
好在延安许多同志已有详尽的文章，我的粗枝大叶的东西，就当作一番开台锣鼓好了。 [MSC, simp.]

Fortunately, there are many comrades in Yenan who have written at length in this field, so that my rough and ready words may serve the same purpose as the beating of the gongs before a theatrical performance.

Hǎozài Yán'ān xǔduō tóngzhì yǐ yǒu xiángjìn de wénzhāng, wǒ de cūzhīdàyè de dōngxi, jiù dàngzuò yīfān kāitáiluógǔ hǎo le. [Pinyin]

beating the gongs and drums before a theatrical performance; curtain-raiser


三魂七魄

CJKV/code

Sino-Xenic (三魂七魄):
* → Korean: 삼혼칠백(三魂七魄) (samhonchilbaek)

→ Vietnamese: ba hồn bảy vía (calque)

ㄙㄢ ㄏㄨㄣˊ ㄑㄧ ㄆㄛˋ

саньхуньципо

/sän⁵⁵ xu̯ən³⁵ t͡ɕʰi⁵⁵ pʰu̯ɔ⁵¹/

/saːm⁵⁵ wɐn²¹ t͡sʰɐt̚⁵ pʰaːk̚³/

/sam⁴⁴⁻³³ hun²⁴ t͡sʰit̚³²⁻⁴ pʰiɪk̚³²/

/sam⁴⁴⁻³³ hun²³ t͡sʰit̚³²⁻⁴ pʰiɪk̚³²/

/sän⁵⁵ xu̯ən³⁵ t͡ɕʰi⁵⁵ pʰu̯ɔ⁵¹/

/saːm⁵⁵ wɐn²¹ t͡sʰɐt̚⁵ pʰaːk̚³/

/sam⁴⁴⁻³³ hun²⁴ t͡sʰit̚³²⁻⁴ pʰiɪk̚³²/

/sam⁴⁴⁻³³ hun²³ t͡sʰit̚³²⁻⁴ pʰiɪk̚³²/


千慮一得

ㄑㄧㄢ ㄌㄩˋ ㄧ ㄉㄜˊ

/t͡ɕʰi̯ɛn⁵⁵ ly⁵¹⁻⁵³ i⁵⁵⁻⁵¹ tɤ³⁵/

/t͡sʰiːn⁵⁵ lɵy̯²² jɐt̚⁵ tɐk̚⁵/

/t͡ɕʰi̯ɛn⁵⁵ ly⁵¹⁻⁵³ i⁵⁵⁻⁵¹ tɤ³⁵/

/t͡sʰiːn⁵⁵ lɵy̯²² jɐt̚⁵ tɐk̚⁵/

對於全國先進的文化工作者，我們的東西，只當作引玉之磚，千慮之一得。 [MSC, trad.]
对于全国先进的文化工作者，我们的东西，只当作引玉之砖，千虑之一得。 [MSC, simp.]

Our observations may contain a grain of truth for the nation's advanced cultural workers and may serve as a modest spur to induce them to come forward with valuable contributions of their own.

Duìyú quánguó xiānjìn de wénhuà gōngzuòzhě, wǒmen de dōngxi, zhǐ dàngzuò yǐnyùzhīzhuān, qiānlǜ zhī yīdé. [Pinyin]

(humble, used to introduce one's opinion) even a fool may sometimes have a good idea


千慮一失

/t͡ɕʰi̯ɛn⁵⁵ ly⁵¹⁻⁵³ i⁵⁵⁻⁵¹ ʂʐ̩⁵⁵/

/t͡sʰiːn⁵⁵ lɵy̯²² jɐt̚⁵ sɐt̚⁵/

/t͡ɕʰi̯ɛn⁵⁵ ly⁵¹⁻⁵³ i⁵⁵⁻⁵¹ ʂʐ̩⁵⁵/

/t͡sʰiːn⁵⁵ lɵy̯²² jɐt̚⁵ sɐt̚⁵/

even a wise person sometimes makes a mistake; no one is always free from errors


引玉之磚

ㄧㄣˇ ㄩˋ ㄓ ㄓㄨㄢ

иньюйчжичжуань

/in²¹⁴⁻²¹ y⁵¹ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵⁵ ʈ͡ʂu̯än⁵⁵/

/jɐn¹³ jʊk̚² t͡siː⁵⁵ t͡syːn⁵⁵/

/in²¹⁴⁻²¹ y⁵¹ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵⁵ ʈ͡ʂu̯än⁵⁵/

/jɐn¹³ jʊk̚² t͡siː⁵⁵ t͡syːn⁵⁵/

(self-deprecatory) one's own relatively worthless words, opinions, or services, offered in order to attract others' more valuable contributions


向隅獨泣

ㄒㄧㄤˋ ㄩˊ ㄉㄨˊ ㄑㄧˋ

/ɕi̯ɑŋ⁵¹ y³⁵ tu³⁵ t͡ɕʰi⁵¹/

/ɕi̯ɑŋ⁵¹ y³⁵ tu³⁵ t͡ɕʰi⁵¹/

向隅而泣 向隅而泣#Chinese

Synonym of 向隅而泣 (xiàngyú'érqì, “to weep alone in a corner”)


好為人師

ㄏㄠˋ ㄨㄟˊ ㄖㄣˊ ㄕ

хаовэйжэньши

/xɑʊ̯⁵¹ weɪ̯³⁵ ʐən³⁵ ʂʐ̩⁵⁵/

/hou̯³³ wɐi̯²¹ jɐn²¹ siː⁵⁵/

/xɑʊ̯⁵¹ weɪ̯³⁵ ʐən³⁵ ʂʐ̩⁵⁵/

/hou̯³³ wɐi̯²¹ jɐn²¹ siː⁵⁵/

From Mencius; see 人之患在好為人師／人之患在好为人师 (rén zhī huàn zài hàowéirénshī).

zh-l

科學的態度是「實事求是」，「自以為是」和「好為人師」那樣狂妄的態度是決不能解決問題的。 [MSC, trad.]
科学的态度是「实事求是」，「自以为是」和「好为人师」那样狂妄的态度是决不能解决问题的。 [MSC, simp.]

To "seek truth from facts" is the scientific approach, and presumptuously to claim infallibility and lecture people will never settle anything.

Kēxué de tàidù shì “shíshìqiúshì”, “zìyǐwéishì” hé “hàowéirénshī” nàyàng kuángwàng de tàidù shì jué bùnéng jiějué wèntí de. [Pinyin]

to be fond of teaching others; to like to be a master to others


向隅而泣

ㄒㄧㄤˋ ㄩˊ ㄦˊ ㄑㄧˋ

/ɕi̯ɑŋ⁵¹ y³⁵ ˀɤɻ³⁵ t͡ɕʰi⁵¹/

/ɕi̯ɑŋ⁵¹ y³⁵ ˀɤɻ³⁵ t͡ɕʰi⁵¹/

誰不懂得這個歷史特點，誰就不能指導這個革命和進行這個革命到勝利，誰就會被人民拋棄，變為向隅而泣的可憐蟲。 [MSC, trad.]
谁不懂得这个历史特点，谁就不能指导这个革命和进行这个革命到胜利，谁就会被人民抛弃，变为向隅而泣的可怜虫。 [MSC, simp.]

Whoever fails to understand such historical characteristics will not be able to direct the revolution and lead it to victory, but will be cast aside by the people and left to grieve out in the cold.

Shéi bù dǒngde zhège lìshǐ tèdiǎn, shéi jiù bùnéng zhǐdǎo zhège gémìng hé jìnxíng zhège gémìng dào shènglì, shéi jiù huì bèi rénmín pāoqì, biànwéi xiàngyú'érqì de kěliánchóng. [Pinyin]

left out in the cold
leave someone out in the cold

to weep alone in a corner; to be left out in the cold


大敵當前

ㄉㄚˋ ㄉㄧˊ ㄉㄤ ㄑㄧㄢˊ

/tä⁵¹ ti³⁵ tɑŋ⁵⁵ t͡ɕʰi̯ɛn³⁵/

/taːi̯²² tɪk̚² tɔːŋ⁵⁵ t͡sʰiːn²¹/

/tä⁵¹ ti³⁵ tɑŋ⁵⁵ t͡ɕʰi̯ɛn³⁵/

/taːi̯²² tɪk̚² tɔːŋ⁵⁵ t͡sʰiːn²¹/

大敵當前，他們要聯合工農反對敵人；工農覺悟，他們又聯合敵人反對工農。 [MSC, trad.]
大敌当前，他们要联合工农反对敌人；工农觉悟，他们又联合敌人反对工农。 [MSC, simp.]

When confronted by a formidable enemy, they united with the workers and peasants against the enemy, but when the workers and peasants awakened, they turned round to unite with the enemy against the workers and peasants.

Dàdídāngqián, tāmen yào liánhé gōngnóng fǎnduì dírén; gōngnóng juéwù, tāmen yòu liánhé dírén fǎnduì gōngnóng. [Pinyin]

to be confronted with a formidable enemy


風急雨驟

ㄈㄥ ㄐㄧˊ ㄩˇ ㄓㄡˋ

ㄈㄥ ㄐㄧˊ ㄩˇ ㄗㄡˋ

фэнцзиюйчжоу

/fɤŋ⁵⁵ t͡ɕi³⁵ y²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʈ͡ʂoʊ̯⁵¹/

фэнцзиюйцзоу

/fɤŋ⁵⁵ t͡ɕi³⁵ y²¹⁴⁻²¹ t͡soʊ̯⁵¹/

/fʊŋ⁵⁵ kɐp̚⁵ jyː¹³ t͡saːu̯²²/

/fɤŋ⁵⁵ t͡ɕi³⁵ y²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʈ͡ʂoʊ̯⁵¹/

/fɤŋ⁵⁵ t͡ɕi³⁵ y²¹⁴⁻²¹ t͡soʊ̯⁵¹/

/fʊŋ⁵⁵ kɐp̚⁵ jyː¹³ t͡saːu̯²²/

to have a furious storm, with gusty winds and heavy rain


耕者有其田

ㄍㄥ ㄓㄜˇ ㄧㄡˇ ㄑㄧˊ ㄊㄧㄢˊ

гэнчжэюцитянь

/kɤŋ⁵⁵ ʈ͡ʂɤ²¹⁴⁻³⁵ joʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ t͡ɕʰi³⁵ tʰi̯ɛn³⁵/

/kaːŋ⁵⁵ t͡sɛː³⁵ jɐu̯¹³ kʰei̯²¹ tʰiːn²¹/

/kaːŋ⁵⁵ t͡sɛː³⁵ jɐu̯¹³ kʰei̯²¹ tʰiːn²¹/

(Taiwan) the Farmland Reform Act of 1953


多種多樣

ㄉㄨㄛ ㄓㄨㄥˇ ㄉㄨㄛ ㄧㄤˋ

/tu̯ɔ⁵⁵ ʈ͡ʂʊŋ²¹⁴⁻²¹ tu̯ɔ⁵⁵ jɑŋ⁵¹/

/tɔː⁵⁵ t͡sʊŋ³⁵ tɔː⁵⁵ jœːŋ²²/

/tu̯ɔ⁵⁵ ʈ͡ʂʊŋ²¹⁴⁻²¹ tu̯ɔ⁵⁵ jɑŋ⁵¹/

/tɔː⁵⁵ t͡sʊŋ³⁵ tɔː⁵⁵ jœːŋ²²/

因此，全世界多種多樣的國家體制中，按其政權的階級性質來劃分，基本地不外乎這三種。 [MSC, trad.]
因此，全世界多种多样的国家体制中，按其政权的阶级性质来划分，基本地不外乎这三种。 [MSC, simp.]

Thus the numerous types of state system in the world can be reduced to three basic kinds according to the class character of their political power.

