Chinese two-part sayings (歇后语)

舀米汤洗澡,尽做糊涂事 yǎo mǐtāng xǐzǎo, jìn zuò hútu shì

scoop rice water to bathe in: always doing muddled things

A scolding for someone who keeps doing confused, foolish things.
药材店里的抹台布,甜酸苦辣样样都得沾点儿 yàocáidiàn lǐ de mātáibù, tiánsuānkǔlà yàngyàng dōu děi zhān diǎnr

the counter cloth in a herbal medicine shop: has to touch sweet, sour, bitter and spicy alike

Life brings every kind of experience, happy and painful, and a person must go through some of each.
药里的甘草,少不了的一味 yào lǐ de gāncǎo, shǎo bùliǎo de yī wèi(wèi)

liquorice in a prescription: an ingredient you can't do without

Said of someone who is involved in everything and is always present. Can be mildly teasing.
要饭的借算盘,穷有穷打算 yàofàn de jiè suànpán, qióng yǒu qióng dǎsuan

a beggar borrows an abacus: the poor have their own calculations

Even people in need have their own plans and figuring.
要饭的起五更,穷忙 yàofàn de qǐ wǔgēng, qióngmáng

a beggar gets up at the fifth watch: busy because poor

Busy all the time for little gain, or swamped by a lot of petty business.
爷儿俩赶集,一大一小 yérliǎ gǎnjí, yī dà yī xiǎo

father and son go to market: one big, one small

Two things differ greatly, like the pair's obvious difference in age and size.
野地里烤火,一面热 yědì li kǎohuǒ, yī miàn rè

warming oneself by a fire in an open field: only one side is hot

Of a relationship where only one party is warm and eager and the other is cold.
野鸡戴皮帽,充鹰 yějī dài pímào, chōng yīng

a pheasant wears a fur hat: posing as a hawk

Mocks someone who pretends to be powerful or important.
野鸡戴皮帽,还充什么鹰 yějī dài pímào, hái chōng shénme yīng

a pheasant wears a fur hat: what hawk are you pretending to be

A variant of the above, mocking someone who passes themselves off as a big shot.
夜叫鬼门关,自己去送死 yè jiào guǐménguān, zìjǐ qù sòngsǐ

calling at the Gate of Hell at night: going to your own death

A curse for someone who seems to be asking for trouble or death.
夜猫子进宅,无事不来 yèmāozi jìn zhái, wú shì bù lái

an owl comes into the house: it doesn't come without reason

A visitor who has come with bad intent or an ulterior motive, not just for a social call. Close to 'no one comes calling for nothing'.
夜明珠喘气,活宝 yèmíngzhū chuǎnqì, huóbǎo

a night-shining pearl that breathes: a living treasure

Describes a comical or clownish person, a real 'character'. Humorous, teasing.
夜明珠埋在地里,有宝不显 yèmíngzhū mái zài dì li, yǒu bǎo bù xiǎn

a night-shining pearl buried in the ground: a treasure that does not show

A person of great talent who doesn't show it.
一百斤面蒸一个大寿桃,费物点心 yībǎi jīn miàn zhēng yī gè dà shòutáo, fèi(fèi)wù diǎnxin

steam one great birthday peach from a hundred catties of flour: a wasteful snack

Insults a person who looks impressive but is useless.
一百只麻雀炒一盘,多嘴多舌 yībǎi zhī máquè chǎo yī pán, duōzuǐduōshé

a hundred sparrows stir-fried on one plate: many beaks, many tongues

Criticises someone for talking too much, including saying what shouldn't be said.
一辈子卖馒头,什么汽都得受 yībèizi mài mántou, shénme qì(qì) dōu děi shòu

selling steamed buns all your life: you have to take every kind of steam

Said of someone in a hard position who has to put up with every kind of ill treatment.
一二三五六,没四 yī èr sān wǔ liù, méi sì(shì)

