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VOLUME:
Vol.06 Issue08 2025
10.37547/philological-crjps-06-08-02
RESEARCH ARTICLE
On the Contents of Stable Compounds in The Chinese
Language
Dilshod Badalbayev
PhD Student at Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, Uzbekistan
Received:
11 June 2025
Accepted:
07 July 2025
Published:
09 August 2025
INTRODUCTION
When discussing the issue of fixed expressions in the
Chinese language, their diversity becomes apparent.
Linguists generally classify fixed expressions into three
main categories: chengyu, guanyongyu, and xiehouyu. In
addition, it is possible to identify other types of fixed
expressions specific to both everyday spoken language and
written language. Among them, it is worth mentioning
proper nouns, terms, and quasi-fixatives. At the same time,
terms and proper nouns are often considered to belong to
distinct sections of lexicology.
Terms are primarily special designations related to a
particular scientific field or professional activity, usually
used by specialists in that area. However, as society
develops and science becomes more popularized, some
terms begin to be recognized by wider segments of the
population. For example:
直升
飞机
(zhíshēngfēijī)
“helicopter”,
心律不
齐
(xīnlǜbùqí) “arrhythmia”,
工
业用
水
(gōngyèyòngshuǐ) “industrial water”,
大秋作物
ABSTRACT
In the process of analyzing the Chinese language from a morphological and semantic perspective, it is impossible to overlook
idiomatic expressions. Therefore, the primary aim of this article is to explore Chinese idiomatic expressions and their disti nctive
features. Specifically, the article focuses on two types of fixed expressions, namely chengyu and guanyongyu, and advances th e
task of analyzing them. The traditional understanding that chengyu consist of four characters and guanyongyu consist of three
characters has developed over centuries. However, this article also examines cases that either conform to or deviate from these
conventions. Additionally, methods for identifying these units within fixed expressions are analyzed in detail. For instance, the
possibility of determining the type of expression based on the number of characters is explored. Furthermore, the question of
whether chengyu must solely possess historical characteristics is addressed, along with the issue of the existence of modern
chengyu. The article examines proper nouns and terms included in fixed expressions in the Chinese language and draws
conclusions about why they appear in fixed expressions but not in shuyu (lexical units).
In addition, similarities and differences between fixed expressions and shuyu are analyzed, and relevant examples for each ty pe
of fixed expression are provided. These examples include a direct translation of the expression and its corresponding equival ent,
accompanied by explanations. This approach highlights that each character in Chinese idiomatic expressions has its own meanin g,
but collectively they convey a unified idea.
This article applies morphological and semantic analysis methods to delve deeper into the structure of fixed expressions, offering
opportunities for a more thorough study. The conclusions drawn provide a framework for identifying the category to which the
units within fixed expressions belong.
Keywords:
Stable compounds, chengyu, guanyongyu, xiehouyu, proper nouns, terms, shuyu.
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(dàqiūzuòwù) “autumn crops”,
国民
经济
(guómínjīngjì)
“national economy”,
企
业管理
(qǐyèguǎnlǐ) “corporate
management”. It should be noted that many specialized
terms belong exclusively to certain professional disciplines
and express highly specific scientific concepts. As a result,
such terms may not be widely known to the general public.
For instance:
表面
张力
(biǎomiànzhānglì) “surface
tension”,
放料
(fàngliào) “discharge”,
自然
对数
(zìránduìshù)
“natural
logarithm”,
雌雄异株
(cíxióngyìzhū)
“dioecious”,
遗传工程
(yíchuángōngchéng) “genetic engineering”,
绝对真理
(juéduìzhēnlǐ) “absolute truth” and so on [Luo, 1980; 225].
Proper nouns also deserve special attention. For example,
台湾海峡
(Táiwān hǎixiá) – “Taiwan Strait” or
毛
泽东
(Máo Zédōng) – “Mao Zedong” can be considered lexical
units. However, certain complex geographical names, such
as
天津的宜
兴埠
(Tiānjīn de Yíxīngbù) – “Yixingbu,
Tianjin” or
河北省承德地区的
仓子村
(Héběi shěng
Chéngdé dìqū de Cāngzǐ cūn) – “Cangzi Village, Chengde
District, Hebei Province”, are not considered part of a
lexical unit [Luo, 1980; 225].
In this article, rather than focusing on the widely studied
types of fixed expressions such as proper nouns and terms,
we will conduct a detailed analysis of chengyu and
guanyongyu, which are considered among their main
components. At the conclusion of our analysis, we will
attempt to formulate a clear scientific theory regarding
fixed expressions in the Chinese language.
