We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Hong Zeng

Hello, everyone, welcome to Chinese idioms season 2: learn 80 most commonly used Chinese idioms through a comic story.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Learn 80 chinese idioms most commonly used in daily language, including their source stories, meaning and usage
  • Learn essay composition with these idioms
  • To acquire refinement, sophistication and humor in your speech, and be regarded as a true communication with chinese people
  • Learn daily conversation using these idioms.

Syllabus

Introduction
Introduction of the Course
First two parts of the story
Story text practice part 1
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores Chinese idioms, which are essential for understanding Chinese culture and communicating effectively with native speakers
Uses a comic story to teach idioms, which can make learning more engaging and memorable for visual learners
Teaches 80 idioms, which provides a substantial amount of practical vocabulary for daily conversation and comprehension
Includes acting videos to review the idioms, which can help learners improve their listening comprehension and pronunciation
Requires learners to understand the text and grammar of the idiom stories, which may be challenging for absolute beginners

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Learn 80 chinese idioms via story

According to learners, this course offers a unique and memorable approach to learning 80 commonly used Chinese idioms. Students particularly appreciate the method of learning idioms through a comic story, finding it effective for memorization and understanding usage in context. The course is generally seen as a valuable resource for those looking to make their Chinese conversation and writing more vivid and sophisticated. While the amount of material is substantial, presenting a potential challenge for some, reviewers largely find the content relevant and engaging, contributing significantly to their language skills.
Acting videos are a review aid.
"The acting videos provide a helpful way to review the story without text."
"Watching the story acted out helped solidify my understanding and listening skills."
"It's nice to have the visual and auditory reinforcement from the videos."
"The acting makes the story more engaging and provides useful listening practice."
Includes interesting source stories.
"Learning the origin stories makes the idioms much more meaningful and easier to remember."
"I loved hearing about the historical and cultural background of each idiom."
"The source stories add a rich cultural layer to the language learning."
"Understanding where the idioms come from provides valuable context."
Covers a large number of useful idioms.
"I appreciate learning 80 idioms in one course; many are truly common in daily life."
"This course significantly expanded my repertoire of practical Chinese idioms."
"The selection of idioms feels very relevant and useful for improving fluency."
"Getting exposure to so many idioms and their source stories is a major plus."
Clear explanation of idiom usage.
"The lectures explaining how to use the idioms in sentences are incredibly helpful."
"I finally understand the nuances of how these idioms are applied in conversation."
"Learning the usage in different contexts made the meaning much clearer than just definitions."
"The course goes beyond just explaining meaning and shows practical application."
Learning via a story aids memorization.
"Learning these idioms through the story really helps them stick in my memory."
"The comic story approach is brilliant for understanding the context and usage naturally."
"I found that relating the idioms to the narrative made them much easier to recall."
"Using a continuous story to introduce the idioms is a very effective teaching method."
Pace can be challenging for some.
"The sheer number of idioms and the length of the story can feel overwhelming at times."
"I needed to pause and review frequently because the pace felt quite fast for me."
"This course is definitely not for beginners; you need a solid base in Chinese vocabulary."
"Keeping track of all 80 idioms while following the story is a bit demanding."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Chinese idioms season 2 with these activities:
Review Basic Chinese Grammar
Strengthen your understanding of fundamental Chinese grammar to better grasp the nuances of idiom usage.
Show steps
  • Review sentence structure rules.
  • Practice constructing simple sentences.
  • Identify grammatical errors in example sentences.
Read 'Chinese Idioms: Stories and Usage'
Supplement your learning with a dedicated resource on Chinese idioms to gain a broader understanding of their usage and origins.
Show steps
  • Read the introduction and familiarize yourself with the book's structure.
  • Select idioms covered in the course and read their corresponding entries.
  • Take notes on key information, such as the idiom's meaning, origin, and usage.
Create Flashcards for Each Idiom
Reinforce your memory of each idiom by creating flashcards with the idiom, its meaning, and example sentences.
Show steps
  • Gather the idioms learned in each lesson.
  • Write the idiom on one side of the flashcard.
  • Write the meaning and example sentences on the other side.
  • Review the flashcards regularly.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Idiom Usage Exercises
Practice using the idioms in different contexts to solidify your understanding and improve fluency.
Show steps
  • Find online resources with idiom usage exercises.
  • Complete the exercises, focusing on correct grammar and meaning.
  • Review your answers and identify areas for improvement.
Practice Idioms with a Language Partner
Engage in conversations with a language partner, incorporating the learned idioms to improve fluency and natural usage.
Show steps
  • Find a language partner who is also learning Chinese.
  • Prepare a list of idioms to practice using in conversation.
  • Take turns using the idioms in different scenarios.
  • Provide feedback to each other on grammar and pronunciation.
Explore 'A Dictionary of Chinese Idioms'
Use a comprehensive dictionary to expand your knowledge of Chinese idioms and deepen your understanding of their nuances.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'A Dictionary of Chinese Idioms'.
  • Familiarize yourself with the dictionary's organization and search functions.
  • Look up idioms encountered in the course or in other Chinese materials.
  • Take notes on the idiom's meaning, origin, and usage.
Write Short Stories Using the Idioms
Challenge yourself by writing short stories that incorporate the learned idioms in a meaningful and creative way.
Show steps
  • Choose a theme or topic for your short story.
  • Select several idioms that fit the theme or topic.
  • Write a short story that incorporates the idioms in a natural and engaging way.
  • Review your story for grammar and idiom usage errors.