one, two, three, five, six: no four

Says that nothing is wrong or nothing has happened; "no problem".
一个槽里的两头叫驴,拴不到一起 yī gè cáo lǐ de liǎng tóu jiàolǘ, shuān bù dào yīqǐ

two male donkeys at one trough: can't be tied together

Two people who can't stand each other can't work or live together. The saying is about men.
一个槽里拴两头叫驴,有踢蹬瞧呢 yī gè cáo li shuān liǎng tóu jiàolǘ, yǒu tīdeng qiáo ne

tie two male donkeys at one trough: there'll be kicking to watch

A variant: when two rivals are put together, expect a fight.
一个锅里搅勺子,免不了锅沿儿碰勺边儿 yī gè guō lǐ jiǎo sháozi, miǎn bùliǎo guōyánr pèng sháobiānr

stirring spoons in one pot, the spoon is bound to knock the pot's rim

People who live or work together will inevitably have friction. Understanding, not harsh.
一个葫芦锯成的两把瓢,天生的一对儿 yī gè húlu jùchéng de liǎng bǎ piáo, tiānshēng de yī duìr

one gourd sawn into two ladles: a natural pair

Describes two people, usually a young man and woman, who are well matched in looks and character. Warm and approving, often said of a couple.
一个葫芦锯俩瓢,正好一对儿 yī gè húlu jù liǎ piáo, zhènghǎo yī duìr

one gourd sawn into two ladles: just a pair

Says two people, usually a young couple, are a good match in looks and character. Approving, a bit teasing.
一个墨斗弹出两条线,丝路不对 yī gè mòdǒu tánchū liǎng tiáo xiàn, sī(sī) lù bù duì

one ink-line box snaps out two lines: the silk thread (line of thought) isn't right

Says someone's way of thinking about a problem is off track. Mildly critical.
一个人拜把子,算老几 yī gè rén bài bǎzi, suàn lǎo jǐ

one man swearing brotherhood: what number does he count as?

A rhetorical put-down: you don't rank for anything here, you're not up to it. Mocks someone who overrates their own standing.
一根筷子吃面条,单挑 yī gēn kuàizi chī miàntiáo, dān tiǎo(tiāo)

eating noodles with one chopstick: picking them up singly

Means to do something alone or to take the responsibility on oneself. It can also suggest a one-on-one fight.
一根筷子吃藕,净挑眼儿 yī gēn kuàizi chī ǒu, jìng tiǎo(tiāo) yǎnr

eating lotus root with one chopstick: just picking at the holes

Describes someone who deliberately finds fault over small things. Critical.
一根老牛筋,蒸不熟煮不烂 yī gēn lǎo niújīn, zhēng bù shóu zhǔ bù làn

a piece of old ox tendon: steaming won't cook it, boiling won't soften it

Describes a stubborn person whose mind can't be changed. Critical or exasperated. Close to 'stubborn as a mule'.
一根马尾儿做弦,无法弹 yī gēn mǎyǐr zuò xián, wúfǎ tán(tán)

a single horse hair as a string: cannot be plucked (talked)

Says two sides cannot talk to each other, or a matter can't be discussed.
一根绳儿拴的两个蚂蚱,飞不了你,也蹦不了我 yī gēn shéngr shuān de liǎng gè màzha, fēi bùliǎo nǐ, yě bèng bùliǎo wǒ

two grasshoppers tied on one string: you can't fly off, and I can't jump away

Says two parties share the same interests and fate, so neither can leave the other. Often used for people in the same trouble. Close to 'in the same boat'.
一根藤上结的瓜,苦甜是一家 yī gēn téng shang jiē de guā, kǔ tián shì yī jiā

melons on one vine: bitter or sweet, they're one family

Says people share one fate and go through good and bad together. Approving.
一根藤上结的瓜,苦甜在一堆 yī gēn téng shang jiē de guā, kǔ tián zài yī duī

melons on one vine: bitter and sweet are in one pile

A variant of 苦甜是一家: people share good and bad times together.
一根竹子搭的桥,难过去 yī gēn zhúzi dā de qiáo, nán guòqù