Yīncǐ, quánshìjiè duōzhǒngduōyàng de guójiā tǐzhì zhōng, àn qí zhèngquán de jiējí xìngzhì lái huàfēn, jīběn de bùwàihū zhè sān zhǒng. [Pinyin]


狗彘不若

ㄍㄡˇ ㄓˋ ㄅㄨˋ ㄖㄨㄛˋ

/koʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵¹ pu⁵¹⁻³⁵ ʐu̯ɔ⁵¹/

/kɐu̯³⁵ t͡siː²² pɐt̚⁵ jœːk̚²/

/koʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵¹ pu⁵¹⁻³⁵ ʐu̯ɔ⁵¹/

/kɐu̯³⁵ t͡siː²² pɐt̚⁵ jœːk̚²/

(derogatory, literary) base; contemptible; vile


豬狗不如

ㄓㄨ ㄍㄡˇ ㄅㄨˋ ㄖㄨˊ

/ʈ͡ʂu⁵⁵ koʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ pu⁵¹ ʐu³⁵/

/t͡syː⁵⁵ kɐu̯³⁵ pɐt̚⁵ jyː²¹/

/ʈ͡ʂu⁵⁵ koʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ pu⁵¹ ʐu³⁵/

/t͡syː⁵⁵ kɐu̯³⁵ pɐt̚⁵ jyː²¹/


躍躍欲試

ㄩㄝˋ ㄩㄝˋ ㄩˋ ㄕˋ

/ɥɛ⁵¹⁻⁵³ ɥɛ⁵¹⁻⁵³ y⁵¹⁻⁵³ ʂʐ̩⁵¹/

/jœːk̚² jœːk̚² jʊk̚² siː³³/

/ɥɛ⁵¹⁻⁵³ ɥɛ⁵¹⁻⁵³ y⁵¹⁻⁵³ ʂʐ̩⁵¹/

/jœːk̚² jœːk̚² jʊk̚² siː³³/

這樣一來，一些喪盡天良的資本家，就見利忘義，躍躍欲試。 [MSC, trad.]
这样一来，一些丧尽天良的资本家，就见利忘义，跃跃欲试。 [MSC, simp.]

At the prospect of profits, some conscienceless capitalists forget all moral principles and itch to have a go.

Zhèyàngyīlái, yīxiē sàngjìntiānliáng de zīběnjiā, jiù jiànlìwàngyì, yuèyuèyùshì. [Pinyin]


做賊心虛

ㄗㄨㄛˋ ㄗㄟˊ ㄒㄧㄣ ㄒㄩ

цзоцзэйсиньсюй

/t͡su̯ɔ⁵¹ t͡seɪ̯³⁵ ɕin⁵⁵ ɕy⁵⁵/

/t͡sou̯²² t͡sʰaːk̚² sɐm⁵⁵ hɵy̯⁵⁵/

/t͡su̯ɔ⁵¹ t͡seɪ̯³⁵ ɕin⁵⁵ ɕy⁵⁵/

/t͡sou̯²² t͡sʰaːk̚² sɐm⁵⁵ hɵy̯⁵⁵/

但是他們做賊心虛，怕共產黨阻擋他們的去路，更怕老百姓罵漢奸。 [MSC, trad.]
但是他们做贼心虚，怕共产党阻挡他们的去路，更怕老百姓骂汉奸。 [MSC, simp.]

But, with the cowardice of thieves, they fear that the Communists will block their exit and, what is more, that the common people will brand them as traitors.

Dànshì tāmen zuòzéixīnxū, pà Gòngchǎndǎng zǔdǎng tāmen de qùlù, gèng pà lǎobǎixìng mà hànjiān. [Pinyin]


英雄好漢

ㄧㄥ ㄒㄩㄥˊ ㄏㄠˇ ㄏㄢˋ

инсюнхаохань

/iŋ⁵⁵ ɕi̯ʊŋ³⁵ xɑʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ xän⁵¹/

/jɪŋ⁵⁵ hʊŋ²¹ hou̯³⁵ hɔːn³³/

/iŋ⁵⁵ ɕi̯ʊŋ³⁵ xɑʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ xän⁵¹/

/jɪŋ⁵⁵ hʊŋ²¹ hou̯³⁵ hɔːn³³/

它向全世界宣告，紅軍是英雄好漢，帝國主義者和他們的走狗蔣介石等輩則是完全無用的。 [MSC, trad.]
它向全世界宣告，红军是英雄好汉，帝国主义者和他们的走狗蒋介石等辈则是完全无用的。 [MSC, simp.]

From: 1935, 毛澤東 (Mao Zedong), 《論反對日本帝國主義的策略》 (On Tactics Against Japanese Imperialism), 《毛澤東選集》. English translation based on the Foreign Languages Press edition

It has proclaimed to the world that the Red Army is an army of heroes, while the imperialists and their running dogs, Chiang Kai-shek and his like, are impotent.

Tā xiàng quánshìjiè xuāngào, Hóngjūn shì yīngxiónghǎohàn, dìguózhǔyìzhě hé tāmen de zǒugǒu Jiǎng Jièshí děngbèi zé shì wánquán wúyòng de. [Pinyin]


終天之恨

ㄓㄨㄥ ㄊㄧㄢ ㄓ ㄏㄣˋ

чжунтяньчжихэнь

/ʈ͡ʂʊŋ⁵⁵ tʰi̯ɛn⁵⁵ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵⁵ xən⁵¹/

/t͡sʊŋ⁵⁵ tʰiːn⁵⁵ t͡siː⁵⁵ hɐn²²/

/ʈ͡ʂʊŋ⁵⁵ tʰi̯ɛn⁵⁵ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵⁵ xən⁵¹/

/t͡sʊŋ⁵⁵ tʰiːn⁵⁵ t͡siː⁵⁵ hɐn²²/

歷來中國革命的失敗，都是被帝國主義絞殺的，無數革命的先烈，為此而抱終天之恨。 [MSC, trad.]
历来中国革命的失败，都是被帝国主义绞杀的，无数革命的先烈，为此而抱终天之恨。 [MSC, simp.]

Earlier revolutions failed in China because imperialism strangled them, and innumerable revolutionary martyrs died with eternal regret.

Lìlái Zhōngguó gémìng de shībài, dōu shì bèi dìguózhǔyì jiǎoshā de, wúshù gémìng de xiānliè, wèicǐ ér bào zhōngtiānzhīhèn. [Pinyin]


乏善可陳

ㄈㄚˊ ㄕㄢˋ ㄎㄜˇ ㄔㄣˊ

фашанькэчэнь

fašanʹkɛčɛnʹ

/fä³⁵ ʂän⁵¹ kʰɤ²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʈ͡ʂʰən³⁵/

/fɐt̚² siːn²² hɔː³⁵ t͡sʰɐn²¹/

/hat̚⁴⁻³² siɛn²²⁻²¹ kʰo⁵³⁻⁴⁴ tin²⁴/

/hat̚²⁴⁻² siɛn⁴¹⁻²² kʰo⁵⁵⁴⁻²⁴ tin²⁴/

/hat̚¹²¹⁻²¹ siɛn²²⁻²¹ kʰo⁵³⁻⁴⁴ tin¹³/

/hat̚⁴⁻³² siɛn³³⁻¹¹ kʰo⁵³⁻⁴⁴ tin²⁴/

/hat̚⁴⁻³² siɛn³³⁻²¹ kʰɤ⁴¹⁻⁴⁴ tin²³/

/fä³⁵ ʂän⁵¹ kʰɤ²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʈ͡ʂʰən³⁵/

/fɐt̚² siːn²² hɔː³⁵ t͡sʰɐn²¹/

/hat̚⁴⁻³² siɛn²²⁻²¹ kʰo⁵³⁻⁴⁴ tin²⁴/

/hat̚²⁴⁻² siɛn⁴¹⁻²² kʰo⁵⁵⁴⁻²⁴ tin²⁴/

/hat̚¹²¹⁻²¹ siɛn²²⁻²¹ kʰo⁵³⁻⁴⁴ tin¹³/

/hat̚⁴⁻³² siɛn³³⁻¹¹ kʰo⁵³⁻⁴⁴ tin²⁴/

/hat̚⁴⁻³² siɛn³³⁻²¹ kʰɤ⁴¹⁻⁴⁴ tin²³/


煞有介事

ㄕㄚˋ ㄧㄡˇ ㄐㄧㄝˋ ㄕˋ

/ʂä⁵¹ joʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ t͡ɕi̯ɛ⁵¹⁻⁵³ ʂʐ̩⁵¹/

/saːt̚³ jɐu̯¹³ kaːi̯³³ siː²²/

/ʂä⁵¹ joʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ t͡ɕi̯ɛ⁵¹⁻⁵³ ʂʐ̩⁵¹/

/saːt̚³ jɐu̯¹³ kaːi̯³³ siː²²/


自尋死路

ㄗˋ ㄒㄩㄣˊ ㄙˇ ㄌㄨˋ

/t͡sz̩⁵¹ ɕyn³⁵ sz̩²¹⁴⁻²¹ lu⁵¹/

/t͡siː²² t͡sʰɐm²¹ sei̯³⁵ lou̯²²/

/t͡sz̩⁵¹ ɕyn³⁵ sz̩²¹⁴⁻²¹ lu⁵¹/

/t͡siː²² t͡sʰɐm²¹ sei̯³⁵ lou̯²²/

中國資產階級頑固派如不覺悟，他們的事情是並不美妙的，他們將得到一個自尋死路的前途。 [MSC, trad.]
中国资产阶级顽固派如不觉悟，他们的事情是并不美妙的，他们将得到一个自寻死路的前途。 [MSC, simp.]

Unless the die-hards among the Chinese bourgeoisie wake up, their future will be far from bright—they will only bring about their own destruction.

Zhōngguó zīchǎnjiējí wángùpài rú bù juéwù, tāmen de shìqíng shì bìngbù měimiào de, tāmen jiāng dédào yīge zìxúnsǐlù de qiántú. [Pinyin]

to seek one's demise; to bring about one's own destruction


牽強附會

CJKV/code

Sino-Xenic (牽強附會):
* → Japanese: 牽(けん)強(きょう)付(ふ)会(かい) (kenkyōfukai)
* → Korean: 견강부회(牽强附會) (gyeon'gangbuhoe)

ㄑㄧㄢ ㄑㄧㄤˇ ㄈㄨˋ ㄏㄨㄟˋ

цяньцянфухуэй

/t͡ɕʰi̯ɛn⁵⁵ t͡ɕʰi̯ɑŋ²¹⁴⁻²¹ fu⁵¹⁻⁵³ xu̯eɪ̯⁵¹/

/hiːn⁵⁵ kʰœːŋ¹³ fuː²² wuːi̯²²/

/hiːn⁵⁵ kʰœːŋ¹³ fuː²² wuːi̯²²/

後儒牽強附會，費盡心思，不知都是古今學不分明的緣故。 [MSC, trad.]
后儒牵强附会，费尽心思，不知都是古今学不分明的缘故。 [MSC, simp.]

From: 1904, Zeng Pu, Chapter 11 of 孽海花 [A Flower in a Sinful Sea]

Hòu rú qiānqiángfùhuì, fèijìnxīnsī, bùzhī dōu shì gǔ jīn xué bù fēnmíng de yuángù. [Pinyin]

to make a far-fetched analogy; to connect unrelated things together


羊腸小徑

ㄧㄤˊ ㄔㄤˊ ㄒㄧㄠˇ ㄐㄧㄥˋ

янчансяоцзин

/jɑŋ³⁵ ʈ͡ʂʰɑŋ³⁵ ɕi̯ɑʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ t͡ɕiŋ⁵¹/

/jœːŋ²¹ t͡sʰœːŋ²¹ siːu̯³⁵ kɪŋ³³/

/jɑŋ³⁵ ʈ͡ʂʰɑŋ³⁵ ɕi̯ɑʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ t͡ɕiŋ⁵¹/

/jœːŋ²¹ t͡sʰœːŋ²¹ siːu̯³⁵ kɪŋ³³/


洋洋得意

ㄧㄤˊ ㄧㄤˊ ㄉㄜˊ ㄧˋ

/jɑŋ³⁵ jɑŋ³⁵ tɤ³⁵ i⁵¹/

/jœːŋ²¹ jœːŋ²¹ tɐk̚⁵ jiː³³/

/iɔŋ²⁴⁻¹¹ iɔŋ²⁴⁻¹¹ tiɪk̚³²⁻⁴ i¹¹/

/iɔŋ²³⁻³³ iɔŋ²³⁻³³ tiɪk̚³²⁻⁴ i²¹/

/jɑŋ³⁵ jɑŋ³⁵ tɤ³⁵ i⁵¹/

/jœːŋ²¹ jœːŋ²¹ tɐk̚⁵ jiː³³/

/iɔŋ²⁴⁻¹¹ iɔŋ²⁴⁻¹¹ tiɪk̚³²⁻⁴ i¹¹/

/iɔŋ²³⁻³³ iɔŋ²³⁻³³ tiɪk̚³²⁻⁴ i²¹/

我願頑固派先生們，於其「限共」、「溶共」、「反共」等工作洋洋得意之餘，也去翻閱一下這個宣言。 [MSC, trad.]
我愿顽固派先生们，于其「限共」、「溶共」、「反共」等工作洋洋得意之余，也去翻阅一下这个宣言。 [MSC, simp.]