METHODS
In the process of identifying the structure of fixed
expressions in Chinese and their specific characteristics, a
number of linguistic research methods were employed. In
particular, component analysis, distributional analysis,
functional methods, as well as morphological and semantic
analysis served as important tools for the study. These
approaches made it possible to examine the ways in which
fixed expressions are expressed, with special attention
given to their semantic classification.
During the translation of fixed expressions, every effort
was made to accurately convey the meaning of each
character. At the same time, it was taken into account that
a literal translation of a fixed expression might be
incomprehensible to the reader; therefore, their Uzbek
equivalents were also provided. This approach was
necessary to ensure a correct understanding of the meaning
of the expression and to prevent semantic distortion.
To address these issues scientifically, we made extensive
use of the following works and scholarly sources: Chang
Yuzhong’s Functional Roles of Fixed Expressions in
Chinese Spoken Language, Lu Susian and Liu Delian’s
Explanatory Dictionary of Fixed Expressions in Chinese,
Li Yamei’s Phraseological Units Expressing Hierarchical
Relations
in
Chinese,
T.
Akimov’s
Semantic
Phraseologisms in Chinese, as well as research by many
other scholars. Based on these sources and approaches,
important results were achieved in the deeper study of
fixed expressions in Chinese, their translation into Uzbek,
and the development of their theoretical foundations.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
成
语
(chengyu)
It should be recognized that chengyu form the most vivid
and notable part of the system of fixed expressions in
modern Chinese. They are distinctive in both form and
meaning, often functioning as ready-made word
combinations or even expressing a complete sentence. For
this reason, chengyu are not only included among fixed
expressions, but in a broader sense are also considered an
integral part of phraseology. This approach reveals the
connection between chengyu and proverbs, aphorisms, and
other speech units.
However, the question arises: Is it possible to correctly
identify and classify chengyu and other closely related
fixed expressions? In order to understand chengyu
scientifically, it is necessary to recognize that they
constitute a special type of fixed expression. From this
perspective, if we exclude elements that are not lexical
units—such as certain chengyu, terms, and proper nouns—
can the remaining items be considered chengyu?
Below are examples used in the classification of chengyu
and other fixed expressions:
勇往直前
(yǒngwǎngzhíqián)
–
“to
advance
courageously”,
坚定不移
(jiāndìngbùyí) – “to stand firm”
(lit. “cannot be moved from place”),
违法乱纪
(wéifǎluànjì) – “to violate the law and discipline”,
煞
费苦
心
(shàfèikǔxīn) – “to rack one’s brains; to make
painstaking efforts”,
前功尽弃
(qiángōngjìnqì) – “to go to
waste; to be in vain”,
风和日丽
(fēnghérìlì) – “gentle
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breeze and beautiful sun” (used to describe fine weather),
微不足道
(wēibùzúdào) – “insignificant”,
诸如此类
(zhūrúcǐlèi) – “and so on; and the like” [Li, 1996; 145].
小葱拌豆腐
—
一清二白
(xiǎocōng bàn dòufu – yì qīng èr
bái) “to mix scallions with tofu – clear and pure”;
黄鼠狼
给鸡拜年
—
不
怀好心
(huángshǔláng gěi jī bàinián – bù
huái hǎo xīn) “a weasel paying a New Year visit to a
chicken – harboring ill intentions.” Here, the weasel serves
as a metaphor for a malicious person, while the chicken
symbolizes someone weak and defenseless. This idiom is
used to describe a person who pretends to be kind and
friendly while secretly harboring bad intentions.
外甥打灯
笼
—
照旧
(wàishēng dǎ dēnglong – zhào jiù) “a nephew
holding a lantern to light up his uncle – everything remains
as it was, no change at all” [Xu, 2000; 122].
不一定
(bù yídìng) “not certain; not definite,”
不必
(bú bì)
“not necessary,”
不堪
(bù kān) “unable to endure;
unbearable,”
两回事
(liǎng huí shì) “two different matters;
completely separate things” [Liu, 2018; 45].
开
门见山
(kāimén jiànshān) “clear and straightforward”
(with regard to speech or writing) (literal translation: “to
see the mountain upon opening the door”),
刻舟求
剑
(kè zhōu qiú jiàn) “ridiculously stubborn or
foolish” (literal: “marking the side of a boat to later retrieve
a sword dropped in the water”),
守株待兔
(shǒu zhū dài
tù) “waiting idly for opportunities” (literal: “waiting by a
tree stump for a rabbit”),
走后
门
(zǒu hòumén) “to act
illegally; to cheat” (literal: “to enter through the back
door”),
穿小鞋
(chuān xiǎo xié) “to make things difficult
for someone” (literal: “to wear small shoes”) [Chang,
1991; 15].