Career center

Learners who complete Chinese idioms season 2 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Diplomat
Diplomats represent their country's interests abroad, engaging in negotiations and fostering international relations. This course enhances a candidate's grasp of Chinese culture and communication styles, which is invaluable for diplomatic work in China. The course's focus on Chinese idioms equips a diplomat with a deeper understanding of the nuances of the language. This can also help avoid misunderstandings. The exploration of the source stories provides a richer understanding of the cultural and philosophical underpinnings of Chinese society. The course's promise of imparting sophistication and humor in speech can help build rapport and establish trust with Chinese counterparts. Diplomats typically require an advanced degree.
Intelligence Specialist
Intelligence Specialists gather, analyze, and interpret information to support national security or law enforcement efforts. This course can enhance an intelligence specialist's understanding of Chinese language and communication, particularly the use of idioms. This is essential for accurately interpreting intercepted communications or assessing the cultural context of intelligence reports. The course's focus on the source stories of these idioms provides a deeper understanding of Chinese cultural values and beliefs. The ability to recognize and understand idioms can help identify subtle cues and hidden meanings in communications, improving the accuracy and effectiveness of intelligence analysis. Professionals in these roles typically require an advanced degree.
Cultural Consultant
Cultural Consultants advise organizations or individuals on navigating cultural differences and sensitivities. This course provides valuable insights into Chinese culture, which can help a cultural consultant provide more informed guidance. Since the course focuses on Chinese idioms, it provides a window into the values, beliefs, and communication styles prevalent in Chinese society. The course's exploration of the source stories of these idioms provides a deeper understanding of their cultural significance, which may be helpful for a consultant advising on cross-cultural interactions or business practices. The course's emphasis on enhancing sophistication and humor in speech can also help a consultant communicate effectively and build rapport with Chinese clients or partners.
Foreign Language Teacher
Foreign Language Teachers instruct students in the grammar, vocabulary, and culture of a foreign language. To teach Chinese effectively, a teacher must have a strong grasp of idioms and cultural references. This course helps build a foundation in this area. The course specifically focuses on equipping learners with 80 of the most commonly used Chinese idioms, enriching their vocabulary. The course's emphasis on the historical and philosophical origins of these idioms provides educators with a depth of knowledge to share with their students, making the learning experience more engaging and culturally relevant. For example, the course teaches the source stories of idioms.
Political Analyst
Political Analysts examine and interpret political events, trends, and policies. This course may be very useful for those who follow Chinese politics. The course will lead to a superior mastery of the Chinese language, especially the nuances present in idioms. The course helps build context and improve comprehension of political discourse. The ability to understand and use Chinese idioms can provide a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical forces shaping political events, enabling the analyst to offer more insightful and nuanced commentary. It is very useful that this course conveys cultural and historical context.
Localization Specialist
Localization Specialists adapt products or content to a specific target market, considering cultural and linguistic differences. This course may be useful for localization specialists working with Chinese-speaking markets. The course helps the specialist acquire a deeper understanding of Chinese idioms, which is necessary for accurate and culturally appropriate adaptation of content. Since the course emphasizes the historical and philosophical origins of these idioms, a localization specialist gains insights into the nuances of the language. This background allows for the creation of content that resonates with the target audience. Learning the idioms from the course can help the localization specialist ensure that the translated or adapted material is not only linguistically correct but also culturally relevant and engaging.
International Business Development Manager
International Business Development Managers are responsible for expanding a company's business operations into foreign markets. This course provides valuable cultural and linguistic knowledge for managers focusing on the Chinese market. Since the course deep dives into 80 Chinese idioms, along with their source, stories, meanings, and usage, the manager can communicate more effectively with Chinese partners and clients. The course's emphasis on enhancing sophistication and humor in speech can help build rapport and foster stronger relationships. The ability to weave idioms into conversations not only demonstrates respect for the culture but also enhances clear communication. This can lead to more successful business negotiations and partnerships.
Content Creator
Content Creators develop and produce engaging content for various platforms, such as social media, websites, or blogs. This course helps a content creator specialize in Chinese cultural content. The course helps build their expertise in Chinese idioms. Understanding and using idioms correctly is incredibly important for authenticity and engagement with a Chinese-speaking audience. The course's focus on source stories and contextual usage provides the content creator with a wealth of material for storytelling and educational content. Furthermore, the course's promise of imparting sophistication and humor in speech can help create a unique and appealing voice that resonates with viewers.
Journalist