I wish the die-hard gentlemen would spare a moment from the work of "restricting communism", "corroding communism" and "combating communism", in which they are so gleefully engaged, to glance through this manifesto.

Wǒ yuàn wángùpài xiānshengmen, yú qí “xiàngòng”, “rónggòng”, “fǎngòng” děng gōngzuò yángyángdéyì zhī yú, yě qù fānyuè yīxià zhège xuānyán. [Pinyin]

得意洋洋 得意洋洋#Chinese

Synonym of 得意洋洋 (déyìyángyáng, “smug; puffed up”)


折戟沉沙

ㄓㄜˊ ㄐㄧˇ ㄔㄣˊ ㄕㄚ

чжэцзичэньша

čžɛczičɛnʹša

/ʈ͡ʂɤ³⁵ t͡ɕi²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʈ͡ʂʰən³⁵ ʂä⁵⁵/

/ʈ͡ʂɤ³⁵ t͡ɕi²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʈ͡ʂʰən³⁵ ʂä⁵⁵/

From the poem 《赤壁》 by Du Mu.
折戟沈沙鐵未銷，自將磨洗認前朝。 [Classical Chinese, trad.]折戟沈沙铁未销，自将磨洗认前朝。 [Classical Chinese, simp.]
From: Du Mu, early 9th century. By the Purple Cliff (《赤壁》), translated by Witter Bynner.
Zhéjǐ chénshā tiě wèixiāo, zìjiāng móxǐ rèn qiáncháo. [Pinyin]
On a part of a spear still unrusted in the sand
I have burnished the symbol of an ancient kingdom.

zh-x

@折-@戟 @沈{chén}-@沙 鐵 未-銷， 自-將 磨-洗 認 前-朝{cháo}。

to be defeated and sustain heavy damage or casualties


雷霆萬鈞

ㄌㄟˊ ㄊㄧㄥˊ ㄨㄢˋ ㄐㄩㄣ

лэйтинваньцзюнь

/leɪ̯³⁵ tʰiŋ³⁵ wän⁵¹ t͡ɕyn⁵⁵/

/lɵy̯²¹ tʰɪŋ²¹ maːn²² kʷɐn⁵⁵/

/leɪ̯³⁵ tʰiŋ³⁵ wän⁵¹ t͡ɕyn⁵⁵/

/lɵy̯²¹ tʰɪŋ²¹ maːn²² kʷɐn⁵⁵/

惟獨共產主義的思想體系和社會制度，正以排山倒海之勢，雷霆萬鈞之力，磅礴於全世界，而葆其美妙之青春。 [MSC, trad.]
惟独共产主义的思想体系和社会制度，正以排山倒海之势，雷霆万钧之力，磅礴于全世界，而葆其美妙之青春。 [MSC, simp.]

The communist ideological and social system alone is full of youth and vitality, sweeping the world with the momentum of an avalanche and the force of a thunderbolt.

Wéidú gòngchǎnzhǔyì de sīxiǎng tǐxì hé shèhuì zhìdù, zhèng yǐ páishāndǎohǎi zhī shì, léitíngwànjūn zhī lì, pángbó yú quánshìjiè, ér bǎo qí měimiào zhī qīngchūn. [Pinyin]

as powerful as a thunderbolt; with an irresistable force


荒謬絕倫

ㄏㄨㄤ ㄇㄧㄡˋ ㄐㄩㄝˊ ㄌㄨㄣˊ

хуанмюцзюэлунь

/xu̯ɑŋ⁵⁵ mi̯oʊ̯⁵¹ t͡ɕy̯ɛ³⁵ lu̯ən³⁵/

/fɔːŋ⁵⁵ mɐu̯²² t͡syːt̚² lɵn²¹/

/xu̯ɑŋ⁵⁵ mi̯oʊ̯⁵¹ t͡ɕy̯ɛ³⁵ lu̯ən³⁵/

/fɔːŋ⁵⁵ mɐu̯²² t͡syːt̚² lɵn²¹/

因為共產黨的最低綱領和三民主義的政治原則基本上相同，就狂叫「收起」共產主義，豈非荒謬絕倫之至？ [MSC, trad.]
因为共产党的最低纲领和三民主义的政治原则基本上相同，就狂叫「收起」共产主义，岂非荒谬绝伦之至？ [MSC, simp.]

Is it not, therefore, in the highest degree absurd to clamour for communism to be "folded up" on the ground that the Communist Party's minimum programme is in basic agreement with the political tenets of the Three People's Principles?

Yīnwèi Gòngchǎndǎng de zuìdī gānglǐng hé sānmínzhǔyì de zhèngzhì yuánzé jīběnshàng xiāngtóng, jiù kuángjiào “shōuqǐ” gòngchǎnzhǔyì, qǐfēi huāngmiùjuélún zhī zhì? [Pinyin]

absolutely ridiculous; preposterous; absurd in the highest degree


氣息奄奄

ㄑㄧˋ ㄒㄧ ㄧㄢ ㄧㄢ

ㄑㄧˋ ㄒㄧˊ ㄧㄢ ㄧㄢ

/t͡ɕʰi⁵¹ ɕi⁵⁵ jɛn⁵⁵ jɛn⁵⁵/

/t͡ɕʰi⁵¹ ɕi³⁵ jɛn⁵⁵ jɛn⁵⁵/

/t͡ɕʰi⁵¹ ɕi⁵⁵ jɛn⁵⁵ jɛn⁵⁵/

/t͡ɕʰi⁵¹ ɕi³⁵ jɛn⁵⁵ jɛn⁵⁵/

breathe one's last breath
breathe one's last breath

(of a person) to be close to death; to breathe one's last breath


所向無敵

ㄙㄨㄛˇ ㄒㄧㄤˋ ㄨˊ ㄉㄧˊ

/su̯ɔ²¹⁴⁻²¹ ɕi̯ɑŋ⁵¹ u³⁵ ti³⁵/

/sɔː³⁵ hœːŋ³³ mou̯²¹ tɪk̚²/

/su̯ɔ²¹⁴⁻²¹ ɕi̯ɑŋ⁵¹ u³⁵ ti³⁵/

/sɔː³⁵ hœːŋ³³ mou̯²¹ tɪk̚²/

其聲勢之浩大，威力之猛烈，簡直是所向無敵的。 [MSC, trad.]
其声势之浩大，威力之猛烈，简直是所向无敌的。 [MSC, simp.]

Its influence has been so great and its impact so powerful that it is invincible wherever it goes.

Qí shēngshì zhī hàodà, wēilì zhī měngliè, jiǎnzhí shì suǒxiàngwúdí de. [Pinyin]

all-conquering; invincible wherever one goes


生搬硬套

ㄕㄥ ㄅㄢ ㄧㄥˋ ㄊㄠˋ

шэнбаньинтао

/ʂɤŋ⁵⁵ pän⁵⁵ iŋ⁵¹⁻⁵³ tʰɑʊ̯⁵¹/

/saːŋ⁵⁵ puːn⁵⁵ ŋaːŋ²² tʰou̯³³/

/ʂɤŋ⁵⁵ pän⁵⁵ iŋ⁵¹⁻⁵³ tʰɑʊ̯⁵¹/

/saːŋ⁵⁵ puːn⁵⁵ ŋaːŋ²² tʰou̯³³/


頌古非今

ㄙㄨㄥˋ ㄍㄨˇ ㄈㄟ ㄐㄧㄣ

сунгуфэйцзинь

/sʊŋ⁵¹ ku²¹⁴⁻²¹ feɪ̯⁵⁵ t͡ɕin⁵⁵/

/t͡sʊŋ²² kuː³⁵ fei̯⁵⁵ kɐm⁵⁵/

/sʊŋ⁵¹ ku²¹⁴⁻²¹ feɪ̯⁵⁵ t͡ɕin⁵⁵/

/t͡sʊŋ²² kuː³⁵ fei̯⁵⁵ kɐm⁵⁵/

但是這種尊重，是給歷史以一定的科學的地位，是尊重歷史的辯證法的發展，而不是頌古非今，不是讚揚任何封建的毒素。 [MSC, trad.]
但是这种尊重，是给历史以一定的科学的地位，是尊重历史的辩证法的发展，而不是颂古非今，不是赞扬任何封建的毒素。 [MSC, simp.]

However, respect for history means giving it its proper place as a science, respecting its dialectical development, and not eulogizing the past at the expense of the present or praising every drop of feudal poison.

Dànshì zhè zhǒng zūnzhòng, shì gěi lìshǐ yǐ yīdìng de kēxué de dìwèi, shì zūnzhòng lìshǐ de biànzhèngfǎ de fāzhǎn, ér bùshì sònggǔfēijīn, bùshì zànyáng rènhé fēngjiàn de dúsù. [Pinyin]

to eulogize the past and belittle the present


艱難險阻

ㄐㄧㄢ ㄋㄢˊ ㄒㄧㄢˇ ㄗㄨˇ

цзяньнаньсяньцзу

/t͡ɕi̯ɛn⁵⁵ nän³⁵ ɕi̯ɛn²¹⁴⁻³⁵ t͡su²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/kaːn⁵⁵ naːn²¹ hiːm³⁵ t͡sɔː³⁵/

/kaːn⁵⁵ naːn²¹ hiːm³⁵ t͡sɔː³⁵/


不大不小

ㄅㄨˋ ㄉㄚˋ ㄅㄨˋ ㄒㄧㄠˇ

/pu⁵¹⁻³⁵ tä⁵¹⁻⁵³ pu⁵¹ ɕi̯ɑʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/pɐt̚⁵ taːi̯²² pɐt̚⁵ siːu̯³⁵/

/pu⁵¹⁻³⁵ tä⁵¹⁻⁵³ pu⁵¹ ɕi̯ɑʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/pɐt̚⁵ taːi̯²² pɐt̚⁵ siːu̯³⁵/


生吞活剝

ㄕㄥ ㄊㄨㄣ ㄏㄨㄛˊ ㄅㄛ

/ʂɤŋ⁵⁵ tʰu̯ən⁵⁵ xu̯ɔ³⁵ pu̯ɔ⁵⁵/

/sɐŋ⁵⁵ tʰɐn⁵⁵ wuːt̚² mɔːk̚⁵/

/ʂɤŋ⁵⁵ tʰu̯ən⁵⁵ xu̯ɔ³⁵ pu̯ɔ⁵⁵/

/sɐŋ⁵⁵ tʰɐn⁵⁵ wuːt̚² mɔːk̚⁵/

From 《大唐新語》, edited by Liu Su in the early 9th century.
有棗強尉張懷慶，好偷名士文章…人謂之諺曰：「活剝王昌齡，生吞郭正一。」 [Classical Chinese, trad.]有枣强尉张怀庆，好偷名士文章…人谓之谚曰：「活剥王昌龄，生吞郭正一。」 [Classical Chinese, simp.]
From: a. 820, Liu Su (劉肅), 《大唐新語》
Yǒu Zǎoqiáng wèi Zhāng Huáiqìng, hào tōu míngshì wénzhāng... Rén wèi zhī yàn yuē: “Huó bō Wáng Chānglíng, shēng tūn Guō Zhèngyī.” [Pinyin]
There was an officer by the name Zhang Huaiqing in Zaoqiang, who was prone to plagiarizing famous authors... Referring to him, an idiom says "to flay Wang Changling alive and swallow Guo Zhengyi raw."

