Master 15 Chinese Idioms for HSK 4: Meanings and Examples

Struggling with idioms in your HSK 4 prep? You’re not alone. For many learners, Chinese idioms (成语, chéngyǔ) feel like a sudden jump in difficulty—short, compact expressions that carry meanings far beyond their literal words. The good news? Mastering a focused set of Chinese idioms for HSK 4 can significantly boost both your exam performance and real-life language confidence.

In this guide, you’ll find 15 essential Chinese idioms for HSK 4, each with:

• Characters and pinyin
• Clear English meanings
• HSK-level example sentences
• Cultural background or memory tips to help you remember them easily

Think of Wukong Chinese as your practical toolkit for HSK 4 idioms with examples—not something to memorize blindly, but something to actively use. By the end, you’ll know how to integrate these idioms into your daily study routine and walk into the exam with confidence.

Why Is It Necessary to Learn Chinese Idioms in HSK 4

Starting from HSK 4, learners are no longer only tested on individual words but begin to be assessed on their understanding of authentic Chinese expressions. Idioms are highly condensed and meaningful common expressions in Chinese, widely appearing in reading, listening, and daily communication. Without knowing idioms, even if one recognizes each character, they may still fail to comprehend the true meaning of an entire sentence.

The idioms appearing in HSK 4 are not complex; they are mostly high-frequency, practical expressions that are close to daily life and learning scenarios, used to describe learning attitudes, emotional states, and ways of doing things. Mastering these idioms can help you read texts more quickly, accurately understand listening content, and express yourself more naturally in writing and spoken language, thereby avoiding issues such as ‘only knowing word spellings but not sounding like a native speaker’.

Therefore, learning idioms in HSK 4 is not for memorizing difficult vocabulary, but rather to truly take a crucial step from ‘textbook Chinese’ to ‘practical Chinese’.

15 Chinese Idioms for HSK 4

At the HSK 4 level, learners begin to encounter Chinese idioms regularly in reading and listening sections. These 15 high-frequency idioms are especially important because they appear in common study, daily life, and exam-related contexts.

Understanding them helps you grasp meanings beyond literal words, improve comprehension speed, and express ideas more naturally. Mastering these idioms will not only support your HSK 4 exam performance but also make your Chinese sound more fluent and confident in real communication.

How Many Chinese Idioms are Needed to Prepare for HSK 4?

The official HSK 4 examination contains approximately 1,200 commonly used Chinese vocabulary items. Among these, the assessment of idioms constitutes a small portion of the vocabulary component, with typically 20 to 50 idioms being sufficient to address the exam requirements.

Furthermore, the HSK 4 primarily evaluates comprehension and application abilities; idiom-related questions generally do not require candidates to write complex idioms as in composition tasks, but rather focus on formats such as multiple-choice questions, fill-in-the-blank exercises, and collocation matching.

Sure! Here’s the HSK 4 idiom test formats explanation translated into English, keeping it clear for study or teaching purposes:

HSK 4 Chinese Idiom Test Formats

1. Multiple Choice

Format: A sentence is given, and you choose the most suitable idiom to fill in the blank.

Example:

他为了通过考试，________地学习中文。
He studies Chinese ________ to pass the exam.
A. 一心一意 (yī xīn yī yì) – wholeheartedly
B. 三心二意 (sān xīn èr yì) – distracted
C. 马马虎虎 (mǎ mǎ hū hū) – careless
D. 异想天开 (yì xiǎng tiān kāi) – far-fetched

✅ Correct Answer: A. 一心一意

2. Matching / Collocation

Format: You are asked to match idioms with the correct verb, noun, or situation.

Example:

Choose the correct collocation:
他为了工作，______。

1. 废寝忘食 (fèi qǐn wàng shí) – work so hard that you forget sleep and meals
2. 马马虎虎 (mǎ mǎ hū hū) – careless
3. 自言自语 (zì yán zì yǔ) – talk to oneself

✅ Answer: 废寝忘食

Tip: Memorizing “idiom + common verbs/situations” is more effective than just memorizing the meaning.

3. Reading Comprehension

Format: Idioms appear in articles or dialogues; you are tested on whether you understand the meaning.

• You might be asked: What does the idiom mean in this context?
• Or judge whether the idiom is used correctly.

Example:

小王看到别人努力学习，也感到自己应该一心一意。
Xiao Wang sees others studying hard and feels he should also be __________.
Question: What does “一心一意” mean here?
✅ Answer: wholehearted / fully focused

4. Writing / Speaking (Bonus)

• In HSK 4 writing, using idioms can enhance your expression but is not mandatory.
• Key: Use idioms correctly and naturally; don’t force them in.

