1. 八仙过海 —— 各显神通
"The Eight Immortals cross the sea – each displays their unique magic."
Explanation: From Chinese mythology, each immortal uses their own special tool (e.g., a sword, flute, or gourd) to cross the sea. Symbolizes people solving problems in their own creative ways.
2. 泥菩萨过河 —— 自身难保
"A clay Buddha crossing a river – it can’t even save itself from melting."
Explanation: A statue made of clay would dissolve in water, so it can’t help others while saving itself. Means someone is too vulnerable to assist others.
3. 黄鼠狼给鸡拜年 —— 没安好心
"The weasel pays respects to the chicken – it has no good intentions."
Explanation: A predator (weasel) pretending to be friendly to its prey (chicken). Refers to someone feigning kindness with hidden malicious motives.
4. 哑巴吃黄连 —— 有苦说不出
"A mute eats coptis root – bitter but unable to speak of it."
Explanation: Coptis is extremely bitter, and a mute can’t voice their suffering. Describes someone enduring pain/sorrow in silence.
5. 热锅上的蚂蚁 —— 团团转
"An ant on a hot pan – running around in circles."
Explanation: An ant trapped on a burning surface, panicking and unable to escape. Depicts someone in a state of frantic, helpless anxiety.
6. 司马昭之心 —— 路人皆知
"Sima Zhao’s intentions – obvious to all passersby."
Explanation: From the Three Kingdoms period, Sima Zhao openly plotted to seize power. Refers to intentions so obvious that everyone can see them.
7. 打破砂锅 —— 问到底
"Break the clay pot – keep questioning to the bottom."
Explanation: "Break the pot" sounds like "pursue the matter" in Chinese. Means to insist on getting a thorough answer, no matter how persistent it takes.
8. 猫哭耗子 —— 假慈悲
"A cat crying for a mouse – fake compassion."
Explanation: A predator pretending to grieve for its prey. Mocks someone feigning sympathy insincerely.
Cultural Note:
Translating xiēhòuyǔ often requires balancing literal imagery with explanatory meaning, as many rely on wordplay, homophones, or historical 典故 (allusions). While the English versions may lose some linguistic flair, the core metaphor and moral remain intact!
Let me know if you’d like more examples! 😊