有 ^棗強 尉 @^張.^懷慶，好{hào} 偷 名士 文章… 人 謂 之 諺 曰：「@活.剝 @^王.^昌齡，@生.吞 @^郭.^正一。」

(figuratively) to apply uncritically; to use without real understanding


市井之徒

ㄕˋ ㄐㄧㄥˇ ㄓ ㄊㄨˊ

/ʂʐ̩⁵¹ t͡ɕiŋ²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵⁵ tʰu³⁵/

/siː¹³ t͡sɛːŋ³⁵ t͡siː⁵⁵ tʰou̯²¹/

/ʂʐ̩⁵¹ t͡ɕiŋ²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵⁵ tʰu³⁵/

/siː¹³ t͡sɛːŋ³⁵ t͡siː⁵⁵ tʰou̯²¹/

(derogatory) vulgar and unscrupulous person in a city; hooligan


明爭暗鬥

ㄇㄧㄥˊ ㄓㄥ ㄢˋ ㄉㄡˋ

минчжэнъаньдоу

/miŋ³⁵ ʈ͡ʂɤŋ⁵⁵ ˀän⁵¹⁻⁵³ toʊ̯⁵¹/

/mɪŋ²¹ t͡sɐŋ⁵⁵ ɐm³³ tɐu̯³³/

/biɪŋ²⁴⁻²² t͡siɪŋ⁴⁴⁻²² am²¹⁻⁵³ tɔ²¹/

/biɪŋ²⁴⁻²² t͡siɪŋ³³ am⁴¹⁻⁵⁵⁴ tɔ⁴¹/

/biɪŋ¹³⁻²² t͡siɪŋ⁴⁴⁻²² am²¹⁻⁵³ tɔ²¹/

/biɪŋ²⁴⁻¹¹ t͡siɪŋ⁴⁴⁻³³ am¹¹⁻⁵³ tɔ¹¹/

/biɪŋ²³⁻³³ t͡siɪŋ⁴⁴⁻³³ am²¹⁻⁴¹ tɔ²¹/

/miŋ³⁵ ʈ͡ʂɤŋ⁵⁵ ˀän⁵¹⁻⁵³ toʊ̯⁵¹/

/mɪŋ²¹ t͡sɐŋ⁵⁵ ɐm³³ tɐu̯³³/

/biɪŋ²⁴⁻²² t͡siɪŋ⁴⁴⁻²² am²¹⁻⁵³ tɔ²¹/

/biɪŋ²⁴⁻²² t͡siɪŋ³³ am⁴¹⁻⁵⁵⁴ tɔ⁴¹/

/biɪŋ¹³⁻²² t͡siɪŋ⁴⁴⁻²² am²¹⁻⁵³ tɔ²¹/

/biɪŋ²⁴⁻¹¹ t͡siɪŋ⁴⁴⁻³³ am¹¹⁻⁵³ tɔ¹¹/

/biɪŋ²³⁻³³ t͡siɪŋ⁴⁴⁻³³ am²¹⁻⁴¹ tɔ²¹/


有目共見

ㄧㄡˇ ㄇㄨˋ ㄍㄨㄥˋ ㄐㄧㄢˋ

/joʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ mu⁵¹⁻⁵³ kʊŋ⁵¹⁻⁵³ t͡ɕi̯ɛn⁵¹/

/jɐu̯¹³ mʊk̚² kʊŋ²² kiːn³³/

/joʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ mu⁵¹⁻⁵³ kʊŋ⁵¹⁻⁵³ t͡ɕi̯ɛn⁵¹/

/jɐu̯¹³ mʊk̚² kʊŋ²² kiːn³³/

有目共睹 有目共睹#Chinese

Synonym of 有目共睹 (yǒumùgòngdǔ, “to be obvious to all”)


奴顏媚骨

ㄋㄨˊ ㄧㄢˊ ㄇㄟˋ ㄍㄨˇ

/nu³⁵ jɛn³⁵ meɪ̯⁵¹ ku²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/nu³⁵ jɛn³⁵ meɪ̯⁵¹ ku²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

(derogatory) bowing and scraping; sycophancy and obsequiousness


偃旗息鼓

to lower one's banners and muffle one's drums

ㄧㄢˇ ㄑㄧˊ ㄒㄧ ㄍㄨˇ

ㄧㄢˇ ㄑㄧˊ ㄒㄧˊ ㄍㄨˇ

/jɛn²¹⁴⁻²¹ t͡ɕʰi³⁵ ɕi⁵⁵ ku²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/jɛn²¹⁴⁻²¹ t͡ɕʰi³⁵ ɕi³⁵ ku²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/jiːn³⁵ kʰei̯²¹ sɪk̚⁵ kuː³⁵/

/jɛn²¹⁴⁻²¹ t͡ɕʰi³⁵ ɕi⁵⁵ ku²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/jɛn²¹⁴⁻²¹ t͡ɕʰi³⁵ ɕi³⁵ ku²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/jiːn³⁵ kʰei̯²¹ sɪk̚⁵ kuː³⁵/


單人獨馬

ㄉㄢ ㄖㄣˊ ㄉㄨˊ ㄇㄚˇ

даньжэньдума

/tän⁵⁵ ʐən³⁵ tu³⁵ mä²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/tän⁵⁵ ʐən³⁵ tu³⁵ mä²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/


人命危淺

ㄖㄣˊ ㄇㄧㄥˋ ㄨㄟ ㄑㄧㄢˇ

ㄖㄣˊ ㄇㄧㄥˋ ㄨㄟˊ ㄑㄧㄢˇ

жэньминвэйцянь

/ʐən³⁵ miŋ⁵¹ weɪ̯⁵⁵ t͡ɕʰi̯ɛn²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/ʐən³⁵ miŋ⁵¹ weɪ̯³⁵ t͡ɕʰi̯ɛn²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/ʐən³⁵ miŋ⁵¹ weɪ̯⁵⁵ t͡ɕʰi̯ɛn²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/ʐən³⁵ miŋ⁵¹ weɪ̯³⁵ t͡ɕʰi̯ɛn²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

to be critically ill; to be close to death


單兵獨馬

ㄉㄢ ㄅㄧㄥ ㄉㄨˊ ㄇㄚˇ

/tän⁵⁵ piŋ⁵⁵ tu³⁵ mä²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/tän⁵⁵ piŋ⁵⁵ tu³⁵ mä²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

一個要招收廣大的人馬，好把敵人包圍而消滅之。一個則依靠單兵獨馬，去同強大的敵人打硬仗。 [MSC, trad.]
一个要招收广大的人马，好把敌人包围而消灭之。一个则依靠单兵独马，去同强大的敌人打硬仗。 [MSC, simp.]

The former requires the recruiting of large forces for the purpose of surrounding and annihilating the enemy. The latter means fighting single-handed in desperate combat against a formidable enemy.

Yīgè yào zhāoshōu guǎngdà de rénmǎ, hǎo bǎ dírén bāowéi ér xiāomiè zhī. Yīgè zé yīkào dānbīngdúmǎ, qù tóng qiángdà de dírén dǎ yìngzhàng. [Pinyin]


匹馬單槍

ㄆㄧˇ ㄇㄚˇ ㄉㄢ ㄑㄧㄤ

ㄆㄧ ㄇㄚˇ ㄉㄢ ㄑㄧㄤ

/pʰi²¹⁴⁻³⁵ mä²¹⁴⁻²¹ tän⁵⁵ t͡ɕʰi̯ɑŋ⁵⁵/

/pʰi⁵⁵ mä²¹⁴⁻²¹ tän⁵⁵ t͡ɕʰi̯ɑŋ⁵⁵/

/pʰi²¹⁴⁻³⁵ mä²¹⁴⁻²¹ tän⁵⁵ t͡ɕʰi̯ɑŋ⁵⁵/

/pʰi⁵⁵ mä²¹⁴⁻²¹ tän⁵⁵ t͡ɕʰi̯ɑŋ⁵⁵/


威迫利誘

ㄨㄟ ㄆㄛˋ ㄌㄧˋ ㄧㄡˋ

/weɪ̯⁵⁵ pʰu̯ɔ⁵¹⁻⁵³ li⁵¹⁻⁵³ joʊ̯⁵¹/

/weɪ̯⁵⁵ pʰu̯ɔ⁵¹⁻⁵³ li⁵¹⁻⁵³ joʊ̯⁵¹/

威逼利誘 威逼利誘#Chinese

威逼利诱 威逼利诱#Chinese

Synonym of 威逼利誘／威逼利诱 (wēibīlìyòu, “to coerce and bribe”)


應天受命

ㄧㄥˋ ㄊㄧㄢ ㄕㄡˋ ㄇㄧㄥˋ

интяньшоумин

/iŋ⁵¹ tʰi̯ɛn⁵⁵ ʂoʊ̯⁵¹⁻⁵³ miŋ⁵¹/

/jɪŋ³³ tʰiːn⁵⁵ sɐu̯²² mɪŋ²²/

/iŋ⁵¹ tʰi̯ɛn⁵⁵ ʂoʊ̯⁵¹⁻⁵³ miŋ⁵¹/

/jɪŋ³³ tʰiːn⁵⁵ sɐu̯²² mɪŋ²²/

to conform to the laws of Heaven and accept the Mandate of Heaven; to assume the throne


單槍匹馬

ㄉㄢ ㄑㄧㄤ ㄆㄧˇ ㄇㄚˇ

ㄉㄢ ㄑㄧㄤ ㄆㄧ ㄇㄚˇ

/tän⁵⁵ t͡ɕʰi̯ɑŋ⁵⁵ pʰi²¹⁴⁻³⁵ mä²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/tän⁵⁵ t͡ɕʰi̯ɑŋ⁵⁵ pʰi⁵⁵ mä²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/taːn⁵⁵ t͡sʰœːŋ⁵⁵ pʰɐt̚⁵ maː¹³/

/tan⁴⁴⁻²² t͡sʰiaŋ⁴⁴⁻²² pʰit̚³²⁻⁴ mã⁵³/

/tan⁴⁴⁻³³ t͡sʰiũ⁴⁴⁻³³ pʰit̚³²⁻⁴ mã⁴¹/

/tan⁴⁴⁻³³ t͡sʰiũ⁴⁴⁻³³ pʰit̚³²⁻⁴ mã⁵³/

/tän⁵⁵ t͡ɕʰi̯ɑŋ⁵⁵ pʰi⁵⁵ mä²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/taːn⁵⁵ t͡sʰœːŋ⁵⁵ pʰɐt̚⁵ maː¹³/

/tan⁴⁴⁻²² t͡sʰiaŋ⁴⁴⁻²² pʰit̚³²⁻⁴ mã⁵³/

/tan⁴⁴⁻³³ t͡sʰiũ⁴⁴⁻³³ pʰit̚³²⁻⁴ mã⁴¹/

/tan⁴⁴⁻³³ t͡sʰiũ⁴⁴⁻³³ pʰit̚³²⁻⁴ mã⁵³/


為叢驅雀

ㄨㄟˋ ㄘㄨㄥˊ ㄑㄩ ㄑㄩㄝˋ

вэйцунцюйцюэ

/weɪ̯⁵¹ t͡sʰʊŋ³⁵ t͡ɕʰy⁵⁵ t͡ɕʰy̯ɛ⁵¹/

/weɪ̯⁵¹ t͡sʰʊŋ³⁵ t͡ɕʰy⁵⁵ t͡ɕʰy̯ɛ⁵¹/

为丛驱雀
為叢敺雀
為叢驅爵/為叢敺爵/为丛驱爵

(figuratively) to produce the exact opposite effect of what one wished


為淵驅魚

ㄨㄟˋ ㄩㄢ ㄑㄩ ㄩˊ

вэйюаньцюйюй

/weɪ̯⁵¹ ɥɛn⁵⁵ t͡ɕʰy⁵⁵ y³⁵/

/weɪ̯⁵¹ ɥɛn⁵⁵ t͡ɕʰy⁵⁵ y³⁵/


觥籌交錯

ㄍㄨㄥ ㄔㄡˊ ㄐㄧㄠ ㄘㄨㄛˋ

гунчоуцзяоцо

/kʊŋ⁵⁵ ʈ͡ʂʰoʊ̯³⁵ t͡ɕi̯ɑʊ̯⁵⁵ t͡sʰu̯ɔ⁵¹/

/kʷɐŋ⁵⁵ t͡sʰɐu̯²¹ kaːu̯⁵⁵ t͡sʰɔːk̚³/

/kʊŋ⁵⁵ ʈ͡ʂʰoʊ̯³⁵ t͡ɕi̯ɑʊ̯⁵⁵ t͡sʰu̯ɔ⁵¹/

/kʷɐŋ⁵⁵ t͡sʰɐu̯²¹ kaːu̯⁵⁵ t͡sʰɔːk̚³/

From 醉翁亭記 [1046] by Ouyang Xiu:
:
射者中，弈者勝，觥籌交錯，起坐而喧嘩者，眾賓歡也。 [Classical Chinese, trad.]射者中，弈者胜，觥筹交错，起坐而喧哗者，众宾欢也。 [Classical Chinese, simp.]
From: Song dynasty, Ouyang Xiu, 《醉翁亭記》
Shè zhě zhōng, yì zhě shèng, gōngchóujiāocuò, qǐ zuò ér xuānhuá zhě, zhòng bīn huān yě. [Pinyin]
The shooters of dice hit their mark, and players of Chinese chess are victorious. Wine cups and game tallies cross back and forth, and people sit and stand in an uproar. The multitude of guests is happy.