List of 15 Frequently Tested Chinese Idioms for HSK 4

【一心一意】yī xīn yī yì

Meaning: Wholeheartedly. With full focus. Single-minded.
Deep explanation：Refers to focusing all your attention on one thing without distraction. It emphasizes dedication and wholehearted effort. To do something with complete attention and sincerity.
3 Example Sentences

1. 他一心一意地学习中文。He studies Chinese with full concentration.
2. 做事要一心一意，不能三心二意。You should focus when doing things, not be distracted.
3. 她一心一意想要通过HSK四级。She is fully determined to pass HSK 4.

• Literal Meaning：一=one 心=heart 一=one 意=mind/intention | one heart, one mind
• Key Takeaway：一心一意=Focus on one goal, no distractions.
• Contrast：一心一意Focused√、三心二意Distracted×
• Usage Tip：一心一意+地+动词（学习/工作/做事/努力/追求）（Wholeheartedly + 地 + Verb (Learning/Working/Doing/Striving/Pursuing)）
• Memory Techniques：Link “one heart, one mind” to “full focus on one thing, no other thoughts”.

【三心二意】sān xīn èr yì

Meaning: Distracted. Indecisive. Half-hearted.
Deep explanation：Means being distracted, indecisive, or not fully committed. It is the opposite of 一心一意.
3 Example Sentences

1. 学习不能三心二意，否则很难进步。You can’t study with divided attention, or it’s hard to make progress.
2. 做选择时别三心二意，要坚定一点。Don’t be indecisive when making a choice, be firm.
3. 他做事三心二意，最后什么都没做好。He did things half-heartedly and ended up doing nothing well.

• Literal Meaning：三=three 心=heart 二=two 意=mind/intention | three hearts, two minds
• Key Takeaway：三心二意=No fixed focus, easy to be distracted by other things.
• Contrast：三心二意Distracted×、一心一意Focused√
• Usage Tip：直接作谓语/定语（做事三心二意/三心二意的人）（Be a predicate/attributive directly (do things distractedly/a distracted person)）
• Memory Techniques：”Three hearts and two minds” means your thoughts are scattered, not fixed on one thing.

【举一反三】jǔ yī fǎn sān

Meaning: Draw inferences about other cases from one instance. Generalize from one example.
Deep explanation：Refers to the ability to learn one example and apply it to similar situations. Often used to praise learning ability.
3 Example Sentences

1. 学语言要学会举一反三，才能灵活运用。When learning a language, you should learn to draw inferences, so you can use it flexibly.
2. 这个学生很聪明，能做到举一反三。This student is very smart and can draw inferences from one example.
3. 老师教方法时，我们要学会举一反三。We should learn to generalize when the teacher teaches methods.

• Literal Meaning：举=raise 一=one 反=infer 三=three | raise one, infer three
• Key Takeaway：举一反三=Master the rule from one example, apply to similar situations.
• Contrast：举一反三Flexible learning√、死记硬背Rote memorization×
• Usage Tip：能+举一反三/学会+举一反三（can draw inferences/learn to draw inferences）
• Memory Techniques：”One example leads to three similar ones” – learn the core, apply to more cases.

【循序渐进】xún xù jiàn jìn

Meaning: Progress step by step. Advance in order.
Deep explanation：Means making progress step by step instead of rushing. Commonly used for learning and long-term goals.
3 Example Sentences

1. 学中文要循序渐进，先学拼音再学生字。Learning Chinese should be done step by step, learn Pinyin first then new characters.
2. 练书法没有捷径，只能循序渐进。There is no shortcut to practicing calligraphy, only progress step by step.
3. 健身要循序渐进，不要一开始就过度运动。Fitness needs to advance in order, don’t overexercise at the beginning.

• Literal Meaning：循=follow 序=order 渐=gradually 进=advance | follow order, advance gradually
• Key Takeaway：循序渐进=Do things in a proper order, no rush for quick results.
• Usage Tip：作状语/谓语（循序渐进地学习/学习要循序渐进）（learn step by step/learning needs to progress step by step）
• Memory Techniques：”Follow the order, advance little by little” – small steps lead to big progress.

【日积月累】rì jī yuè lěi

Meaning: Accumulate day by day and month by month. Gather gradually over time.
Deep explanation：Refers to gradual accumulation over a long period of time. Emphasizes consistency.
3 Example Sentences

1. 词汇量是靠日积月累的，不是一天能提升的。Vocabulary is built through daily accumulation, not improved in one day.
2. 他的中文功底，都是日积月累的结果。His Chinese foundation is the result of long-term accumulation.
3. 每天记5个单词，日积月累就能掌握很多。Memorize 5 words a day, and you’ll master many by gradual accumulation.

