成语故事英文版简单（成语故事英文版简单版）

## Chinese Idioms and Their Stories: A Simplified GuideChinese idioms, also known as "chengyu," are short, fixed phrases that express a complete thought or idea. They are often based on historical anecdotes, folk tales, or famous literary works. These idioms add color and depth to the Chinese language, making it more expressive and nuanced. Here are some famous Chinese idioms and their stories:### 1.

"画龙点睛" (huà lóng diǎn jīng) - To add the finishing touch

Story:

The story goes back to a famous painter in the Eastern Jin Dynasty named Zhang Sengyou. One day, he was commissioned to paint a dragon on a temple wall. After finishing the painting, he realized that the dragon lacked something. He asked people what was missing, and someone said "the eyes." Zhang Sengyou dipped his brush in ink and added the eyes, and suddenly the dragon seemed to come to life. This story tells us that adding the final, crucial element can transform something from ordinary to extraordinary.### 2.

"刻舟求剑" (kè zhōu qiú jiàn) - To search for a sword by marking the boat

Story:

In the Warring States Period, a man from the state of Chu was traveling by boat when his sword fell into the water. He immediately carved a mark on the side of the boat where the sword fell and said, "When the boat reaches this point, I will jump into the water and retrieve my sword." This story illustrates the absurdity of trying to find a solution by clinging to past circumstances. It emphasizes that time is constantly moving, and solutions must be tailored to the current situation.### 3.

"守株待兔" (shǒu zhū dài tù) - To wait for a rabbit by the stump

Story:

This story originates from the ancient Chinese philosophical book "Han Feizi." It tells of a farmer who found a rabbit hit a tree stump and died. He then decided to stay by the stump every day, hoping another rabbit would come along and meet the same fate. He became so fixated on this passive approach that he neglected his farm work and ultimately ended up with nothing. This idiom signifies the folly of expecting things to come to you without taking any action.### 4.

"塞翁失马" (sài wēng shī mǎ) - The old man at the frontier loses his horse

Story:

This story dates back to the Han Dynasty and tells the tale of a man living near the frontier who lost his horse. His neighbors offered condolences, but the man replied, "This might not be a bad thing." Later, the horse returned, bringing with it a wild horse from the mountains. Again, the neighbors congratulated the man, but he replied, "This might not be a good thing." His son tried to ride the wild horse but fell and broke his leg. Once more, the neighbors expressed their sympathy. But the man said, "This might not be a bad thing." Soon after, the army came looking for soldiers to fight in a war, and because the son was injured, he was exempted from service. The story highlights the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of not judging events too quickly.### 5.

"叶公好龙" (yè gōng hǎo lóng) - A love of dragons but a fear of the real thing

Story:

This idiom comes from the ancient Chinese text "Zhuangzi." It tells the story of a Duke of Ye who loved dragons so much that he had everything in his palace decorated with dragon images. He even built a dragon temple. However, when a real dragon flew to his palace, the Duke was terrified and ran away. The idiom illustrates the difference between superficial admiration and genuine appreciation.### Conclusion:Chinese idioms are rich in historical and cultural significance, providing valuable insights into Chinese thinking and values. Understanding these idioms is essential for appreciating the nuances of the Chinese language and culture. Although they might seem complex at first, with a little effort, you can start to unlock the fascinating world of Chinese idioms and their stories.