射 者 中，弈 者 勝，觥籌交錯，起 坐 而 喧嘩 者，眾 賓 歡 也。

to have many people drinking alcohol together


觥籌交舉

ㄍㄨㄥ ㄔㄡˊ ㄐㄧㄠ ㄐㄩˇ

гунчоуцзяоцзюй

/kʊŋ⁵⁵ ʈ͡ʂʰoʊ̯³⁵ t͡ɕi̯ɑʊ̯⁵⁵ t͡ɕy²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/kʷɐŋ⁵⁵ t͡sʰɐu̯²¹ kaːu̯⁵⁵ kɵy̯³⁵/

/kʷɐŋ⁵⁵ t͡sʰɐu̯²¹ kaːu̯⁵⁵ kɵy̯³⁵/

觥籌交錯 觥籌交錯#Chinese

觥筹交错 觥筹交错#Chinese

Synonym of 觥籌交錯／觥筹交错 (gōngchóujiāocuò, “to have many people drinking alcohol together”)


八面受敵

ㄅㄚ ㄇㄧㄢˋ ㄕㄡˋ ㄉㄧˊ

/pä⁵⁵ mi̯ɛn⁵¹⁻⁵³ ʂoʊ̯⁵¹ ti³⁵/

/pä⁵⁵ mi̯ɛn⁵¹⁻⁵³ ʂoʊ̯⁵¹ ti³⁵/


衝鋒陷陣

ㄔㄨㄥ ㄈㄥ ㄒㄧㄢˋ ㄓㄣˋ

чунфэнсяньчжэнь

/ʈ͡ʂʰʊŋ⁵⁵ fɤŋ⁵⁵ ɕi̯ɛn⁵¹⁻⁵³ ʈ͡ʂən⁵¹/

/t͡sʰʊŋ⁵⁵ fʊŋ⁵⁵ hɐm²² t͡sɐn²²/

/t͡sʰiɔŋ⁴⁴⁻²² hɔŋ⁴⁴⁻²² ham²²⁻²¹ tin²²/

/t͡sʰiɔŋ³³ hɔŋ³³ ham⁴¹⁻²² tin⁴¹/

/t͡sʰiɔŋ⁴⁴⁻²² hɔŋ⁴⁴⁻²² ham²²⁻²¹ tin²²/

/t͡sʰiɔŋ⁴⁴⁻³³ hɔŋ⁴⁴⁻³³ ham³³⁻¹¹ tin³³/

/t͡sʰiɔŋ⁴⁴⁻³³ hɔŋ⁴⁴⁻³³ ham³³⁻²¹ tin³³/

/ʈ͡ʂʰʊŋ⁵⁵ fɤŋ⁵⁵ ɕi̯ɛn⁵¹⁻⁵³ ʈ͡ʂən⁵¹/

/t͡sʰʊŋ⁵⁵ fʊŋ⁵⁵ hɐm²² t͡sɐn²²/

/t͡sʰiɔŋ⁴⁴⁻²² hɔŋ⁴⁴⁻²² ham²²⁻²¹ tin²²/

/t͡sʰiɔŋ³³ hɔŋ³³ ham⁴¹⁻²² tin⁴¹/

/t͡sʰiɔŋ⁴⁴⁻²² hɔŋ⁴⁴⁻²² ham²²⁻²¹ tin²²/

/t͡sʰiɔŋ⁴⁴⁻³³ hɔŋ⁴⁴⁻³³ ham³³⁻¹¹ tin³³/

/t͡sʰiɔŋ⁴⁴⁻³³ hɔŋ⁴⁴⁻³³ ham³³⁻²¹ tin³³/

魯迅是在文化戰線上，代表全民族的大多數，向著敵人衝鋒陷陣的最正確、最勇敢、最堅決、最忠實、最熱忱的空前的民族英雄。 [MSC, trad.]
鲁迅是在文化战线上，代表全民族的大多数，向着敌人冲锋陷阵的最正确、最勇敢、最坚决、最忠实、最热忱的空前的民族英雄。 [MSC, simp.]

Representing the great majority of the nation, Lu Xun breached and stormed the enemy citadel; on the cultural front he was the bravest and most correct, the firmest, the most loyal and the most ardent national hero, a hero without parallel in our history.

Lǔ Xùn shì zài wénhuà zhànxiàn shàng, dàibiǎo quán mínzú de dàduōshù, xiàngzhe dírén chōngfēngxiànzhèn de zuì zhèngquè, zuì yǒnggǎn, zuì jiānjué, zuì zhōngshí, zuì rèchén de kōngqián de mínzú yīngxióng. [Pinyin]

to charge and break enemy ranks; to fight valiantly


威逼利誘

ㄨㄟ ㄅㄧ ㄌㄧˋ ㄧㄡˋ

/weɪ̯⁵⁵ pi⁵⁵ li⁵¹⁻⁵³ joʊ̯⁵¹/

/wɐi̯⁵⁵ pɪk̚⁵ lei̯²² jɐu̯¹³/

/weɪ̯⁵⁵ pi⁵⁵ li⁵¹⁻⁵³ joʊ̯⁵¹/

/wɐi̯⁵⁵ pɪk̚⁵ lei̯²² jɐu̯¹³/

to coerce and bribe; to threaten and bribe


四面受敵

ㄙˋ ㄇㄧㄢˋ ㄕㄡˋ ㄉㄧˊ

/sz̩⁵¹⁻⁵³ mi̯ɛn⁵¹⁻⁵³ ʂoʊ̯⁵¹ ti³⁵/

/sz̩⁵¹⁻⁵³ mi̯ɛn⁵¹⁻⁵³ ʂoʊ̯⁵¹ ti³⁵/


八方受敵

ㄅㄚ ㄈㄤ ㄕㄡˋ ㄉㄧˊ

/pä⁵⁵ fɑŋ⁵⁵ ʂoʊ̯⁵¹ ti³⁵/

/pä⁵⁵ fɑŋ⁵⁵ ʂoʊ̯⁵¹ ti³⁵/


為淵驅魚，為叢驅雀

ㄨㄟˋ ㄩㄢ ㄑㄩ ㄩˊ

ㄨㄟˋ ㄘㄨㄥˊ ㄑㄩ ㄑㄩㄝˋ

вэйюаньцюйюй

вэйцунцюйцюэ

/weɪ̯⁵¹ ɥɛn⁵⁵ t͡ɕʰy⁵⁵ y³⁵ weɪ̯⁵¹ t͡sʰʊŋ³⁵ t͡ɕʰy⁵⁵ t͡ɕʰy̯ɛ⁵¹/

From the Mencius.
故為淵敺魚者，獺也；為叢敺爵者，鸇也；為湯武敺民者，桀與紂也。 [Classical Chinese, trad.]故为渊驱鱼者，獭也；为丛驱爵者，鹯也；为汤武驱民者，桀与纣也。 [Classical Chinese, simp.]
From: Mencius, c. 4ᵗʰ century BCE
Gù wèiyuānqūyú zhě, tǎ yě; wèicóngqūquè zhě, zhān yě; wèi Tāng Wǔ qū mín zhě, Jié yǔ Zhòu yě. [Pinyin]
Accordingly, as the otter aids the deep waters, driving the fish into them, and the hawk aids the thickets, driving the little birds to them, so Jie and Zhou aided Tang and Wu, driving the people to them.

故 @為{wèi}淵敺􂀿驱􂁀{qū}魚 者，獺 也；@為{wèi}叢敺􂀿驱􂁀{qū}爵{què} 者，鸇 也；為{wèi} ^湯.^武 敺{qū} 民 者，^桀 與 ^紂 也。

为渊驱鱼，为丛驱雀
為淵敺魚，為叢敺雀
為淵驅魚，為叢驅爵/為淵敺魚，為叢敺爵/为渊驱鱼，为丛驱爵

to drive the fish into deep waters and the sparrows into the thickets


孤家寡人

ㄍㄨ ㄐㄧㄚ ㄍㄨㄚˇ ㄖㄣˊ

гуцзягуажэнь

/ku⁵⁵ t͡ɕi̯ä⁵⁵ ku̯ä²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʐən³⁵/

/kuː⁵⁵ kaː⁵⁵ kʷaː³⁵ jɐn²¹/

/ku⁵⁵ t͡ɕi̯ä⁵⁵ ku̯ä²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʐən³⁵/

/kuː⁵⁵ kaː⁵⁵ kʷaː³⁵ jɐn²¹/

(humble, archaic) I; we; "your unworthy king" (first-person pronoun used by monarchs, similar to the royal we)


烽煙四起

ㄈㄥ ㄧㄢ ㄙˋ ㄑㄧˇ

/fɤŋ⁵⁵ jɛn⁵⁵ sz̩⁵¹ t͡ɕʰi²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/fʊŋ⁵⁵ jiːn⁵⁵ sei̯³³ hei̯³⁵/

/fɤŋ⁵⁵ jɛn⁵⁵ sz̩⁵¹ t͡ɕʰi²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/fʊŋ⁵⁵ jiːn⁵⁵ sei̯³³ hei̯³⁵/


殺人放火

ㄕㄚ ㄖㄣˊ ㄈㄤˋ ㄏㄨㄛˇ

/ʂä⁵⁵ ʐən³⁵ fɑŋ⁵¹ xu̯ɔ²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/saːt̚³ jɐn²¹ fɔːŋ³³ fɔː³⁵/

/ʂä⁵⁵ ʐən³⁵ fɑŋ⁵¹ xu̯ɔ²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/saːt̚³ jɐn²¹ fɔːŋ³³ fɔː³⁵/

to commit violent crimes in a habitual manner, especially as gangsters or outlaws


杯觥交錯

ㄅㄟ ㄍㄨㄥ ㄐㄧㄠ ㄘㄨㄛˋ

бэйгунцзяоцо

/peɪ̯⁵⁵ kʊŋ⁵⁵ t͡ɕi̯ɑʊ̯⁵⁵ t͡sʰu̯ɔ⁵¹/

/puːi̯⁵⁵ kʷɐŋ⁵⁵ kaːu̯⁵⁵ t͡sʰɔːk̚³/

/peɪ̯⁵⁵ kʊŋ⁵⁵ t͡ɕi̯ɑʊ̯⁵⁵ t͡sʰu̯ɔ⁵¹/

/puːi̯⁵⁵ kʷɐŋ⁵⁵ kaːu̯⁵⁵ t͡sʰɔːk̚³/

to have many people drinking alcohol together at a feast


左顧右盼

ㄗㄨㄛˇ ㄍㄨˋ ㄧㄡˋ ㄆㄢˋ

/t͡su̯ɔ²¹⁴⁻²¹ ku⁵¹⁻⁵³ joʊ̯⁵¹⁻⁵³ pʰän⁵¹/

/t͡sɔː³⁵ kuː³³ jɐu̯²² pʰaːn³³/

/t͡su̯ɔ²¹⁴⁻²¹ ku⁵¹⁻⁵³ joʊ̯⁵¹⁻⁵³ pʰän⁵¹/

/t͡sɔː³⁵ kuː³³ jɐu̯²² pʰaːn³³/


為時不遠

ㄨㄟˊ ㄕˊ ㄅㄨˋ ㄩㄢˇ

/weɪ̯³⁵ ʂʐ̩³⁵ pu⁵¹ ɥɛn²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/wɐi̯²¹ siː²¹ pɐt̚⁵ jyːn¹³/

/weɪ̯³⁵ ʂʐ̩³⁵ pu⁵¹ ɥɛn²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/wɐi̯²¹ siː²¹ pɐt̚⁵ jyːn¹³/

希特勒被消滅以後，打敗日本侵略者就為時不遠了。 [MSC, trad.]
希特勒被消灭以后，打败日本侵略者就为时不远了。 [MSC, simp.]

