# What are chengyu?

Chengyu (成语 , chéngyǔ ) are fixed Chinese expressions, usually four characters long. Their meaning often goes beyond the individual words.

## 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

shuǐ dī shí chuān

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。

měi tiān liàn xí yì diǎn ， shuǐ dī shí chuān ， zǒng huì yǒu jìn bù 。

Practice a little every day; steady effort will bring progress.

[Read the full lesson](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/shui-di-shi-chuan) , 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.

- [Ministry of Education: 成語](https://dict.concised.moe.edu.tw/dictView.jsp?ID=32336&la=0&powerMode=0)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=179&q=1&webMd=1&la=0)

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E6%B0%B4%E6%BB%B4%E7%9F%B3%E7%A9%BF)

## Learn the context with the words.

[Explore the idiom library](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms) , or take your reading offline in the app.

[View on the App Store ](https://apps.apple.com/app/id6819590452)