A New Format: Chengyu on Dzen—Now as Blog Posts!

Dear users of “Chinese in Russian,” we are pleased to announce an important expansion of our project: chengyu reviews are now available not only in dictionary entries on the website, but also through a separate channel on...

Chengyu: Ancient Wisdom in a Modern Format

For more than 20 years, our website has maintained and developed one of the largest Chinese–Russian online databases, containing over 15,000 characters and firmly recognized in Russian-language education. We strive not only to provide reliable, structured information, but also to offer new tools for active, meaningful Chinese learning.

Publishing analyses of chengyu — idiomatic expressions that play a key role in Chinese thought — continues this approach. That is why we have launched a chengyu channel on the «Dzen» platform, where we plan to publish regular thematic articles following our website’s traditional presentation structure.

What Can Subscribers Expect?

Each article devoted to a specific chengyu follows consistent principles and includes:

Character analysis:
A detailed explanation of each character, with its pronunciation, a brief equivalent in meaning, and a literal translation of the entire expression.
Meaning and translation:
An interpretation of the idiom that considers linguistic and cultural nuances, with suitable parallels to Russian proverbs and fixed expressions.
Historical context:
An account of the expression’s origins, its literary sources, the folk or historical stories behind it, and its subsequent evolution.
Usage examples:
Examples from classical and modern language, including cases of misunderstanding or mistranslation, particularly useful for future translators.
Why Should a Chinese Learner Know This?
- Cultural codes: understanding imagery familiar to native Chinese speakers.
- Practice: enriching spoken and written communication.
- Translation pitfalls: typical errors caused by literal interpretation.
- Preparation for HSK and other qualification examinations.

Why «Dzen»?

The «Dzen» platform makes it easy to subscribe to the channel and receive prompt notifications of new materials. This is especially important for those who regularly review, organize, and expand their knowledge. In addition, the live blog format allows readers to leave comments, feedback, and suggestions — a source of direct feedback and guidance for preparing future installments.

Join In!

We would be delighted if you:

Subscribe to our Dzen channel;
Share interesting or unfamiliar chengyu you would like us to analyze next;
Leave comments and feedback to help make the project even more useful and informative.

We are convinced that understanding chengyu opens doors not only to the Chinese language but also to the depths of Chinese thought and worldview.
Let’s explore them together — accessibly, in depth, and in Russian.