成语 (chéng yǔ) — Chinese set expression (usually 4 characters, often with a historical allusion)

Definition

A 成语 is a fixed four-character idiom, usually from classical Chinese or a historical story. It is more formal and literary than a 俗话/俗语 (everyday folk saying) or 名言 (famous quote from a person).

noun
Chinese set expression (usually 4 characters, often with a historical allusion)
Measure word · 条, 本, 句

Examples

  • 成语
    Tā xǐ huan xué xí chéng yǔ.
    She likes studying Chinese idioms.
  • 成语
    Zhè běn chéng yǔ shū lǐ yǒu hěn duō hǎo jù zi.
    This idiom book has many good sentences.
  • 成语
    Nǐ néng jiě shì zhè jù chéng yǔ de yì si ma?
    Can you explain the meaning of this idiom?

Browse more HSK 6 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.