Autumnal Idioms in China

Do you have an understanding of Chinese idioms? Idioms, as the brilliant pearls in the treasure trove of Chinese culture, are not only concise but also contain rich stories and profound truths. This article will share with you some idioms related to autumn, hoping that you will enjoy them!

平分秋色(píng fēn qiū sè)

This idiom has an amusing story behind it. In ancient times, there were two outstanding literati, one gifted in poetry with profound imagery and beautiful language, depicting the world from a unique perspective with delicate brushstrokes; the other excelling in painting, creating vivid and colorful artworks that seemed to transport people into a wonderful world within the canvas.

On a crisp autumn day, a grand autumn gathering unfolded. The audience, filled with excitement, suggested a talent competition比赛(bǐ sài) between these two literati. The poet gracefully penned poem after poem with majestic or delicate nuances, captivating the audience. Meanwhile, the painter, with great concentration, sketched breathtakingly colorful scenes of autumn – colorful mountains, shimmering autumn waters, serene villages – each piece eliciting awe.

比赛 (bǐ sài), noun, competition

Examples:

1. She won the swimming competition.
   她赢得了游泳比赛。
   tā yíng dé le yóu yǒng bǐ sài。
2. He trained hard for the basketball competition.
   他为篮球比赛进行了艰苦训练。
   tā wèi lán qiú bǐ sài jìn xíng le jiān kǔ xùn liàn。

After a spirited competition, when the audience attempted to judge their works, they found it difficult to determine a winner. Just like the varied landscapes of autumn – some places ablaze with fiery maple leaves, others adorned with golden ginkgo, and some with deep blue skies – each had its own unique charm. Thus, people used "Sharing the Splendors of Autumn" to describe the splendid performances of these two literati.

As time passed, this idiom became widely used to describe a situation where both sides are evenly matched, each achieving half the results, without one surpassing the other. Whether in fierce competition on the battlefield or cooperative competition in the business realm, whenever both sides are evenly matched, "Sharing the Splendors of Autumn" can describe this evenly matched scene aptly.

一叶知秋(yī yè zhī qiū)

This poetic and wise idiom conveys a profound truth. It highlights how the simple sight of a falling leaf can foretell the quiet arrival of autumn. It is not merely a simple observation of seasonal changes but a highly distilled wisdom for life.

In our daily lives, many times, subtle signs often carry significant information, much like how a small falling leaf heralds the arrival of autumn. It reminds us to be insightful, to understand trends from seemingly insignificant details.

Whether at work, projecting industry trends from minor data changes, or in interpersonal interactions, deciphering others' inner worlds from a casual expression or gesture, the wisdom of "Seeing the Signs of Autumn from a Single Leaf" allows us to perceive our surroundings more keenly, making wiser decisions.

望穿秋水(wàng chuān qiū shuǐ)

This idiom holds a deep and moving emotional charm. Originating from ancient poetry, it is used to describe the intense longing and anticipation for a loved one's return, as if the emotions pierce through the clear autumn waters, persistently awaiting the distant loved one's homecoming. Here, the "autumn waters" don't just refer to the clear and deep streams of autumn; they carry profound and distant meanings.

In autumn, streams often become clearer, revealing the sand and fish swimming beneath. The flow of water becomes gentler and more peaceful, seeming to narrate the tales of time. When people gaze steadily at this autumn water for long, their longing, like that autumn water, flows ceaselessly, endless. This idiom vividly portrays deep yearning and conveys a connection of emotions transcending time and space.

In autumn, as leaves落叶(luò yè) gently fall and the breeze softly blows, people's yearning drifts along with the autumn wind. Whether waiting for a distant lover or missing a long-lost relative, "Longing Across the Autumn Waters" impeccably conveys this emotional expression. It allows us to experience the unique warmth and endless thoughts of autumn, as if time stands still in that moment, solely carrying the profound sentiment of longing. 

落叶(luò yè), noun, leaves 

Examples:

1. The trees shed their leaves in autumn.
   树木在秋天落叶。
   shù mù zài qiū tiān luò yè。
2. I raked up the leaves in the backyard.
   我在后院把落叶耙了起来。
   wǒ zài hòu yuàn bǎ luò yè pá le qǐ lái。