The above four groups of fixed expressions may not all be
scientifically correct to classify as chengyu. Here, the
structural composition and diversity of meanings
expressed by these expressions are quite evident. Applying
the term chengyu to all these expressions indiscriminately
is a complex matter.
For example, the expressions in the second group are
difficult to regard as chengyu because they resemble
riddling phrases and do not fully exhibit the features typical
of chengyu. The expressions in the third group also do not
align with the linguistic characteristics of chengyu. Even
some expressions in the first group, although often
classified as chengyu, upon deeper analysis, may only
resemble them in form but differ in meaning and function.
Only the fixed expressions in the fourth group can be
accepted as chengyu, as they possess not only literal
meanings but also function as figurative expressions.
Thus, the question of the defining features of chengyu as
linguistic units in modern Chinese is of significant
importance. This is a central issue encountered in
identifying and studying chengyu.
Undoubtedly, a chengyu is a fixed word combination that
retains stability in both structure and phonetics.
Semantically, it expresses a single concept and is
equivalent in function to a single word. These features are
the main distinguishing factors separating chengyu from
other fixed expressions.
When most people think of chengyu, they imagine a four-
character expression. However, limiting chengyu to four
characters is not entirely accurate. Some chengyu contain
more than four characters. For example:
快刀
斩乱麻
(kuài
dāo zhǎn luàn má) “to resolve a problem quickly” (literal:
“to cut tangled hemp with a sharp knife”),
千里送
鹅毛
(qiān lǐ sòng é máo) “a humble gift given with sincere
respect” (literal: “to send a goose feather from a thousand
li away”),
杀鸡给猴看
(shā jī gěi hóu kàn) “to make an
example of someone; to intimidate others” (literal: “to kill
a chicken to show the monkey”),
迅雷不及掩耳
(xùn léi
bù jí yǎn ěr) “to happen in a flash” (literal: “thunder so fast
you can’t cover your ears”),
风马牛不相及
(fēng mǎ niú
bù xiāng jí) “to be completely unrelated” (literal: “wind,
horse, and cattle have nothing to do with each other”).
Other examples include:
不成器
(bù chéng qì)
“incompetent; useless,”
跑
龙套
(pǎo lóng tào) “to do
menial tasks” (literal: “to run in dragon costume,” referring
to minor roles in traditional Chinese opera),
煞
风景
(shā
fēng jǐng) “to spoil the mood” (literal: “to frown at the
scenery”),
走
过场
(zǒu guò chǎng) “to go through the
motions” (literal: “to exit the stage”).
These expressions differ in no essential way from
开
门见
山
(kāimén jiànshān) “clear and straightforward” or
杯弓
蛇影
(bēi gōng shé yǐng) “to mistake something harmless
for danger” (literal: “to mistake the shadow of a bow in a
cup for a snake”). It follows that the number of characters
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cannot be used as a criterion to classify fixed expressions
[Lu, 1999; 55].
Scholars such as Wang Li and Qian Xuántóng emphasize
that chengyu should originate from ancient works, stories,
and legends, having deep historical roots. Indeed, many
chengyu with undisputed status possess this feature.
However, if chengyu were evaluated solely based on this
criterion, then fixed expressions with limited usage,
created in recent or modern times, yet widely recognized
as chengyu, could not be included in this category.
Moreover, there are fixed expressions that fully meet the
requirements of such phrases but are not classified as
chengyu. This situation demands deeper analysis in
identifying and categorizing chengyu.
For example:
三
长两短
(sān cháng liǎng duǎn)
“unexpected misfortune” (literal: “three long, two short”),
七上八下
(qī shàng bā xià) “to be nervous or uneasy”
(literal: “seven up, eight down”),
指桑
骂槐
(zhǐ sāng mà
huái) “to criticize someone indirectly” (literal: “to point at
a mulberry tree while cursing a locust tree”),
指手画脚
(zhǐ shǒu huà jiǎo) “to criticize and gesticulate” (literal: “to
point with hands and draw with feet”),
没
头没脑
(méi tóu
méi nǎo) “to speak or act without reason” (literal: “without
head and brain”),
瓮中捉
鳖
(wèng zhōng zhuō biē) “to
catch something easily” (literal: “to catch a soft-shelled
turtle in a jar”),
金蝉脱壳
(jīn chán tuō qiào) “to escape
under false pretenses” (literal: “a golden cicada shedding
its shell”),
借尸
还魂
(jiè shī huán hún) “to revive in
another form” (literal: “to return to life using another’s
corpse”).
