Why a translation is not enough
An idiom may be encouraging, critical, conversational, or literary. Knowing the meaning helps you recognize it; knowing its tone and setting helps you choose it.
Some idioms draw on a story. Others make an idea vivid through an image. The literal words are a useful clue, but they are not always the meaning you need.
From the image to the meaning
水滴石穿 describes patient, repeated effort. The image is water wearing through stone; the practical use is encouraging persistence.
水滴石穿
Encouraging · conversational
Steady effort can overcome a hard task
Literally, “Dripping water wears through stone.”
When to use it
Use to encourage small efforts continued over time.
It describes persistence, not a fast result or brute force.
In conversation
每天练习一点，水滴石穿，总会有进步。
Practice a little every day; steady effort will bring progress.
Read the full lesson, including the explanation and three further examples.
How to learn a Chinese idiom
- Read the natural meaning. Understand the idea before trying to translate each character.
- Compare the literal image. Use it to connect the words with the meaning.
- Check the setting. Notice the tone, register, and situations where the idiom fits.
- Read an example aloud. Learn the expression inside a sentence, then return later and recall the meaning.
Common questions
Are chengyu always four characters?
Most have four characters, but the form varies. Length alone does not make a phrase a chengyu.
Can I use chengyu in conversation?
Some fit everyday conversation; others sound formal or literary. Learn the register with the meaning, and avoid adding an idiom where a simpler phrase works better.
Should I learn simplified or traditional forms?
Choose the script you use for reading. Almanac includes both, with pinyin and English explanations.
Sources & lesson references
The definition was checked against Taiwan’s Ministry of Education dictionary. The example uses Almanac’s original explanation and sentence; lesson reference links are below.