a bridge made of one bamboo pole: hard to get across

Says someone is in a tight spot and finds it hard to get by, especially in money matters.
一根桩上拴两头牯牛,谁也不让谁 yī gēn zhuāng shang shuān liǎng tóu gǔniú, shéi yě bù ràng shéi

two bulls tied to one post: neither gives way to the other

Describes two sides who are both stubborn and refuse to back down.
一锅粥打翻在地,收不了场 yī guō zhōu dǎfān zài dì, shōu bùliǎo chǎng

a pot of porridge knocked over on the floor: can't clear it up

Says a situation is such a mess that it can't be sorted out or brought to an end.
一家十五口,七嘴八舌 yī jiā shíwǔ kǒu, qīzuǐbāshé

a family of fifteen: seven mouths and eight tongues

Describes many people all talking at once, each with a different opinion. Neutral to slightly critical.
一脚踢在肚子上，碰到心了 yī jiǎo tī zài dùzi shàng, pèngdào xīn le

a kick lands on the belly: it hits the heart

Says something suits exactly what someone had in mind, as if it hit the right spot. Humorous.
一斤酒装进十两的瓶子里头，正好 yī jīn jiǔ zhuāngjìn shí liǎng de píngzi lǐtou, zhènghǎo

one jin of wine poured into a ten-liang bottle: it fits exactly

Says something is just right or fits perfectly. (The old jin was 16 liang; in the book's reckoning, 10 liang make a jin.)
一颗明珠土里埋，早晚会发光 yī kē míngzhū tǔ li mái, zǎowǎn huì fāguāng

a bright pearl buried in the earth: sooner or later it will shine

Encourages those whose talent is overlooked: they will be noticed one day. Approving. Close to 'talent will out'.
一口吃个磨扇，好大的胃口 yī kǒu chī ge mòshàn, hǎo dà de wèikǒu

eating a millstone in one bite: what a huge appetite

Mocks someone for being greedy or for wanting far too much.
一马踩两个子儿，吃定了一个 yī mǎ cǎi liǎng gè zǐr, chī dìng le yī gè

a knight attacks two pieces at once: one is sure to be taken

Says one side in a contest is bound to cause the other some loss. It comes from a chess fork.
一毛钱买十一个，分文不值 yī máo qián mǎi shíyī gè, fēn wén bù zhí

eleven for ten cents: not worth a cent

Says something is worthless. Dismissive.
一瓢水泼到地上，想收也收不起来 yī piáo shuǐ pōdào dì shang, xiǎng shōu yě shōu bù qǐlái

a ladle of water spilled on the ground: you can't gather it back

Says words once spoken or a decision once made can't be taken back, so one's word must be kept. Close to 'spilt milk'.
一锹挖个井，捅在正经地方上了 yī qiāo wā gè jǐng, tǒng zài zhèngjing dìfang shàng le

digging a well with one spade stroke: it hit exactly the right spot

Describes an action that hits the key point or weak spot.
一人一把号，各吹各的调 yī rén yī bǎ hào, gè chuī gè de diào

everyone has a bugle, each blows his own tune

Describes people who each do their own thing without cooperating. Critical.
一扇篱笆，两面倒 yī shàn líba, liǎngmiàn dǎo

a single fence panel falls both ways

Describes someone who wavers and has no firm view, leaning whichever way the wind blows. Critical.
一天下了三场雨，少晴 yī tiān xiàle sān cháng yǔ, shǎo qíng(qíng)

three showers in one day: few fine (feelings)

Says there is little affection or warmth between people.
一条扁担挑两桶水，哪头也不落空 yī tiáo biǎndan tiāo liǎng tǒng shuǐ, nǎtóu yě bù luòkōng

a carrying pole with two buckets of water: neither end is empty

Says both matters or both sides are taken care of, so nothing is left unsettled. Approving.
一头跌进了青云里，碰到好云气 yī tóu diējìnle qīngyún li, pèngdào hǎo yún(yùn)qì

falling headfirst into the blue clouds: meeting good clouds (luck)