From: 1945, 毛澤東 (Mao Zedong), 《論聯合政府》 (On Coalition Government), 《毛澤東選集》. English translation based on the Foreign Languages Press edition

After Hitler is wiped out, the defeat of the Japanese aggressors will not be far distant.

Xītèlè bèi xiāomiè yǐhòu, dǎbài Rìběn qīnlüèzhě jiù wéishíbùyuǎn le. [Pinyin]


歪打正著

ㄨㄞ ㄉㄚˇ ㄓㄥˋ ㄓㄠˊ

вайдачжэнчжао

/waɪ̯⁵⁵ tä²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʈ͡ʂɤŋ⁵¹ ʈ͡ʂɑʊ̯³⁵/

/waːi̯⁵⁵ taː³⁵ t͡sɪŋ³³ t͡sœːk̚²/

/waɪ̯⁵⁵ tä²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʈ͡ʂɤŋ⁵¹ ʈ͡ʂɑʊ̯³⁵/

/waːi̯⁵⁵ taː³⁵ t͡sɪŋ³³ t͡sœːk̚²/

to have used the wrong method or have had no intention of doing something but arrive at the correct result nevertheless


談虎色變

ㄊㄢˊ ㄏㄨˇ ㄙㄜˋ ㄅㄧㄢˋ

таньхусэбянь

/tʰän³⁵ xu²¹⁴⁻²¹ sɤ⁵¹⁻⁵³ pi̯ɛn⁵¹/

/tʰaːm²¹ fuː³⁵ sɪk̚⁵ piːn³³/

/tʰän³⁵ xu²¹⁴⁻²¹ sɤ⁵¹⁻⁵³ pi̯ɛn⁵¹/

/tʰaːm²¹ fuː³⁵ sɪk̚⁵ piːn³³/

to become scared when a particular thing is mentioned


手足無措

ㄕㄡˇ ㄗㄨˊ ㄨˊ ㄘㄨㄛˋ

/ʂoʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ t͡su³⁵ u³⁵ t͡sʰu̯ɔ⁵¹/

/sɐu̯³⁵ t͡sʊk̚⁵ mou̯²¹ t͡sʰou̯³³/

/ʂoʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ t͡su³⁵ u³⁵ t͡sʰu̯ɔ⁵¹/

/sɐu̯³⁵ t͡sʊk̚⁵ mou̯²¹ t͡sʰou̯³³/

From the Analects, Book 13 (《論語·子路》):
:
名不正，則言不順；言不順，則事不成；事不成，則禮樂不興；禮樂不興，則刑罰不中；刑罰不中，則民無所措手足。 [Classical Chinese, trad.]名不正，则言不顺；言不顺，则事不成；事不成，则礼乐不兴；礼乐不兴，则刑罚不中；刑罚不中，则民无所措手足。 [Classical Chinese, simp.]
From: The Analects of Confucius, c. 475 – 221 BCE, translated based on James Legge's version
Míng bù zhèng, zé yán bù shùn; yán bù shùn, zé shì bù chéng; shì bù chéng, zé lǐyuè bù xīng; lǐyuè bù xīng, zé xíngfá bù zhòng; xíngfá bù zhòng, zé mín wú suǒ cuò shǒuzú. [Pinyin]
If names be not correct, language is not in accordance with the truth of things. If language be not in accordance with the truth of things, affairs cannot be carried on to success. When affairs cannot be carried on to success, proprieties and music will not flourish. When proprieties and music do not flourish, punishments will not be properly awarded. When punishments are not properly awarded, the people do not know how to move hand or foot.

名 不.正，則 言 不 順；言 不 順，則 事 不.成；事 不.成，則 禮樂 不 興{xīng}；禮樂 不 興{xīng}，則 刑罰 不 中{zhòng}；刑罰 不 中{zhòng}，則 民 @無 所 @措 @手足。

to have no way to move the hands or feet


專心致志

ㄓㄨㄢ ㄒㄧㄣ ㄓˋ ㄓˋ

чжуаньсиньчжичжи

čžuanʹsinʹčžičži

/ʈ͡ʂu̯än⁵⁵ ɕin⁵⁵ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵¹⁻⁵³ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵¹/

/t͡syːn⁵⁵ sɐm⁵⁵ t͡siː³³ t͡siː³³/

/ʈ͡ʂu̯än⁵⁵ ɕin⁵⁵ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵¹⁻⁵³ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵¹/

/t͡syːn⁵⁵ sɐm⁵⁵ t͡siː³³ t͡siː³³/

From Mencius (《孟子·告子上》):
:
今夫弈之為數，小數也；不專心致志，則不得也。弈秋，通國之善弈者也。使弈秋誨二人弈，其一人專心致志，惟弈秋之為聽。一人雖聽之，一心以為有鴻鵠將至，思援弓繳而射之，雖與之俱學，弗若之矣。為是其智弗若與？曰：「非然也。」 [Classical Chinese, trad.]今夫弈之为数，小数也；不专心致志，则不得也。弈秋，通国之善弈者也。使弈秋诲二人弈，其一人专心致志，惟弈秋之为听。一人虽听之，一心以为有鸿鹄将至，思援弓缴而射之，虽与之俱学，弗若之矣。为是其智弗若与？曰：「非然也。」 [Classical Chinese, simp.]
From: Mencius, c. 4ᵗʰ century BCE, translated based on James Legge's version
Jīnfú yì zhī wéi shù, xiǎo shù yě; bù zhuānxīn zhìzhì, zé bùdé yě. Yìqiū, tōngguó zhī shàn yì zhě yě. Shǐ Yìqiū huì èrrén yì, qí yīrén zhuānxīn zhìzhì, wéi Yìqiū zhī wéi tīng. Yīrén suī tīng zhī, yīxīn yǐwèi yǒu hónghú jiāng zhì, sī yuán gōngzhuó ér shè zhī, suī yǔ zhī jù xué, fú ruò zhī yǐ. Wéishì qí zhì fú ruò yú? Yuē: “Fēi rán yě.” [Pinyin]
Now chess-playing is but a small art, but without his whole mind being given, and his will bent to it, a man cannot succeed at it. Yi Qiu is the best chess-player in all the kingdom. Suppose he is teaching two men to play. The one gives to the subject his whole mind and bends to it all his will, doing nothing but listening to Yi Qiu. Another one, although he seems to be listening to him, has his whole mind running on a swan which he thinks is approaching, and wishes to bend his bow, adjust the string to the arrow, and shoot it. Although he is learning along with another one, he does not come up to him. Why? Because he isn't as intelligent as another one? Not so.

今夫{fú} 弈 之 為{wéi} 數，小 數 也；不 專心.致志，則 不得 也。@^弈秋，通國 之 善 弈 者 也。使 @^弈秋 誨 二人 弈，其 一人 專心.致志，惟 @^弈秋 之 為{wéi} 聽。一人 雖 聽 之，一心 以為 有 鴻鵠 將 至，思 援 弓繳{zhuó} 而 射 之，雖 與 之 俱 學，弗 若 之 矣。為{wéi}是 其 智 弗 若 與{yú}？曰：「非 然 也。」

to be wholly focused; with single-hearted devotion


客似雲來

ㄎㄜˋ ㄙˋ ㄩㄣˊ ㄌㄞˊ

/kʰɤ⁵¹⁻⁵³ sz̩⁵¹ yn³⁵ laɪ̯³⁵/

/haːk̚³ t͡sʰiː¹³ wɐn²¹ lɔːi̯²¹/

/kʰɤ⁵¹⁻⁵³ sz̩⁵¹ yn³⁵ laɪ̯³⁵/

/haːk̚³ t͡sʰiː¹³ wɐn²¹ lɔːi̯²¹/

to have a lot of customers coming to a shop or business


難以言喻

ㄋㄢˊ ㄧˇ ㄧㄢˊ ㄩˋ

/nän³⁵ i²¹⁴⁻²¹ jɛn³⁵ y⁵¹/

/naːn²¹ jiː¹³ jiːn²¹ jyː²²/

/nän³⁵ i²¹⁴⁻²¹ jɛn³⁵ y⁵¹/

/naːn²¹ jiː¹³ jiːn²¹ jyː²²/

to be difficult to be described by words


竭澤而漁

ㄐㄧㄝˊ ㄗㄜˊ ㄦˊ ㄩˊ

/t͡ɕi̯ɛ³⁵ t͡sɤ³⁵ ˀɤɻ³⁵ y³⁵/

/kʰiːt̚³ t͡saːk̚² jiː²¹ jyː²¹/

/t͡ɕi̯ɛ³⁵ t͡sɤ³⁵ ˀɤɻ³⁵ y³⁵/

/kʰiːt̚³ t͡saːk̚² jiː²¹ jyː²¹/

kill the goose that lays the golden egg
kill the goose that lays the golden egg

to kill the goose that lays the golden egg; to extract everything available at the moment at the sacrifice of long-term benefits


惡貫滿盈

ㄜˋ ㄍㄨㄢˋ ㄇㄢˇ ㄧㄥˊ

эгуаньманьин

/ˀɤ⁵¹⁻⁵³ ku̯än⁵¹ män²¹⁴⁻²¹ iŋ³⁵/

/ɔːk̚³ kuːn³³ muːn¹³ jɪŋ²¹/

/ˀɤ⁵¹⁻⁵³ ku̯än⁵¹ män²¹⁴⁻²¹ iŋ³⁵/

/ɔːk̚³ kuːn³³ muːn¹³ jɪŋ²¹/

to have committed a great number of crimes or sins


異想天開

ㄧˋ ㄒㄧㄤˇ ㄊㄧㄢ ㄎㄞ

/i⁵¹ ɕi̯ɑŋ²¹⁴⁻²¹ tʰi̯ɛn⁵⁵ kʰaɪ̯⁵⁵/

/jiː²² sœːŋ³⁵ tʰiːn⁵⁵ hɔːi̯⁵⁵/

/i²²⁻²¹ siɔŋ⁵³⁻⁴⁴ tʰĩ⁴⁴⁻²² kʰui⁴⁴/

/i⁴¹⁻²² siɔŋ⁵⁵⁴⁻²⁴ tʰĩ³³ kʰui³³/

/i²²⁻²¹ siɔŋ⁵³⁻⁴⁴ tʰĩ⁴⁴⁻²² kʰui⁴⁴/

/i³³⁻¹¹ siɔŋ⁵³⁻⁴⁴ tʰĩ⁴⁴⁻³³ kʰui⁴⁴/

/i³³⁻²¹ siɔŋ⁴¹⁻⁴⁴ tʰĩ⁴⁴⁻³³ kʰui⁴⁴/

/i⁵¹ ɕi̯ɑŋ²¹⁴⁻²¹ tʰi̯ɛn⁵⁵ kʰaɪ̯⁵⁵/

/jiː²² sœːŋ³⁵ tʰiːn⁵⁵ hɔːi̯⁵⁵/

/i²²⁻²¹ siɔŋ⁵³⁻⁴⁴ tʰĩ⁴⁴⁻²² kʰui⁴⁴/

/i⁴¹⁻²² siɔŋ⁵⁵⁴⁻²⁴ tʰĩ³³ kʰui³³/

/i²²⁻²¹ siɔŋ⁵³⁻⁴⁴ tʰĩ⁴⁴⁻²² kʰui⁴⁴/

/i³³⁻¹¹ siɔŋ⁵³⁻⁴⁴ tʰĩ⁴⁴⁻³³ kʰui⁴⁴/

/i³³⁻²¹ siɔŋ⁴¹⁻⁴⁴ tʰĩ⁴⁴⁻³³ kʰui⁴⁴/


含英咀華

ㄏㄢˊ ㄧㄥ ㄐㄩˇ ㄏㄨㄚˊ

ханьинцзюйхуа

/xän³⁵ iŋ⁵⁵ t͡ɕy²¹⁴⁻²¹ xu̯ä³⁵/

/hɐm²¹ jɪŋ⁵⁵ t͡sɵy̯³⁵ waː²¹/

/xän³⁵ iŋ⁵⁵ t͡ɕy²¹⁴⁻²¹ xu̯ä³⁵/

/hɐm²¹ jɪŋ⁵⁵ t͡sɵy̯³⁵ waː²¹/

From 9th century, Han Yu (韓愈), 《進學解》:
沉浸醲郁，含英咀華。作爲文章，其書滿家。 [Classical Chinese, trad.]沉浸𬪩郁，含英咀华。作为文章，其书满家。 [Classical Chinese, simp.]
From: c. 813, Han Yu, "On Encouraging Scholarship" (《進學解》)
Chén jìn nóng yù, hányīngjǔhuá. Zuò wèi wénzhāng, qí shū mǎn jiā. [Pinyin]
You immerse yourself in the richness of literature, and you chew in your mouth the flowering passages. In your literary creations, there is an abundance of essential merits found in all the great masters before you.

