The term idiom refers to a set phrase formed through long-term usage. Chinese idioms have a fixed structure and parlance, with specific meaning. Most are composed of four characters, although some have three characters and a few consist of more than four. Some idioms are divided into two parts with a comma in the middle.
The Chinese idiomatic tradition boasts many rich contents, generally including its origin, literary quotation and historical fact. The splendid historical segments form the most vivid and interesting part of the idiom as a whole. Chinese idiom stories have inherited and passed on the abundant historic treasury of the Chinese nation that has been accumulated over several thousand years, mirroring the politics, military affairs, culture, folk customs, prevailing moral practices, ideals and interests of ancient China. Through these stories, people can gain an understanding of China s long history and achieve an insight into the profound historical origins of Chinese culture.
Compared with common Chinese words and expressions, the Chinese idioms, representing an important part of the Chinese language, feature salient strong points, i.e. they are concise, comprehensive, vivid and forceful, and have a precise structure. All languages have their own idioms. But the Chinese language boasts a larger numbers of idioms with a longer history, wider application, more outstanding status and more distinctive national culture. Even today, these idioms still play a significant role in the daily linguistic communication of the people. No matter whether Chinese or foreigner, anyone who intends to master the Chinese language and understand Chinese culture has to set store by the learning of Chinese idioms.
This book presents some 40 of the most common and enlightening idiom stories and offers them to the general reader with a combination of both fine illustrations and well laid-out texts, with a view to helping our friends from overseas cultivate their interest in learning about and understanding Chinese culture.
May this book be your good teacher and helpful friend in learning Chinese and practicing eloquence!