These are difficult to exclude from the chengyu
classification, though they may have been coined and
developed in spoken language rather than in antiquity.
Further examples include:
有的放矢
(yǒu dì fàng shǐ) “to
aim with purpose” (literal: “to shoot an arrow where there
is a target”),
戴高帽
(dài gāo mào) “to flatter” (literal: “to
wear a tall hat”),
遍地开花
(biàn dì kāi huā) “to flourish
everywhere” (literal: “flowers blooming everywhere”),
下
马看花
(xià mǎ kàn huā) “to inspect closely” (literal: “to
dismount to look at flowers”),
鸡零狗碎
(jī líng gǒu suì)
“trivial matters” (literal: “scattered chicken and broken
dog”),
鸡毛蒜皮
(jī máo suàn pí) “insignificant” (literal:
“chicken feathers and garlic skins”),
走后
门
(zǒu hòu mén)
“to act illegally; to use underhanded means” (literal: “to
enter through the back door”) [Sobiriy & Badalbayev,
2017; 164].
In modern times, excluding fixed expressions that lack
deep historical roots from the chengyu category remains
debatable, since this approach may not fully align with the
actual concept of chengyu. Furthermore, it seems
unscientific to disregard modern fixed expressions that
share similar features with accepted chengyu such as
开
门
见山
(kāimén jiànshān) “clear and straightforward”
(literal: “to see the mountain upon opening the door”).
Therefore, an impartial approach should be taken toward
such expressions in the process of identifying and
classifying chengyu.
A deeper study of the chengyu concept—particularly the
reasons why certain fixed expressions are recognized as
chengyu by the general public—is crucial for determining
their unique characteristics. One of the essential features of
chengyu is their ability to convey figurative meaning. If a
fixed expression contains both a direct (surface) meaning
and a hidden meaning, with the latter being its true
significance, it is likely to be accepted by most people as a
chengyu.
The individual characters that make up a chengyu, when
considered separately, convey a certain meaning, while
their combination must express an entirely different,
unified meaning. For example, in the expression
开
门见山
(kāiménjiànshān) — “clear; straightforward” — the
characters together combine two layers of meaning: the
literal and the figurative, producing an overall message.
There is no doubt that such an expression qualifies as a
chengyu.
However, if we examine combinations such as
勇往直前
(yǒngwǎngzhíqián) — “to advance courageously” — or
不
一定
(bùyídìng) — “uncertain; not definite,” we find that
they possess only a single meaning, and their constituent
characters directly express that meaning. Therefore, it is
logical to classify such combinations as non-chengyu.
The expression
小葱拌豆腐
—
一清二白
(xiǎocōng bàn
dòufu — yìqīngèrbái) is an allegorical phrase composed of
two parts. The first part refers to “a mixture of green onions
and tofu,” while the second part means “clear and pure.”
The fact that green onions contain both white and green
parts, and tofu is entirely white, leads to the depiction of
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colors as pure and distinct. Consequently, the phrase is
used metaphorically to describe a person who is clear-
minded and insightful. Such expressions do not belong to
the chengyu category but are classified as xiehouyu.
Similarly,
诸如此类
(zhūrúcǐlèi) — “and so on; such
things” — carries only one meaning and lacks the feature
of dual meaning, which distinguishes it from chengyu. It
instead corresponds to another type of fixed expression —
guanyongyu [Chang, 1991; 58].
Thus, the presence of both literal and figurative meanings
can be recognized as a key distinguishing feature of
chengyu. It is precisely this feature that allows chengyu to
be differentiated from other types of fixed expressions. In
particular, distinguishing chengyu from guanyongyu
should be regarded as an important scholarly task in this
field.
Chengyu are frequently found in written literature, whereas
guanyongyu are more common in folk oral traditions. In
the past, chengyu were used primarily by the nobility,
officials, and the educated elite. They were often expressed
in wenyan (classical Chinese). Since ordinary people did
not fully understand wenyan, they had difficulty
comprehending chengyu. Guanyongyu, on the other hand,
were widely used in everyday life. Their concise and
simple nature made them easily understood by the general
public, allowing for effortless use in spoken language
[Akimov, 2022; 22].