沉 浸 醲 郁，含英咀華。作 爲 文章，其 書 滿 家。

(figurative) to savour the merits of a literary work; to appreciate the subtleties in a literary work by rumination


明日黃花

ㄇㄧㄥˊ ㄖˋ ㄏㄨㄤˊ ㄏㄨㄚ

минжихуанхуа

/miŋ³⁵ ʐ̩⁵¹ xu̯ɑŋ³⁵ xu̯ä⁵⁵/

/mɪŋ²¹ jɐt̚² wɔːŋ²¹ faː⁵⁵/

/biɪŋ²⁴⁻²² lit̚⁴⁻³² hɔŋ²⁴⁻²² hua⁴⁴/

/miŋ³⁵ ʐ̩⁵¹ xu̯ɑŋ³⁵ xu̯ä⁵⁵/

/mɪŋ²¹ jɐt̚² wɔːŋ²¹ faː⁵⁵/

/biɪŋ²⁴⁻²² lit̚⁴⁻³² hɔŋ²⁴⁻²² hua⁴⁴/

an object or person that is past their prime; what is obsolete


樹頭徛予在，毋驚樹尾做風颱

head

樹頭徛予在，毋驚樹尾做風颱

树头徛予在，毋惊树尾做风台

/t͡sʰiu²²⁻²¹ tʰau²⁴ kʰia²²⁻²¹ hɔ²²⁻²¹ t͡sai²² m̩²²⁻²¹ kiã⁴⁴⁻²² t͡sʰiu²²⁻²¹ bue⁵³ t͡so²¹⁻⁵³ hɔŋ⁴⁴⁻²² tʰai⁴⁴/

/t͡sʰiu⁴¹⁻²² tʰau²⁴ kʰia⁴¹⁻²² hɔ⁴¹⁻²² t͡sai⁴¹ m̩⁴¹⁻²² kiã³³ t͡sʰiu⁴¹⁻²² bue⁵⁵⁴ t͡so⁴¹⁻⁵⁵⁴ hɔŋ³³ tʰai³³/

/t͡sʰiu²²⁻²¹ tʰau¹³ kʰia²²⁻²¹ hɔ²²⁻²¹ t͡sai²² m̩²²⁻²¹ kiã⁴⁴⁻²² t͡sʰiu²²⁻²¹ bue⁵³ t͡so²¹⁻⁵³ hɔŋ⁴⁴⁻²² tʰai⁴⁴/

/t͡sʰiu³³⁻¹¹ tʰau²⁴ kʰia³³⁻¹¹ hɔ³³⁻¹¹ t͡sai³³ m̩³³⁻¹¹ kiã⁴⁴⁻³³ t͡sʰiu³³⁻¹¹ bue⁵³ t͡so¹¹⁻⁵³ hɔŋ⁴⁴⁻³³ tʰai⁴⁴/

/t͡sʰiu³³⁻²¹ tʰau²³ kʰia³³⁻²¹ hɔ³³⁻²¹ t͡sai³³ m̩³³⁻²¹ kiã⁴⁴⁻³³ t͡sʰiu³³⁻²¹ bue⁴¹ t͡sɤ²¹⁻⁴¹ hɔŋ⁴⁴⁻³³ tʰai⁴⁴/

(Southern Min, figurative) a solid foundation is important


寢食不安

ㄑㄧㄣˇ ㄕˊ ㄅㄨˋ ㄢ

циньшибу’ань

/t͡ɕʰin²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʂʐ̩³⁵ pu⁵¹ ˀän⁵⁵/

/t͡sʰɐm³⁵ sɪk̚² pɐt̚⁵ ɔːn⁵⁵/

/t͡ɕʰin²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʂʐ̩³⁵ pu⁵¹ ˀän⁵⁵/

/t͡sʰɐm³⁵ sɪk̚² pɐt̚⁵ ɔːn⁵⁵/


擁兵自重

ㄩㄥ ㄅㄧㄥ ㄗˋ ㄓㄨㄥˋ

ㄩㄥˇ ㄅㄧㄥ ㄗˋ ㄓㄨㄥˋ

юнбинцзычжун

/jʊŋ⁵⁵ piŋ⁵⁵ t͡sz̩⁵¹⁻⁵³ ʈ͡ʂʊŋ⁵¹/

/jʊŋ²¹⁴⁻²¹ piŋ⁵⁵ t͡sz̩⁵¹⁻⁵³ ʈ͡ʂʊŋ⁵¹/

/jʊŋ³⁵ pɪŋ⁵⁵ t͡siː²² t͡sʊŋ²²/

/jʊŋ⁵⁵ piŋ⁵⁵ t͡sz̩⁵¹⁻⁵³ ʈ͡ʂʊŋ⁵¹/

/jʊŋ²¹⁴⁻²¹ piŋ⁵⁵ t͡sz̩⁵¹⁻⁵³ ʈ͡ʂʊŋ⁵¹/

/jʊŋ³⁵ pɪŋ⁵⁵ t͡siː²² t͡sʊŋ²²/

to control a sizable army and defy orders from higher or central authorities


寢食難安

ㄑㄧㄣˇ ㄕˊ ㄋㄢˊ ㄢ

циньшинаньань

/t͡ɕʰin²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʂʐ̩³⁵ nän³⁵ ˀän⁵⁵/

/t͡sʰɐm³⁵ sɪk̚² naːn²¹ ɔːn⁵⁵/

/t͡ɕʰin²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʂʐ̩³⁵ nän³⁵ ˀän⁵⁵/

/t͡sʰɐm³⁵ sɪk̚² naːn²¹ ɔːn⁵⁵/


暮四朝三

ㄇㄨˋ ㄙˋ ㄓㄠ ㄙㄢ

мусычжаосань

/mu⁵¹⁻⁵³ sz̩⁵¹ ʈ͡ʂɑʊ̯⁵⁵ sän⁵⁵/

/mu⁵¹⁻⁵³ sz̩⁵¹ ʈ͡ʂɑʊ̯⁵⁵ sän⁵⁵/

朝三暮四 朝三暮四#Chinese


暮楚朝秦

ㄇㄨˋ ㄔㄨˇ ㄓㄠ ㄑㄧㄣˊ

мучучжаоцинь

/mu⁵¹ ʈ͡ʂʰu²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʈ͡ʂɑʊ̯⁵⁵ t͡ɕʰin³⁵/

/mu⁵¹ ʈ͡ʂʰu²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʈ͡ʂɑʊ̯⁵⁵ t͡ɕʰin³⁵/

朝秦暮楚 朝秦暮楚#Chinese


佔為己有

ㄓㄢˋ ㄨㄟˊ ㄐㄧˇ ㄧㄡˇ

чжаньвэйцзию

/ʈ͡ʂän⁵¹ weɪ̯³⁵ t͡ɕi²¹⁴⁻³⁵ joʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

他把財產完全佔為己有 [MSC, trad.]
他把财产完全占为己有 [MSC, simp.]

tā bǎ cáichǎn wánquán zhànwèijǐyǒu [Pinyin]

to appropriate to oneself; to take something which is not yours


朝四暮三

ㄓㄠ ㄙˋ ㄇㄨˋ ㄙㄢ

чжаосымусань

/ʈ͡ʂɑʊ̯⁵⁵ sz̩⁵¹⁻⁵³ mu⁵¹ sän⁵⁵/

/ʈ͡ʂɑʊ̯⁵⁵ sz̩⁵¹⁻⁵³ mu⁵¹ sän⁵⁵/

朝三暮四 朝三暮四#Chinese


桑榆晚景

ㄙㄤ ㄩˊ ㄨㄢˇ ㄐㄧㄥˇ

санъюйваньцзин

/sɑŋ⁵⁵ y³⁵ wän²¹⁴⁻³⁵ t͡ɕiŋ²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/sɔːŋ⁵⁵ jyː²¹ maːn¹³ kɪŋ³⁵/

/sɑŋ⁵⁵ y³⁵ wän²¹⁴⁻³⁵ t͡ɕiŋ²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/sɔːŋ⁵⁵ jyː²¹ maːn¹³ kɪŋ³⁵/


桑榆暮景

ㄙㄤ ㄩˊ ㄇㄨˋ ㄐㄧㄥˇ

санъюймуцзин

/sɑŋ⁵⁵ y³⁵ mu⁵¹ t͡ɕiŋ²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/sɔːŋ⁵⁵ jyː²¹ mou̯²² kɪŋ³⁵/

/sɑŋ⁵⁵ y³⁵ mu⁵¹ t͡ɕiŋ²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/sɔːŋ⁵⁵ jyː²¹ mou̯²² kɪŋ³⁵/


力有未逮

ㄌㄧˋ ㄧㄡˇ ㄨㄟˋ ㄉㄞˋ

/li⁵¹ joʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ weɪ̯⁵¹⁻⁵³ taɪ̯⁵¹/

/lɪk̚² jɐu̯¹³ mei̯²² tɐi̯²²/

/li⁵¹ joʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ weɪ̯⁵¹⁻⁵³ taɪ̯⁵¹/

/lɪk̚² jɐu̯¹³ mei̯²² tɐi̯²²/


喜氣洋洋

ㄒㄧˇ ㄑㄧˋ ㄧㄤˊ ㄧㄤˊ

/ɕi²¹⁴⁻²¹ t͡ɕʰi⁵¹ jɑŋ³⁵ jɑŋ³⁵/

/hei̯³⁵ hei̯³³ jœːŋ²¹ jœːŋ²¹/

/ɕi²¹⁴⁻²¹ t͡ɕʰi⁵¹ jɑŋ³⁵ jɑŋ³⁵/

/hei̯³⁵ hei̯³³ jœːŋ²¹ jœːŋ²¹/


人貴自知

ㄖㄣˊ ㄍㄨㄟˋ ㄗˋ ㄓ

жэнь гуй цзычжи

/ʐən³⁵ ku̯eɪ̯⁵¹⁻⁵³ t͡sz̩⁵¹ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵⁵/

/jɐn²¹ kʷɐi̯³³ t͡siː²² t͡siː⁵⁵/

/ʐən³⁵ ku̯eɪ̯⁵¹⁻⁵³ t͡sz̩⁵¹ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵⁵/

