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Chéngyǔ for Architects

Captions: Jennifer Richter
Audio: Lulu An

Chéngyǔ or "set phrases" are Chinese four-character idioms. Their origins are in ancient literature, but they are still widely used today. Below we offer a small sampling of Chéngyǔ and their pronunciations—along with literal and figurative translations—that will be useful for architects working or traveling in Beijing.

 

xìng huì xìng huì
(xìng) “lucky” + (huì) “meet”

It is a pleasure to meet you.
Used as a response when one is introduced to an individual or a group.

(8 sec.)
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gōng zuò shun lì
(gōng zuò) “work or job” + (shun lì) “smooth”

May your work go smoothly!
Used to Wish a person success in a new career or business venture.

(9 sec.)
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bù bù gāo shēng
(bù) means “a step,” (bù bù) is doubled for emphasis
(gāo shēng) “to promote, to produce high”

May your career progress step by step.
Used to congratulate someone who has recently been promoted.

(9 sec.)
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mǎ dào chéng gōng
(mǎ dào) “upon arrival” + (chéng gōng) succeed/success

May you enjoy immediate success.
A common expression used to wish someone quick success.

(8 sec.)

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shì yè téng dá
(shì yè) “business or career” + (téng dá) “rising up”

May your business/career be prosperous!
Used to wish someone success in a business venture or career.

(8 sec.)
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hé zuò yú kuài
(hé zuò) “to cooperate/cooperation” + (yú kuài) “happy and merry”

May we have a fruitful cooperation.
Used when undertaking a new partnership or collaboration.

(7 sec.)
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jǐu wén dà míng
(jǐu wén) “hear long ago” + (dà míng) “famous name”

I’ve heard many good things about you.
Used as a courteous response when someone introduces herself or himself. (It implies that the person’s name is so well known that you have been anticipating meeting her or him.)

(9 sec.)
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hǎo zì wéi zhī
(hǎo zì) “look out for yourself” + (wéi zhī) “to do the job/thing”

Conduct yourself well and make the best of it.
Used as advice suggesting that a person keep moving forward and not over analyze a situation.

(9 sec.)
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sān sī hòu xíng
(sān sī) “think it over” + (hòu xíng) “to do/go later”

Look before you leap.

(8 sec.)
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sài wēng shī mǎ
(sài wēng) means “old men living at the frontier” + (shī mǎ) “lost his horse”

A loss may spell a gain.
Used to comfort someone who has met a misfortune. (Derived from an ancient Chinese tale of an old man who one day lost a mare and was feeling sad. Then, a few days later the mare returned with a striking stallion. The expression implies that hardship may in fact turn out to be a blessing.)

(8 sec.)
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lái rì fāng cháng
(lái rì) “days to come” + (fāng cháng) “still long”

There is ample time ahead of you/There will be other opportunities.
Used to cheer someone up when that person has not been successful and is feeling frustrated.

(8 sec.)
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duō duō bāo hán
(duō duō) “much/many” + (bāo hán) “excuse/forgive”

Please excuse (me for) what I have said/done.
Used as a courteous expression stating that you did not wish to offend anyone with something that you may have said or done.

(8 sec.)
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nǎ li nǎ li
(nǎ li) “where,” doubled for emphasis.

You are too kind. (Not at all/Where, where?).
Very frequently used as a modest response when one is paid a compliment.

(9 sec.)
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yí lù bǎo zhòng
(yí lù) “all the way/journey” + (bǎo zhòng) “to take care”

Take care on your journey.
Used for departures.

(7 sec.)
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