成语故事英文版

Title: Translation of Chinese Idioms Stories into English

In the rich treasury of Chinese language and culture, there are numerous idioms that contain profound wisdom and interesting stories. Translating these idioms and their stories into English not only helps to convey their meanings but also introduces the beauty of Chinese culture to a global audience. Here are a few popular Chinese idioms and their stories translated into English.

1. Idiom: 鸡鸣狗盗 (jī míng gǒu dào)

Story: During the Spring and Autumn period of Chinese history, there was a man named Qi Huangong who owned a rooster that crowed very loudly, and a dog that barked fiercely. One day, when the rooster crowed, the dog thought it was a signal to steal from the neighbors. Before the dog could carry out its plan, the neighbors caught it in the act and punished it severely.

Translation: The rooster crows, but the dog steals.

2. Idiom: 塞翁失马 (sài wēng shī mǎ)

Story: Once, there was an old man who lived near the northern border of China. One of his horses ran away, and his neighbors came to console him. The old man simply remarked, "Who knows if it's good or bad?" Surprisingly, the runaway horse returned with a more splendid horse from the northern pasture. When the neighbors came to congratulate him, the old man said, "Who knows if it's good or bad?" Later, his son broke his leg while riding the new horse. Again, the neighbors came to express their sympathy, and the old man repeated, "Who knows if it's good or bad?" Soon after, a war broke out, and all the ablebodied young men were drafted into the army. The son, with his broken leg, was spared from the war.

Translation: The old man lost his horse, but who knows if it’s good or bad?

3. Idiom: 画蛇添足 (huà shé tiān zú)

Story: Once, a skilled artist was asked to draw a snake for a rich man. As he was about to leave, the rich man insisted that the artist add feet to the snake so that it looked more realistic. The artist complied, but the rich man, in truth, didn't know the nature of the snake. This idiomatic story serves as a warning against overdoing things and not knowing when to stop.

Translation: Drawing feet on a snake.

4. Idiom: 李代桃僵 (lǐ dài táo jiāng)

Story: During the Tang Dynasty, a man named Li was picking peaches in an orchard. Suddenly, he saw that the peaches on a nearby peach tree were larger and more enticing, so he wanted to switch the labels on the trees to claim the larger peaches. However, a wise old man passing by warned him of the consequences of his actions, reminding him that the peach tree doesn't bear Li's name, and exchanging the labels would only lead to trouble.

Translation: Li substitutes tao for jiang.

These translated idioms and their stories not only provide insights into Chinese culture and history but also offer valuable lessons that are universally applicable. Understanding and appreciating these idioms can enrich crosscultural communication and promote a deeper understanding of the wisdom contained in Chinese language and culture.

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