【Learn Chinese】10 Chinese Chengyu about Dragons (Part 1)

In this article, we delve into the rich tapestry of Chinese language, where dragons and other mythical creatures are powerful symbols woven into everyday expressions. These idioms, use the unique traits and tales of animals to impart life lessons and cultural values. So, let's uncover the meaning and mystery of these ancient phrases together!

卧虎藏龙 (wò hǔ cáng lóng)
"卧虎藏龙": "卧'"means crouching, "虎" means tiger, "藏" means hidden, "龙'" means dragon.
There’s a famous movie called "卧虎藏龙", or "crouching tiger, hidden dragon". This idiom is used in situations where there are people whose talents have not yet been recognized. It can also be used to describe a place where there’s a lot of potential for success.
Example: 这家公司卧虎藏龙 (zhè jiā gōngsī wò hǔ cáng lóng) - There are many hidden talents in this company.

望子成龙 (wàng zǐ chéng lóng)
"望子成龙": "望" means hope, "子" means son, "成" means become, "龙" means dragon.
"望子成龙", which means "hoping one's son becomes a dragon". This idiom is used to express the hope that one's children will be successful and achieve great things.
Example: 望子成龙是每个父母的愿望 (Wàng zǐ chéng lóng shì měi ge fùmǔ de yuànwàng) - It is every parent's wish that their son will become successful.

龙马精神 (lóng mǎ jīng shén)
"龙马精神": "龙" means dragon, "马" means horse, "精神" means spirit.
"龙马精神", which translates to "the spirit of the dragon-horse". This idiom is used to describe someone who is vibrant and full of life. It's often used to compliment someone's physical appearance or their mental state. So, if you see someone who looks healthy and happy, you can say:
你今天看起来龙马精神的！(nǐ jīntiān kànqǐlái lóng mǎ jīng shén de) - You look vibrant today!

乘龙快婿 (chéng lóng kuài xù)
"乘龙快婿": "乘" means ride, "龙" means dragon, "快" means fast, "婿" means son-in-law.
"乘龙快婿", which translates to "ride a dragon to be a fast son-in-law". This idiom is used to describe a man who is very talented and successful, and who is also a good match for his wife's family. It is often used as a compliment to a newlywed couple.
Example: 恭喜你找到乘龙快婿！ (Gōngxǐ nǐ zhǎo dào chéng lóng kuài xù!) - Congratulations on finding an outstanding son-in-law!

龙腾虎跃 (lóng téng hǔ yuè)
"龙腾虎跃": "龙" means dragon, "腾" means soar, "虎" means tiger, "跃'" means leap.
"龙腾虎跃", or "the dragon soars and the tiger leaps". This idiom is used to describe a lively, energetic, and vibrant scene. It can also be used to describe a situation where there is a lot of competition and activity.
Example: 春节期间，街上龙腾虎跃。 (Chūnjié qíjiān, jiē shàng lóng téng hǔ yuè.) - During the Spring Festival, the streets are bustling with dragons and tigers.