Furthermore, when we analyze their internal structural
patterns, we find that the construction of chengyu in
modern Chinese also has distinctive features. First, most
chengyu were formed in ancient times, and as lexical units
of that era, they have gradually become less compatible
with modern linguistic requirements. Some have retained
their original structure unchanged over time, resulting in
forms that are no longer used in contemporary Chinese and
appear archaic. Consequently, many chengyu are
perceived today as unusual constructions. Examples
include:
草管人命
(cǎoguǎnrénmìng) — “to be careless”
(literally: “to
manage with grass”),
信口雌黄
(xìnkǒucíhuáng) — “to speak recklessly” (literally: “to put
yellow pigment into one’s mouth”),
首鼠两端
(shǒushǔliǎngduān) — “to be indecisive” (literally: “one
mouse, two tails”),
讳莫如深
(huìmòrúshēn) — “to keep a
secret” (literally: “to bury the secret deep”),
脍灸人口
(kuàijiǔrénkǒu) — “to please everyone” (literally:
“medicine suitable for everyone”), and others. The
structure of these chengyu is based on ancient linguistic
principles.
Second, chengyu are usually composed of several
syllables, forming compact and concise expressions. Their
meaning often encapsulates events, stories, or complex
phenomena, which requires the most succinct form
possible. For this reason, auxiliary words are generally
omitted, resulting in structures that were distinctive even
in
antiquity.
Examples
include:
功
败垂成
(gōngbàichuíchéng) — “to fail at the last moment”
(literally: “success ruined when it is nearly achieved”),
邯
郸学步
(hándānxuébù) — “to lose one’s own abilities
while imitating others,”
汗
马功劳
(hànmǎgōngláo) — “to
render great service” (literally: “to sweat on horseback”),
沧海桑田
(cānghǎisāngtián) — “drastic changes over
time” (literally: “the blue sea turns into mulberry fields”),
杯水
车薪
(bēishuǐ chēxīn) — “a drop in the bucket”
(literally: “a cup of water against a cartload of firewood”),
车水马龙
(chēshuǐmǎlóng) — “heavy traffic; bustling
streets” (literally: “a stream of carts and a dragon of
horses”),
十年寒窗
(shíniánhánchuāng) — “to study
diligently for years” (literally: “ten years by a cold
window”), and others. In these examples, numerous
auxiliary words are omitted — a phenomenon rarely
encountered even in ancient written texts [Liu, 1995; 74].
However, among the many chengyu inherited from ancient
times, there are also numerous cases in which no structural
difference exists between ancient and modern chengyu.
The syntactic patterns employed in these idioms are still
present in modern Chinese, which explains their continued
widespread use. Furthermore, when examining chengyu
formed in the modern era, one can identify structural
patterns that reflect contemporary linguistic forms.
Guanyongyu
(
惯用语
) Within the category of fixed
expressions, guanyongyu are units that have a definite
structure, lack dual meaning, and usually express only one
concept. Below, we examine several examples of fixed
expressions. On the basis of these examples, it is possible
to determine the system of fixed expressions that have one
or two meanings and to distinguish guanyongyu from
them.
少
见多怪
(shǎojiànduōguài)
—
“unaccustomed;
inexperienced” (literally: “seeing little, one finds much
strange”),
不自量力
(búzìliànglì) — “to overestimate
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oneself,”
直截了当
(zhíjiéliǎodàng) — “straightforward;
frank” [Li, 1996; 200]
与虎
谋皮
(yǔhǔmóupí) — “to attempt the impossible”
(literally: “to ask a tiger for its skin”),
蜀犬吠日
(shǔquǎnfèirì) — “to be surprised by the obvious”
(literally: “the Sichuan dog barks at the sun” — because in
Sichuan the sun is often hidden by mountains and clouds),
开
门见山
(kāiménjiànshān) — “to get straight to the
point” (literally: “open the door and see the mountain”) [Li,
1996; 111]
老
鹊屁股上插孔雀毛
—
充洋像
(lǎoquè pìgushàng chā
kǒngquèmáo – chōngyángxiàng) — “an old magpie with
peacock feathers — pretending to be exotic,”
水仙花不开
—
装蒜
(shuǐxiānhuā bùkāi – zhuāngsuàn) — “daffodils
don’t bloom — playing the fool” (literally: “disguising
oneself as garlic when daffodils don’t bloom”) [Xu, 2000;
101]
塔里木盆地
(tǎlǐmù péndì) — “Tarim Basin,”
珠江三角
洲
(Zhūjiāng sānjiǎozhōu) — “Pearl River Delta,”
南京路
(Nánjīng Lù) — “Nanjing Road” [Luo, 1980; 197]
扩大再生产
(kuòdà zàishēngchǎn) — “expanded
reproduction,”
针刺麻醉
(zhēncì mázuì) — “acupuncture
anesthesia,”
光合作用
(guānghé
zuòyòng)
—
“photosynthesis,”
万有引力
(wànyǒu yǐnlì) — “universal
gravitation”
一瞥
(yìpiē) — “a glance,”
不消
说
(bùxiāoshuō) — “it
goes without saying,”
不一定
(bùyídìng) — “uncertain;
not definite,”
不堪
(bùkān) — “cannot bear; unbearable”
[Liu, 1995; 104]
The expressions in the second row are chengyu, as they
exhibit dual meaning. The expressions in the first row are
guanyongyu, which do not possess dual meaning and thus
differ from those in the second row. The expressions in the
third row are xiehouyu, in which only one part contains
dual meaning. The expressions in the fourth row are proper
nouns, primarily used to denote the names of physical
entities.