/jɐn²¹ kʷɐi̯³³ t͡siː²² t͡siː⁵⁵/


永無寧日

ㄩㄥˇ ㄨˊ ㄋㄧㄥˊ ㄖˋ

/jʊŋ²¹⁴⁻²¹ u³⁵ niŋ³⁵ ʐ̩⁵¹/

/wɪŋ¹³ mou̯²¹ nɪŋ²¹ jɐt̚²/

/iɪŋ⁴¹⁻⁴⁴ bu²³⁻³³ liɪŋ²³⁻³³ zit̚⁴/

/jʊŋ²¹⁴⁻²¹ u³⁵ niŋ³⁵ ʐ̩⁵¹/

/wɪŋ¹³ mou̯²¹ nɪŋ²¹ jɐt̚²/

/iɪŋ⁴¹⁻⁴⁴ bu²³⁻³³ liɪŋ²³⁻³³ zit̚⁴/

to never have a peaceful day; to always be in turmoil or disorder


指點江山

ㄓˇ ㄉㄧㄢˇ ㄐㄧㄤ ㄕㄢ

чжидяньцзяншань

/ʈ͡ʂʐ̩²¹⁴⁻³⁵ ti̯ɛn²¹⁴⁻²¹ t͡ɕi̯ɑŋ⁵⁵ ʂän⁵⁵/

/t͡siː³⁵ tiːm³⁵ kɔːŋ⁵⁵ saːn⁵⁵/

/t͡siː³⁵ tiːm³⁵ kɔːŋ⁵⁵ saːn⁵⁵/


止戈為武

ㄓˇ ㄍㄜ ㄨㄟˊ ㄨˇ

/ʈ͡ʂʐ̩²¹⁴⁻²¹ kɤ⁵⁵ weɪ̯³⁵ u²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/t͡siː³⁵ kʷɔː⁵⁵ wɐi̯²¹ mou̯¹³/

/ʈ͡ʂʐ̩²¹⁴⁻²¹ kɤ⁵⁵ weɪ̯³⁵ u²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/t͡siː³⁵ kʷɔː⁵⁵ wɐi̯²¹ mou̯¹³/

From the analysis of the character 武 as being composed of 止 (“to stop”) and 戈 (“war”) in Zuozhuan:
:
潘黨曰：「君盍築武軍，而收晉尸以為京觀，臣聞克敵，必示子孫，以無忘武功。」楚子曰：「非爾所知也，夫文，止戈為武。武王克商，作頌曰：『載戢干戈，載櫜弓矢，我求懿德，肆于時夏，允王保之。』」 [Classical Chinese, trad.]潘党曰：「君盍筑武军，而收晋尸以为京观，臣闻克敌，必示子孙，以无忘武功。」楚子曰：「非尔所知也，夫文，止戈为武。武王克商，作颂曰：『载戢干戈，载櫜弓矢，我求懿德，肆于时夏，允王保之。』」 [Classical Chinese, simp.]
From: Commentary of Zuo, c. 4ᵗʰ century BCE
Pān Dǎng yuē: “Jūn hé zhù wǔjūn, ér shōu Jìn shī yǐwèi jīngguān, chén wén kè dí, bì shì zǐsūn, yǐ wú wàng wǔgōng.” Chǔ zǐ yuē: “Fēi ěr suǒ zhī yě, fú wén, zhǐgēwéiwǔ. Wǔwáng kè Shāng, zuò sòng yuē: ‘Zǎi jí gāngē, zǎi gāo gōngshǐ, wǒ qiú yìdé, sì yú shí xià, yǔn wáng bǎo zhī.’” [Pinyin]
Pan Dang said to him, 'Why should your lordship not signalize your triumph by making a mound, and collect in it the bodies of the Jinites so as to form a grand monument? I have heard that successful battles should be shown to posterity, so that the prowess of them may not be forgotten." The viscount said, "You do not know what you are talking about. The character for 'prowess' is formed by those for 'to stay' and 'a spear'. When king Wu had subdued Shang, he made the ode, which says, 'He has called in shields and spears; He has returned to their cases bows and arrows. I will seek true virtue, and display it throughout the great land, that as king I may indeed preserve our appointment.'"

zh-x

^潘 ^黨 曰：「君 盍 築 武軍，而 收 ^晉 尸 以為 京觀，臣 聞 克 敵，必 示 子孫，以 無 忘 武功。」^楚 子 曰：「非 爾 所 知 也，夫{fú} 文，止戈為{wéi}武。^武王 克 ^商，作 頌 曰：『載 戢 干戈，載 櫜{gāo} 弓矢，我 求 懿德，肆 于 時 夏，允 王 保 之。』」

to end a war is the true military accomplishment


汰舊換新

ㄊㄞˋ ㄐㄧㄡˋ ㄏㄨㄢˋ ㄒㄧㄣ

тайцзюхуаньсинь

/tʰaɪ̯⁵¹⁻⁵³ t͡ɕi̯oʊ̯⁵¹⁻⁵³ xu̯än⁵¹ ɕin⁵⁵/

/tʰaːi̯³³ kɐu̯²² wuːn²² sɐn⁵⁵/

/tʰaːi̯³³ kɐu̯²² wuːn²² sɐn⁵⁵/

to eliminate the old and replace them with the new


一人一路

/t͡sit̚²⁴⁻² laŋ²⁴⁻²² t͡sit̚²⁴⁻² lɔ⁴¹/

/t͡sit̚⁴⁻³² laŋ²⁴⁻²² t͡sit̚⁴⁻³² lɔ²²/

/t͡sit̚¹²¹⁻²¹ laŋ¹³⁻²² t͡sit̚¹²¹⁻²¹ lɔ²²/

/t͡sit̚²⁴⁻² laŋ²⁴⁻²² t͡sit̚²⁴⁻² lɔ⁴¹/

/t͡sit̚⁴⁻³² laŋ²⁴⁻²² t͡sit̚⁴⁻³² lɔ²²/

(Southern Min) to evade each other to avoid responsibility


反烏反白

/piɪŋ⁵³⁻⁴⁴ ɔ⁴⁴⁻²² piɪŋ⁵³⁻⁴⁴ peʔ⁴/

/pan⁵³⁻⁴⁴ ɔ⁴⁴⁻²² pan⁵³⁻⁴⁴ pɛʔ¹²¹/

/puĩ⁵⁵⁴⁻²⁴ ɔ³³ puĩ⁵⁵⁴⁻²⁴ peʔ²⁴/

/piɪŋ⁵³⁻⁴⁴ ɔ⁴⁴⁻²² piɪŋ⁵³⁻⁴⁴ peʔ⁴/

/pan⁵³⁻⁴⁴ ɔ⁴⁴⁻²² pan⁵³⁻⁴⁴ pɛʔ¹²¹/

/puĩ⁵⁵⁴⁻²⁴ ɔ³³ puĩ⁵⁵⁴⁻²⁴ peʔ²⁴/

(Southern Min) to confuse right and wrong


反起反倒

/piɪŋ⁵³⁻⁴⁴ kʰi⁵³⁻⁴⁴ piɪŋ⁵³⁻⁴⁴ to⁵³/

/huan⁴¹⁻⁴⁴ kʰi⁴¹⁻⁴⁴ huan⁴¹⁻⁴⁴ tɤ⁴¹/

/huan⁵³⁻⁴⁴ kʰi⁵³⁻⁴⁴ huan⁵³⁻⁴⁴ to⁵³/

/pan⁵³⁻⁴⁴ kʰi⁵³⁻⁴⁴ pan⁵³⁻⁴⁴ to⁵³/

/puĩ⁵⁵⁴⁻²⁴ kʰi⁵⁵⁴⁻²⁴ puĩ⁵⁵⁴⁻²⁴ to⁵⁵⁴/

/piɪŋ⁵³⁻⁴⁴ kʰi⁵³⁻⁴⁴ piɪŋ⁵³⁻⁴⁴ to⁵³/

/huan⁴¹⁻⁴⁴ kʰi⁴¹⁻⁴⁴ huan⁴¹⁻⁴⁴ tɤ⁴¹/

/huan⁵³⁻⁴⁴ kʰi⁵³⁻⁴⁴ huan⁵³⁻⁴⁴ to⁵³/

/pan⁵³⁻⁴⁴ kʰi⁵³⁻⁴⁴ pan⁵³⁻⁴⁴ to⁵³/

/puĩ⁵⁵⁴⁻²⁴ kʰi⁵⁵⁴⁻²⁴ puĩ⁵⁵⁴⁻²⁴ to⁵⁵⁴/

(Southern Min) to be unsteady; to be capricious; to be erratic; to be fickle


瓊樓玉宇

ㄑㄩㄥˊ ㄌㄡˊ ㄩˋ ㄩˇ

/t͡ɕʰi̯ʊŋ³⁵ loʊ̯³⁵ y⁵¹ y²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/kʰɪŋ²¹ lɐu̯²¹ jʊk̚² jyː¹³/

/t͡ɕʰi̯ʊŋ³⁵ loʊ̯³⁵ y⁵¹ y²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/kʰɪŋ²¹ lɐu̯²¹ jʊk̚² jyː¹³/

(Chinese mythology) the palace of the Moon


休戚與共

ㄒㄧㄡ ㄑㄧ ㄩˇ ㄍㄨㄥˋ

/ɕi̯oʊ̯⁵⁵ t͡ɕʰi⁵⁵ y²¹⁴⁻²¹ kʊŋ⁵¹/

/jɐu̯⁵⁵ t͡sʰɪk̚⁵ jyː¹³ kʊŋ²²/

/ɕi̯oʊ̯⁵⁵ t͡ɕʰi⁵⁵ y²¹⁴⁻²¹ kʊŋ⁵¹/

/jɐu̯⁵⁵ t͡sʰɪk̚⁵ jyː¹³ kʊŋ²²/

to be closely connected and share joys and sorrows


歧路亡羊

ㄑㄧˊ ㄌㄨˋ ㄨㄤˊ ㄧㄤˊ

/t͡ɕʰi³⁵ lu⁵¹ wɑŋ³⁵ jɑŋ³⁵/

/kʰei̯²¹ lou̯²² mɔːŋ²¹ jœːŋ²¹/

/t͡ɕʰi³⁵ lu⁵¹ wɑŋ³⁵ jɑŋ³⁵/

/kʰei̯²¹ lou̯²² mɔːŋ²¹ jœːŋ²¹/

to become lost in a complex situation; to go astray


餘勇可賈

ㄩˊ ㄩㄥˇ ㄎㄜˇ ㄍㄨˇ

/y³⁵ jʊŋ²¹⁴⁻²¹ kʰɤ²¹⁴⁻³⁵ ku²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/y³⁵ jʊŋ²¹⁴⁻²¹ kʰɤ²¹⁴⁻³⁵ ku²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

《左傳·成公二年》:
欲勇者，賈余餘勇。 [Classical Chinese, trad.]欲勇者，贾余余勇。 [Classical Chinese, simp.]
From: Commentary of Zuo, c. 4ᵗʰ century BCE
Yù yǒng zhě, gǔ yú yú yǒng. [Pinyin]
Those who want courage — come and buy my leftover.

欲 勇 者，@賈{gǔ} 余 @餘 @勇。

to be exceedingly valorous; to have extraordinary courage


興師動眾

ㄒㄧㄥ ㄕ ㄉㄨㄥˋ ㄓㄨㄥˋ

синшидунчжун

/ɕiŋ⁵⁵ ʂʐ̩⁵⁵ tʊŋ⁵¹⁻⁵³ ʈ͡ʂʊŋ⁵¹/

/hɪŋ⁵⁵ siː⁵⁵ tʊŋ²² t͡sʊŋ³³/

/ɕiŋ⁵⁵ ʂʐ̩⁵⁵ tʊŋ⁵¹⁻⁵³ ʈ͡ʂʊŋ⁵¹/

/hɪŋ⁵⁵ siː⁵⁵ tʊŋ²² t͡sʊŋ³³/


過街老鼠

ㄍㄨㄛˋ ㄐㄧㄝ ㄌㄠˇ ㄕㄨˇ

/ku̯ɔ⁵¹ t͡ɕi̯ɛ⁵⁵ lɑʊ̯²¹⁴⁻³⁵ ʂu²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/kʷɔː³³ kaːi̯⁵⁵ lou̯¹³ syː³⁵/

/kʷɔː³³ kaːi̯⁵⁵ lou̯¹³ syː³⁵/

From 過街老鼠——人人喊打／过街老鼠——人人喊打 (guòjiē lǎoshǔ, rénrén hǎn dǎ).