Describes someone who has struck good luck.
一头撞在南墙上，死不回头 yī tóu zhuàng zài nánqiáng shang, sǐ bù huítóu

bumping headfirst into the south wall and refusing to turn back even then

Describes a stubborn, inflexible person who won't change course even when blocked. Critical. Like 'banging your head against a brick wall'.
一张纸画个鼻子，好大的脸 yī zhāng zhǐ huà ge bízi, hǎo dà de liǎn

a nose that fills a whole sheet of paper: what a big face

Says someone has great influence or standing. It can be used teasingly of a person with a lot of pull.
一只脚踩在门槛儿上，不知进退 yī zhī jiǎo cǎi zài ménkǎnr shang, bù zhī jìntuì

one foot on the threshold: not knowing whether to go in or back

Describes someone who speaks or acts rashly and has no sense of what is proper. Critical.
医生摇头，没治了 yīshēng yáotóu, méizhì le

the doctor shakes his head: no cure

Describes someone or something that is superbly good, or hopelessly bad; said with humorous exaggeration.
阴沟里翻船，冤透了 yīngōu li fān chuán, yuāntòu le

a boat capsizes in a drain: such a wrong

To come to grief over something trivial where no trouble was expected, which is very unlucky and galling. Like 'tripping over a molehill'.
殷纣王的棺材，古板 yīnzhòuwáng de guāncai, gǔbǎn

King Zhou of Yin's coffin: ancient planks

Describes a person who is rigid, old-fashioned and stubborn. Mocking.
银样镴枪头，中看不中用 yínyàng làqiāngtóu, zhōngkàn bù zhōngyòng

a silver-looking pewter spearhead: nice to look at, no use

Looks impressive but is useless in practice. Critical or mocking; like 'all show and no substance'.
鹰嘴鸭爪子，能吃不能拿 yīng zuǐ yā zhuǎzi, néng chī bù néng ná

eagle's beak and duck's feet: can eat but cannot grab

Mocks someone who can only eat and is useless at actual work.
萤火虫的屁股，没多大亮儿 yínghuǒchóng de pìgu, méi duō dà liàngr

a firefly's backside: not much light

Describes someone of limited ability or prospects. Mocking and slightly coarse.

May offend: vulgar language
邮递员摆手，没信 yóudìyuán bǎishǒu, méi xìn(xìnr)

the postman waves his hand: no letter (no news)

Said when there is no news at all about something or someone.
油条泡汤，软了 yóutiáo pào tāng, ruǎn le

a fried dough stick soaked in soup: it has gone soft

Describes someone whose firm attitude has softened or who has given in.
油炸焦了的花卷儿，煳了心 yóu zhájiāole de huājuǎnr, hú(hú)le xīn

a steamed twisted roll fried until burnt: the heart is scorched

A scolding for someone who is confused or muddle-headed.
油炸麻花儿，干脆 yóu zhá máhuār, gāncuì

deep-fried twisted dough: crisp

Describes a person who speaks or acts in a crisp, decisive, no-nonsense way. Approving.
有粉搽不到脸上，装人也不会装 yǒu fěn chá bù dào liǎn shang，zhuāng rén yě bù huì zhuāng

has powder but can't put it on the face: can't even pretend to be a person

Mocks someone who tries to put on a pretence but does it so badly that it fails to convince.
鱼篮子打水，处处是漏洞 yú lánzi dǎshuǐ，chùchù shì lòudòng

drawing water with a fish basket: full of holes everywhere

Describes a plan or argument that is full of flaws and not thorough. Critical.
榆木脑袋，不开窍 yúmù nǎodai，bù kāiqiào

an elm-wood head: not opened up

Describes a person whose thinking is rigid and who is slow to take in new ideas. Mocking; like "thick as a plank".
榆皮青石包饺子，又光又硬 yúpí qīngshí bāo jiǎozi，yòu guāng yòu yìng

wrapping dumplings with elm bark and bluestone: both smooth and hard

Scolds someone who is both slippery and stubborn.
愚公的房子，开门见山 yúgōng de fángzi，kāiménjiànshān

Yu Gong's house: open the door and see the mountain

Speaking or writing straight to the point, with no preamble. Approving or neutral.
雨过天晴响干雷，虚张声势 yǔ guò tiān qíng xiǎng gān léi，xūzhāngshēngshì

thunder rumbling after the rain has cleared: all noise and show

Describes making a big show with no real action. Mocking.
雨后送伞，假人情 yǔ hòu sòngsǎn，jiǎ rénqíng

offering an umbrella after the rain: a fake favour

A favour that comes too late is insincere. Critical.
雨后送伞，谁领你的情 yǔ hòu sòng sǎn，shéi lǐng nǐ de qíng

offering an umbrella after the rain: who will thank you

Help that comes too late earns no gratitude. Same sense as the previous saying.
雨伞抽了把儿，没有主心骨 yǔsǎn chōule bàr，méiyǒu zhǔxīngǔ

an umbrella with its shaft pulled out: no central support

Describes being left without anyone to rely on, or without any firm idea of what to do.
雨水煎茶，天上的味儿 yǔshuǐ jiān chá，tiānshàng de wèir

brewing tea with rainwater: a taste from heaven

Describes a taste or experience that is out of this world, better than the ordinary. Approving.
雨天披蓑衣，越背越重 yǔtiān pī suōyī，yuè bēi yuè zhòng

wearing a straw raincoat in the rain: the longer you carry it, the heavier

Describes a burden that grows heavier over time.
玉皇大帝拜财神，有钱的大三辈 yùhuángdàdì bài cáishén，yǒu qián de dà sān bèi

the Jade Emperor bows to the God of Wealth: the rich are three generations senior

The wealthy outrank everyone. Cynical comment on how money buys status.
玉米秆儿扎篱笆，不算墙 yùmǐgǎnr zhā líba，bù suàn qiáng(qiáng)

a fence tied from corn stalks: it doesn't count as a wall

Said of something that is not very good compared with others, or not strong enough.
圆珠笔蘸墨水，多事 yuánzhūbǐ zhàn mòshuǐ，duōshì

dipping a ballpoint pen in ink: making extra work

Adding needless trouble, or meddling in what isn't your business. Mocking.
月亮底下打灯笼，空挂明 yuèliang dǐxia dǎ dēnglong，kōng guà míng(míng)

carrying a lantern under the moon: it hangs bright for nothing

Describes having a name or reputation with nothing behind it. Mocking.
月亮里的桂树，高不可攀 yuèliang lǐ de guìshù，gāobùkěpān

the cassia tree in the moon: too high to climb

A goal that is too high to reach.
运动场上的足球，踢来踢去 yùndòngchǎng shàng de zúqiú，tīlái tīqù

a football on the sports field: kicked back and forth

Describes people passing a matter around, none willing to take responsibility. Critical. Like "passing the buck".
扎嘴儿的葫芦，倒不出来 zā zuǐr de húlu，dào(dào) bù chūlái

a gourd with its mouth tied: nothing pours out

Describes someone who stays silent or cannot get words out.
杂货店的掌柜，什么都卖 záhuòdiàn de zhǎngguì，shénme dōu mài

the general-store owner: sells everything

Describes someone who is willing to teach everything they know.
枣核儿钉在墙上，大小是个橛儿 zǎohúr dìng zài qiáng shang，dàxiǎo shì ge juér(jué)

a jujube pit nailed into a wall: big or small, it's a peg

However minor the post, someone is still an official with some rank. Usually said wryly or mockingly of petty officials.
枣核儿两头抹猪油，又尖又滑 zǎohúr liǎngtóu mǒ zhūyóu，yòu jiān(jiān) yòu huá(huá)

