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IDIOMS · FAMILY

Chinese Idioms about Family & Parenting

Chengyu about family bonds, parental sacrifice, and generational continuity — 含辛茹苦, 望子成龙, 天伦之乐 — the four-character phrases that turn up in family contexts.

hánholdxīnbittereatsuffering

Hold the bitter and swallow the suffering — endure hardship (especially for one's children).

wànghopesonchéngbecomelóngdragon

Hoping one's son becomes a dragon — parents' high hopes for their child.

tiānheavenlylúnbondszhīofjoy

The joy of family bonds.

sonchénginheritfatherwork

The son carries on the father's work — family business / craft passed to the next generation.

bēisorrowhuānjoyseparationreunion

Joys and sorrows, partings and reunions; the vicissitudes of life.

bīngiceqīngclearjadejiépure

Of noble character and integrity; pure as ice and jade.

chéngestablishjiāfamilyestablishcareer

To get married and start a career; to settle down.

cùninchstepnotleave

Not to leave for even an inch; to stay very close.

ěrearmoisteneyerǎndye

To be influenced by what one frequently hears and sees; to be influenced unconsciously.

developyángpromoteguāngshinebig

To develop and promote; to carry forward and enhance.

hòubehindlookzhīofyōuworry

Fears of trouble in the rear; worries about what might happen in the future.

jiéeconomizeclothingsuōreduceshífood

To economize on clothing and food; to live frugally.

bitterkǒumouthold womanxīnheart

To advise earnestly and repeatedly; to give earnest and well-meaning advice.

courtesyshàngesteemwǎnggoláicome

Courtesy demands reciprocity; to return politeness for politeness.

reasonsuǒbydāngshouldránso

As a matter of course; inevitable and right; taken for granted.

méieyebrowskāiopenyǎneyesxiàosmile

To beam with joy; to be all smiles.

qiánhiddenmovesilenthuàchange

to influence secretly; to be gradually affected

qīngbluechūcome outfromlánindigo

The student surpasses the teacher; the younger generation excels the older.

quánwholexīnheartquánwholeintention

With all one's heart and soul; wholeheartedly; devotedly.

soilshēngbornsoilzhǎnggrow

Native; locally born and bred.

wēnwarmwénrefineděrandelegant

Gentle, refined, and cultivated; possessing a mild and elegant demeanor.

nojiāhomecanguīreturn

Homeless; without a home to return to.

withoutwēismallnotzhìreach

in every possible way; meticulous

xíngformyǐngshadownotseparate

Inseparable as form and shadow; always together.

useshēnbodyzuòmakeexample

To lead by example; to set an example with one's own conduct.

zhānghangdēnglanternsjiétiecǎicolorful silk

to hang up lanterns and colored streamers; to decorate for a festive occasion

zhāomorningeveningxiāngeach otherchǔbe together

to be together from morning till night; to spend a lot of time together

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