The units in the first row convey meaning based on the
semantics of the characters, which makes it possible to
distinguish them from the units in the third row. The units
in the fifth row are terms that belong to specific scientific,
technical, or professional fields. The units in the sixth row
are relatively less fixed, and their components can be
replaced with other units. When comparing the units in the
first row with those in the sixth row, we find that it is
possible to replace the elements of the sixth-row units;
however, such substitutions are not applied to the units in
the first row.
Analyzing the above examples, we can observe that in
modern Chinese, guanyongyu expressions are not actively
being formed. As components of fixed expressions,
guanyongyu display their unique features with difficulty.
Their distinctive characteristics are also rarely visible in
practice, and the ability to clearly distinguish them from
other fixed expressions remains limited.
Guanyongyu are a mirror of a nation’s culture, reflecting
its worldview and spiritual state. By studying the meaning
of guanyongyu, we can gain insight into the worldview and
spiritual condition of that nation. As mentioned above,
guanyongyu are a branch of phraseology and are
considered one of the most important linguistic units of
modern Chinese. They are deeply embedded in the daily
life of the Chinese people, occupying an irreplaceable
place in their everyday speech. One of the most important
features of Chinese guanyongyu is their ability to convey
profound meanings with only a few words. In addition to
being vivid and expressive, guanyongyu often carry
underlying
meanings,
sometimes
with
humorous
overtones. [Sobiriy & Badalbayev, 2017, p. 5]
At first glance, guanyongyu possess unique, singular, and
identifiable features as a type of unit within fixed
expressions. This characteristic is regarded as a general
property. However, not every feature within a guanyongyu
may be interpreted as unique; some may also appear in
other fixed expressions. Nevertheless, all such features
manifest themselves within the guanyongyu system.
The broad scope of guanyongyu features and the objective
presence of similar characteristics across different
categories of fixed expressions form the basis for
classifying guanyongyu as a distinct type of fixed
expression. At the same time, this helps to identify both the
similarities and differences between guanyongyu and other
fixed expressions.
It is necessary to study the features of guanyongyu more
deeply. On the surface, their uniqueness makes it possible
to classify them into types. Although conventional
CURRENT RESEARCH JOURNAL OF PHILOLOGICAL SCIENCES (ISSN: 2767-3758)
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15
methods are useful, in practice this process can sometimes
present difficulties.
When speaking of guanyongyu, it is impossible not to
mention the scholarly work of Li Yamei. Guanyongyu are
one of the most interesting and complex components of the
Chinese lexicon. Their appeal lies in the fact that each
phrase consists of several characters and conveys a deep
meaning; their complexity lies in the difficulty of finding
equivalent forms during translation into foreign languages.
[Li Yamei, 2011, p. 13]
Regarding the distinction between guanyongyu and
chengyu in Chinese, the common view that chengyu are
composed of four characters and guanyongyu are relatively
more dynamic may not be entirely correct. As noted above,
for an expression to qualify as a chengyu, it must have been
historically formed, possess a fixed structure, and consist
of four characters (for example:
破釜沉舟
(pòfǔchénzhōu,
“to fight to the end”),
鹤立鸡群
(hèlìjīqún, “to stand out
from others”),
刻舟求
剑
(kèzhōuqiújiàn, “to take the
wrong approach”)). However, there are also expressions
with more than four characters, such as
出淤泥而不染
(chūyūníérbùrǎn, “to emerge unstained from the mud”).
Considering their quantitative increase, can such
expressions be classified as guanyongyu?
