成語 / 成语
chéngyǔ
The English phrase idiom is translated into Chinese as 成語 / 成语 (chéngyǔ). If unsure, use 成語 / 成语. Wiktionary also lists 習慣用語 / 习惯用语 (xíguàn yòngyǔ) and 俗語 / 俗语 (súyǔ).
Meaning: idiomatic expression (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 成語 / 成语 | chéngyǔ |
| 習慣用語 / 习惯用语 | xíguàn yòngyǔ |
| 俗語 / 俗语 | súyǔ |
| 習語 / 习语 | xíyǔ |
In Chinese, the term for idiom varies depending on whether you are referring to classical literary expressions or general set phrases.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 成語 literally means 'established words' or 'set phrases'. It is composed of the characters 成 (chéng), meaning 'to become' or 'to accomplish' and 語 (yǔ), meaning 'language' or 'words'.
Which one should you use?
The form 成語 / 成语 (chéngyǔ) specifically refers to fixed, classical four-character idioms derived from literature or history. In contrast, 俗語 / 俗语 (súyǔ) refers to common sayings, proverbs or colloquialisms used in everyday speech, which often lack the formal literary structure of 成語. For a broader, more technical sense of any idiomatic usage or set phrase in a language, use 習慣用語 / 习惯用语 (xíguàn yòngyǔ).
How do you pronounce it?
chéngyǔ
Did you know?
- Many 成語 function as shorthand for entire historical events or legends. Using one phrase can signal to a listener that you both know a specific ancient story.
- Because 成語 are frozen in time, their original meaning can be completely different from how they are used today. Some phrases have evolved to mean the exact opposite of their historical origin.
- In Chinese schools, students often memorize thousands of 成語 as a primary part of their vocabulary training.
Examples in context
- 他经常说一些有趣的俗语，让我们感到快乐。He often says some interesting colloquialisms that make us happy.
- 这个习语在中国很著名。This expression is famous in China.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “idiom” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
