成语

• Pinyin: chéng yǔ
• Hanzi breakdown: 成 (fixed, established) + 语 (expression, language)

Meaning

Idiom; set phrase; proverb.

Refers to fixed expressions in Chinese, typically four characters, often derived from classical literature or historical stories. Mastering 成语 is considered a sign of education and eloquence in Chinese culture.

Examples

1. 他说话喜欢引用成语，显得很有文化。 He likes to quote idioms when he speaks, which makes him appear very cultured.
2. 画龙点睛是一个常用的成语，意思是在关键处加上精彩的一笔。 Adding the finishing touch is a commonly used idiom, meaning to add a brilliant detail at a key point.
3. 学好成语可以让你的中文表达更加地道。 Learning idioms well can make your Chinese expression more authentic.

Usage Guide

Context: language, education, culture

Tone: educational

Do Say

• 这个成语怎么用？(How do you use this idiom?)
• 你知道这个成语的意思吗？(Do you know what this idiom means?)

Don't Say

• 把所有四字词语都叫成语——成语有特定来源和固定结构，普通四字词不是成语 (Don't call every four-character phrase a 成语 — idioms have specific origins and fixed structures; ordinary four-character phrases aren't 成语)

Origin & History

Compound of 成 (fixed/established) + 语 (expression/language), meaning 'established expressions.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal