If you’re someone who is learning Chinese and looking to improve your language skills, then you’ll find many interesting English phrases that translate beautifully into Chinese. Learning Chinese is a difficult challenge, but using interesting English phrases can make the journey more fun. Here are 10 funny phrases that you can start practicing to improve your Chinese translation skills.
1. “It’s a piece of cake”
“It’s a piece of cake” is an English phrase that means something is very easy to do. In Chinese, you can translate this expression as “易如反掌” (yì rú fǎn zhǎng), which literally means “as easy as turning your hand over.”
2. “Kill two birds with one stone”
“Kill two birds with one stone” is an English proverb that means achieving two goals with one action. In Chinese, you can translate this expression as “一箭双雕” (yī jiàn shuāng diāo), which literally means “shoot two birds with one arrow.”
3. “Bite the bullet”
“Bite the bullet” is an English phrase that means enduring a painful or difficult situation. In Chinese, you can translate this expression as “硬着头皮上” (yìng zhe tóu pí shàng), which literally means “go ahead with a stiff upper lip.”
4. “Break a leg”
“Break a leg” is an English phrase that is used to wish someone good luck. In Chinese, you can translate this expression as “好运” (hǎo yùn), which literally means “good luck.”
5. “A penny for your thoughts”
“A penny for your thoughts” is an English idiom that means asking someone what they’re thinking about. In Chinese, you can translate this expression as “你在想什么？” (nǐ zài xiǎng shén me?), which literally means “what are you thinking about?”
6. “Every cloud has a silver lining”
“Every cloud has a silver lining” is an English proverb that means every difficult situation has a positive side. In Chinese, you can translate this expression as “乌云背后有阳光” (wū yún bèi hòu yǒu yáng guāng), which literally means “behind every dark cloud is a sunny side.”
7. “Actions speak louder than words”
“Actions speak louder than words” is an English proverb that means people’s actions are more important than what they say. In Chinese, you can translate this expression as “行胜于言” (xíng shèng yú yán), which literally means “action speaks louder than words.”
8. “All that glitters is not gold”
“All that glitters is not gold” is an English idiom that means not everything that looks valuable is valuable. In Chinese, you can translate this expression as “闪光的不一定都是金子” (shǎn guāng de bù yī dìng dōu shì jīn zi), which literally means “things that shine are not necessarily gold.”
9. “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch”
“Don’t count your chickens before they hatch” is an English proverb that means don’t be too confident about something before it actually happens. In Chinese, you can translate this expression as “不要过早乐观” (bù yào guò zǎo lè guān), which literally means “don’t be too optimistic too soon.”
10. “Curiosity killed the cat”
“Curiosity killed the cat” is an English saying that means being too curious can lead to trouble. In Chinese, you can translate this expression as “好奇心害死猫” (hǎo qí xīn hài sǐ māo), which literally means “curiosity kills the cat.”
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