The boundary between chengyu and guanyongyu is not
entirely clear. As a result of historical development, if we
classify four-character expressions as chengyu, would it be
justified to exclude multi-character fixed expressions with
dual meanings from chengyu without reason? The ability
to distinguish two-meaning chengyu from guanyongyu is
more apparent when looking at the number of characters,
which also highlights their differing features. Thus, when
identifying the distinction between guanyongyu and
chengyu, it is necessary to consider the number of
characters, meaning, and historical development.
It is not entirely correct to include newly formed four-
character fixed expressions in the category of guanyongyu.
Classifying fixed expressions with more than four
characters as guanyongyu based solely on formal
characteristics—regardless of their significant two-layered
ideographic
properties—can
be
misleading.
Such
expressions are often composed of three-character
structures, which, according to some, should be classified
as guanyongyu. These expressions are considered part of
guanyongyu because they have a relatively short historical
background, unlike chengyu. However, this view may not
be entirely accurate. In fact, in modern spoken Chinese,
three-character expressions are used more frequently than
four-character ones. In written Chinese, however, there are
specific norms for using such units. The oral or written
form of a fixed expression should not be the sole factor in
its classification. It is also important to consider that
expressions formed in the present may, over time, become
part of the classical lexicon.
The claim that fixed expressions naturally transform into
chengyu over the course of years and centuries does not
have a solid scientific basis. In determining the difference
between chengyu and guanyongyu, it is not only the factors
of time or their emergence among the people that matter,
but also their structure, historical development, and
semantic layers.
Chengyu are generally classified as fixed expressions
consisting of four characters, often ancient, with a long
history, bound to a specific structure and traditional
meaning. In this regard, modern fixed expressions such as
走后
门
(zǒuhòumén, “illegal; underhanded”),
敲竹杠
(qiāozhúgàng, “to cheat; to swindle”), as well as
三天打
鱼
两天晒网
(sāntiān dǎyú liǎngtiān shàiwǎng, “to work one
day and rest two”), and
牵一发而动全
身
(qiānyìfà ér dòng
quánshēn, “pull one hair and the whole div trembles”),
due to their meanings and the process of their formation,
can be classified as guanyongyu.
Although
these
expressions
may
be
considered
guanyongyu due to their widespread usage and presence in
modern spoken language, they do not yet possess sufficient
historical grounding to be classified as chengyu. The fact
that they do not consist of four characters, or that they
originated among the people, is not itself a sufficient basis
for classification as guanyongyu. When determining the
difference between chengyu and guanyongyu, one must
conduct a deeper analysis of their historical development,
formation process, structure, and traditional usage. At the
same time, there is also the possibility that such units may
in the future be classified as chengyu. Therefore,
classifying modern fixed expressions as guanyongyu or
chengyu solely based on their structure is not correct;
rather, their historical and semantic development should be
taken into account [Liu, 1995; 115].
It should be acknowledged that guanyongyu do not possess
any uniquely distinctive positive features within the
category of fixed expressions. Their meanings, structures,
and syllabic patterns may not differ significantly from
CURRENT RESEARCH JOURNAL OF PHILOLOGICAL SCIENCES (ISSN: 2767-3758)
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16
those of chengyu. In contrast, chengyu often carry
polysemy, layered meanings, and features of terms or
proper names, which distinguish them from guanyongyu.
If we remove the distinctive features of fixed expressions,
the remainder can be classified as guanyongyu. They not
only conform to linguistic principles and have a specific
scope of use, but also fit into communicative processes. In
understanding the difference between guanyongyu and
chengyu, many regard them as the core of fixed
expressions.
In fact, in modern China, a large portion of guanyongyu
were formed in ancient times and have been in use since
then. Since most of them appear in classical texts, they can
be regarded as having a classical character. At the same
time, the use of guanyongyu in a modern context—based
on their adaptable and flexible nature—facilitates their
classification.
Examples include:
后生可畏
(hòushēng kěwèi, “the
younger generation may surpass the older”) — from Lunyu
Zihan.
明哲保身
(míngzhé bǎoshēn, “to protect oneself
wisely”) — from Shijing.
厉兵株马
(lìbīng zhūmǎ, “full
military preparedness”) — from Zuochuan – Sigong, Year
Thirty-Three.
井井有条
(jǐngjǐng yǒu tiáo, “orderly”) —
literally “wells in neat rows,” from Sunzi’s Confucianism.
开宗明
义
(kāizōng míngyì, “to state the main point at the
outset”) — from Xiaojing.
千
虑一得
(qiān lǜ yī dé, “even
a fool may occasionally be right”) — literally “one gain in
a thousand thoughts,” from Sima Qian’s Historical
Records.