Journalists investigate and report on current events, informing the public through news articles, broadcasts, or online media. This course may be useful for a journalist reporting on China. The course helps build the journalist's understanding of Chinese language and culture, particularly with regard to idioms. Understanding idioms and their source stories can provide a deeper context for reporting on various issues. The course's goal of imparting sophistication and humor in speech could help the journalist better connect with Chinese sources and audiences. The journalist's ability to use idioms correctly and appropriately can greatly enhance their credibility and effectiveness in communicating complex issues.
Lobbyist
Lobbyists advocate for specific interests or causes by influencing government policy and legislation. This course may be useful for lobbyists who need to engage with Chinese government officials or advocate for interests related to China. The course focuses on Chinese idioms and their cultural context. Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of sophistication and humor in communication. The ability to understand and use idioms correctly can help build trust and rapport with Chinese officials. This can lead to more effective advocacy and successful outcomes. The course's exploration of the source stories of these idioms may help the lobbyist demonstrate a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and values.
Interpreter
Interpreters convert spoken language from one language to another, often in real-time. This course may be helpful for prospective interpreters, since it will greatly enhance their understanding of Chinese idioms. These idioms are frequently used in daily conversation, and understanding them is crucial for accurate and nuanced interpretation. Through the course's exploration of idiom source stories and usage in context, the interpreter can gain a more profound comprehension of the cultural and historical nuances embedded in the language. This level of mastery enables the interpreter to convey not just the literal meaning, but also the underlying intent and cultural context. The curriculum emphasizes practical usage in daily conversation, contributing directly to an interpreter's confidence and fluency.
Social Media Manager
Social Media Managers oversee a company's online presence across various social media platforms. This course provides valuable insights into Chinese language and culture, enabling a social media manager to create more engaging content for a Chinese-speaking audience. The course emphasizes the usage of 80 Chinese idioms, equipping the manager with the tools to add humor, refinement, and authenticity to their posts. The course's exploration of the source stories behind these idioms provides a foundation for culturally relevant storytelling, which can resonate with followers. The ability to use idioms correctly and appropriately can greatly improve the manager's credibility and engagement with their target audience.
Tour Guide
Tour Guides lead groups of tourists, providing information about historical sites, cultural landmarks, and local customs. This course may be useful for tour guides who lead tours in China or cater to Chinese-speaking tourists. The aim of the course is to improve understanding of Chinese idioms, which are essential for effective communication and cultural interpretation. By mastering these idioms, a tour guide can provide richer, more nuanced explanations of Chinese culture and history. The emphasis on the source stories of these idioms can help the guide make the tour more engaging. The course's promise of imparting sophistication and humor in speech can enhance the tour guide's ability to connect with their audience and create a memorable experience.
Translator
Translators convert written material from one language into another. This course may be useful for individuals seeking to improve their Chinese language skills, specifically in understanding and using Chinese idioms, which are essential for accurate and nuanced translation. Since the course delves into the historical and philosophical origins of idioms, the translator gains a deeper cultural understanding, allowing for more effective cross-cultural communication. This background helps the translator convey the intended meaning and cultural context of the source material accurately. The ability to understand and use idioms can help the translator capture the essence and flavor of the original text. The course focuses on teaching 80 commonly used idioms, including their source stories, meanings, and usage.
Market Research Analyst
Market Research Analysts study market conditions to examine potential sales of a product or service. This course may be useful for analysts focusing on the Chinese market. The course enhances their understanding of Chinese language nuances, particularly idioms. These idioms reflect cultural values and communication styles. By mastering these idioms, an analyst can gain a deeper understanding of consumer behavior and preferences within the Chinese cultural context. The emphasis on daily conversation and practical usage can enable the analyst to better interpret qualitative data and understand the subtle cues in focus groups or interviews. The ability to recognize and understand idioms can help build trust and rapport with Chinese-speaking consumers.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Chinese idioms season 2.
Provides a comprehensive overview of commonly used Chinese idioms, including their historical origins and practical applications. It serves as an excellent reference for understanding the cultural context and usage of idioms encountered in the course. The book's detailed explanations and example sentences will greatly enhance your comprehension and ability to use idioms effectively. It is particularly helpful for students who want to delve deeper into the etymology and cultural significance of each idiom.
This dictionary provides a comprehensive collection of Chinese idioms, offering detailed explanations of their meanings, origins, and usage. It valuable resource for expanding your knowledge of idioms beyond those covered in the course. The dictionary's clear definitions and example sentences will help you understand the nuances of each idiom and use them correctly. is best used as a reference tool to look up idioms as needed.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser