Xiehouyu Dictionary

Look up Chinese two-part allegorical sayings.

竹篮打水 —— 一场空

画蛇添足 —— 多此一举

丈二和尚 —— 摸不着头脑

八仙过海 —— 各显神通

泥菩萨过河 —— 自身难保

猪八戒照镜子 —— 里外不是人

哑巴吃黄连 —— 有苦说不出

千里送鹅毛 —— 礼轻情意重

秀才遇到兵 —— 有理说不清

王婆卖瓜 —— 自卖自夸

三十六计 —— 走为上策

打破砂锅 —— 问到底

老鼠过街 —— 人人喊打

姜太公钓鱼 —— 愿者上钩

铁公鸡 —— 一毛不拔

狗咬吕洞宾 —— 不识好人心

小葱拌豆腐 —— 一清二白

外甥打灯笼 —— 照旧(舅)

孔夫子搬家 —— 净是输(书)

和尚打伞 —— 无法(发)无天

Description

Chinese Xiehouyu (Two-Part Allegorical Saying) dictionary provides traditional Chinese sayings with explanations and cultural context.

Culture: Learn Chinese folk wisdom

Language: Expand Chinese vocabulary

Education: Study Chinese cultural expressions

Writing: Use traditional sayings correctly

Entertainment: Enjoy clever wordplay

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What is a xiehouyu?

A xiehouyu is a two-part Chinese saying where the first part sets up a situation and the second part delivers a witty conclusion.

How are they used in conversation?

Often only the first part is spoken, with the listener expected to know or guess the second part.