气息奄奄
(qìxī yǎnyǎn, “at death’s door”) —
from Limin’s Chengyi Table.
Apart from such units with written sources, most other
guanyongyu created in ancient times and still in use today
originated in spoken language. This corresponds exactly to
what we have just discussed. The fixed expressions used in
particular regions and times have, over time, naturally
become classics, retaining their relevance while blending
into modern language.
From a historical perspective, fixed expressions are often
products of the organic processes of cultural and linguistic
development.
Thus,
guanyongyu—especially
those
without or with few appearances in written sources—are
typically the product of oral speech. These units evolve
over time, adapting to new stages of the language, and also
assist in classifying fixed expressions taken from classical
texts.
Examples:
睹物思人
(dǔwù sīrén, “to be reminded of
someone upon seeing an object”),
恩将仇
报
(ēn jiāng
chóubào, “to repay kindness with enmity”),
多此一
举
(duō
cǐ yì jǔ, “to take unnecessary action”),
耳
闻目睹
(ěr wén
mù dǔ, “to hear with one’s ears and see with one’s eyes”),
反复无常
(fǎnfù wúcháng, “capricious; unpredictable”),
措手不及
(cuòshǒu bùjí, “to be caught unprepared”),
丰功
伟绩
(fēnggōng wěijì, “great achievements”),
扶老携幼
(fú lǎo xié yòu, “to assist the elderly and care for the
young”),
改朝
换代
(gǎi cháo huàn dài, “a change of
dynasty or regime”),
感激零涕
(gǎnjī língtì, “to be deeply
moved; in tears”),
更深人静
(gèng shēn rén jìng, “in the
dead
of
night”),
功德无量
(gōngdé
wúliàng,
“immeasurable merit”),
两
败俱伤
(liǎng bài jù shāng,
“mutual destruction”) [Lu, 1999; 98].
From ancient times to the present, just as chengyu have
been continuously formed, guanyongyu have also been
created without interruption over the centuries. In modern
Chinese, the number of guanyongyu formed is
significantly greater than in the classical period. The main
reason may be that, unlike chengyu, guanyongyu lack
polysemy and deep metaphor, are relatively simple, and
adapt more easily in society. With their clear and
straightforward structure, guanyongyu are widely used in
various contexts, allowing them to enter modern language
more quickly and easily.
Some examples of modern local guanyongyu, which are
widely used in contemporary language and have a simple
structure yet distinctive meaning, effectively serving in
daily communication:
自由恋
爱
(zìyóu liàn’ài, “free
love”),
粗制
滥造
(cūzhì lànzào, “sloppily made”),
南征北
战
(nán zhēng běi zhàn, “to fight in all directions”),
缺吃
少穿
(quē chī shǎo chuān, “poverty; lacking food and
clothing”),
丰富多彩
(fēngfù duōcǎi, “rich and colorful”),
只字不提
(zhīzì bù tí, “not to mention a single word”),
风
雨不透
(fēngyǔ bù tòu, “air can’t pass through;
overcrowded”),
言
论自由
(yánlùn zìyóu, “freedom of
speech”),
按
劳分配
(àn láo fēnpèi, “distribution according
to labor”),
经济特区
(jīngjì tèqū, “special economic
zone”),
精神文明
(jīngshén wénmíng, “spiritual
civilization”) [Lu, 1999; 98].
CONCLUSION
CURRENT RESEARCH JOURNAL OF PHILOLOGICAL SCIENCES (ISSN: 2767-3758)
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17
Fixed expressions are among the complex components of
the Chinese language. Studying and researching them is
one of the main tasks facing linguists. We have provided
enough examples above to determine which unit belongs
to which type of fixed expression. Thus, the notion that “if
it consists of four characters, it is chengyu, if three, it is
guanyongyu” does not always hold in practice. We have
analyzed chengyu consisting of more than four characters,
as well as guanyongyu made up of more than three
characters.
When encountering chengyu and guanyongyu in texts, how
can we distinguish between them? Chengyu can sometimes
represent an entire sentence, and in some cases, the speaker
may use only the chengyu itself. However, even if an
expression consists of four characters, it cannot be
recognized as chengyu if it does not meet chengyu criteria.
Guanyongyu, by contrast, are distinguished by their dual
meaning. In cases where their literal meaning does not
match the sentence context, they can be identified as
guanyongyu.
Therefore, based on the above characteristics, we must
further strengthen our research in this area of linguistics.
Such scholarly investigations are crucial for a deeper
understanding of the language and for analyzing its
processes of development.
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