a jujube pit greased with lard at both ends: pointed and slippery

Mocks someone as both crafty and cunning. Critical.
枣木棍子，实心 zǎomù gùnzi，shíxīn

a jujube-wood stick: solid-hearted

Describes an honest, dependable person. Approving.
澡堂里的灯泡，汽昏了 zǎotáng lǐ de dēngpào，qì(qì) hūn le

a light bulb in a bathhouse: steam has made it dim

Says someone is so angry they are dizzy or can't think straight. Humorous.
澡堂里的鞋，没对儿 zǎotáng lǐ de xié，méi duìr

shoes in a bathhouse: no pairs

Says someone is single, with no partner. Humorous.
灶门前拿竹筒，吹了 zàomén qián ná zhútǒng，chuī le

holding a bamboo tube at the stove opening: blowing

Describes someone boasting or talking big. Mocking.
灶膛里的老鼠，到处乱窜 zàotáng lǐ de lǎoshǔ，dàochù luàn cuàn

a mouse in the stove: darting about everywhere

Describes someone flustered and at a loss, not knowing what to do.
灶膛里煨白薯，不到熟透不外掏 zàotáng li wēi báishǔ，bù dào shóutòu bù wài tāo

roasting sweet potatoes in the stove ashes: you don't take them out until fully cooked

Opinions, writings or plans should not be shown to others until they are polished. Approving of care.
灶王爷的横批，一家之主 zàowángyé de héngpī，yī jiā zhī zhǔ

the Kitchen God's horizontal scroll: master of the household

Describes the head of a household, the one who makes the decisions. Humorous.
灶王爷上天，实话实说 zàowángyé shàngtiān，shí huà shí shuō

the Kitchen God goes up to heaven: tells it as it is

Say what is true, with no concealment. Said of speaking frankly.
灶王爷伸手，稳拿糖瓜儿 zàowángyé shēnshǒu，wěn ná tángguār

the Kitchen God reaches out a hand: sure to get the sugar melon

Something is certain to be obtained. Used lightly.
灶王爷逃难，慌了神 zàowángyé táonàn，huāngle shén

the Kitchen God flees disaster: flustered in spirit

Describes someone panicking and not knowing what to do.
灶王爷跳舞，胡闹锅台 zàowángyé tiàowǔ，húnào guōtái

the Kitchen God dances: making a mess on the stove

Describes someone acting rashly and making unreasonable trouble. Critical.
灶王爷贴在腿肚子上，人走家搬 zàowángyé tiē zài tuǐdùzi shang，rén zǒu jiā bān

the Kitchen God stuck on one's calf: when the person walks, the home moves

Describes either someone with no property and so very poor, or a single person with no family to burden them.
铡刀剃秃头，硬拿着脑袋玩儿 zhádāo tì tūtóu，yìng názhe nǎodai wánr

shaving a bald head with a straw chopper: stubbornly playing with one's head

Describes someone who recklessly gambles with their own life. Critical or warning.
粘牙的烧饼，面不熟 zhān yá de shāobing, miàn bù shú

a sesame flatbread that sticks to the teeth: the dough isn't cooked

Says two people have not met much and are not familiar with each other.
蘸水钢笔，没有胆 zhànshuǐ gāngbǐ, méiyǒu dǎn

a dip pen: has no bladder

Says someone is timid. Humorous.
张飞摆屠案，凶神恶杀 zhāngfēi bǎi tú'àn, xiōngshén'è shā(shà)

Zhang Fei setting up a butcher's table: fierce god, evil killing

Describes someone fierce and menacing.
张飞吃豆芽儿，小菜一碟儿 zhāngfēi chī dòuyár, xiǎocài yī diér

Zhang Fei eating bean sprouts: just a small dish

Something is very easy, a piece of cake. Often said confidently.
张飞吃豆芽儿，小菜一盘 zhāngfēi chī dòuyár, xiǎocài yī pán

Zhang Fei eating bean sprouts: just a plate of side dish

A variant of the above: a very easy task, a piece of cake.

Every kind of Chinese saying