• Literal Meaning：日=day 积=accumulate 月=month 累=pile up | accumulate day by day
• Key Takeaway：日积月累=Persistent small accumulations lead to great achievements.
• Usage Tip：靠+日积月累/日积月累的+名词（ability/knowledge/experience）
• Memory Techniques：”Day by day, month by month” – add a little each time, gather a lot finally.

【持之以恒】chí zhī yǐ héng

Meaning: Persevere with perseverance. Stick to something consistently.
Deep explanation：Means continuing something for a long time without giving up.
3 Example Sentences

1. 只要持之以恒，再难的事也能做成。As long as you persist, you can do even the hardest things.
2. 学外语贵在持之以恒，不能三天打鱼两天晒网。Learning a foreign language lies in perseverance, not learning on and off.
3. 他持之以恒地练口语，半年后进步很大。He persisted in practicing oral English, and made great progress half a year later.

• Literal Meaning：持=persist 之=it 以=with 恒=perseverance | persist with perseverance
• Key Takeaway：持之以恒=Keep doing something, never give up halfway.
• Contrast：持之以恒Persistent√、半途而废Give up halfway×
• Usage Tip：持之以恒+地+动词（学习/练习/坚持）/贵在+持之以恒
• Memory Techniques：”Hold on to it with constant effort” – stick to your goal, never stop.

【废寝忘食】fèi qǐn wàng shí

Meaning: Forget food and sleep. Be totally absorbed in something.
Deep explanation：Describes being extremely focused or hardworking, even forgetting basic needs.
3 Example Sentences

1. 他为了考试废寝忘食地学习，连饭都忘了吃。He studied so hard for the exam that he forgot to eat and sleep.
2. 作家创作时，常常会废寝忘食。Writers often forget food and sleep when creating.
3. 她为了准备HSK面试，废寝忘食地练习对话。She practiced dialogues day and night for the HSK interview, forgetting meals and sleep.

• Literal Meaning：废=abandon 寝=sleep 忘=forget 食=meal | forget sleep and meals
• Key Takeaway：废寝忘食=Extremely focused on one thing, ignoring daily basic needs.
• Usage Tip：废寝忘食+地+动词（学习/工作/创作/练习）
• Memory Techniques：”Abandon sleep, forget meals” – your mind is fully on the thing you’re doing.

【助人为乐】zhù rén wéi lè

Meaning: Take pleasure in helping others. Find joy in assisting others.
Deep explanation：Means finding joy in helping other people; describes a kind and helpful personality.
3 Example Sentences

1. 她总是助人为乐，大家都很喜欢她。She always enjoys helping others, and everyone likes her very much.
2. 我们要养成助人为乐的好习惯。We should develop the good habit of taking pleasure in helping others.
3. 他助人为乐，主动帮同学补习中文。He finds joy in helping others and voluntarily tutors classmates in Chinese.

• Literal Meaning：助=help 人=others 为=take 乐=joy | take pleasure in helping others
• Key Takeaway：助人为乐=Help others and feel happy from it.
• Usage Tip：作谓语/定语（助人为乐/助人为乐的人/养成助人为乐的习惯）
• Memory Techniques：”Help others, and it becomes your joy” – helping others is a happy thing.

【自言自语】zì yán zì yǔ

Meaning: Talk to oneself. Mumble to oneself.
Deep explanation：Refers to speaking to oneself, often while thinking or concentrating. Neutral expression.
3 Example Sentences

1. 他背单词时常常自言自语，加深记忆。He often talks to himself while memorizing words to deepen memory.
2. 老人坐在椅子上，自言自语地说着什么。The old man sat on the chair, mumbling something to himself.
3. 她思考问题时，总喜欢自言自语。She always likes to talk to herself when thinking about problems.

• Literal Meaning：自=self 言=speak 自=self 语=talk | talk to oneself
• Key Takeaway：自言自语=Speak to yourself when thinking or concentrating, no listener.
• Usage Tip：作谓语（自言自语/常常自言自语/喜欢自言自语）
• Memory Techniques：”Self speak, self talk” – you are the speaker and the listener.

【小心翼翼】xiǎo xīn yì yì

Meaning: Be extremely careful. Proceed with caution.
Deep explanation：Means being very careful and cautious, afraid of making mistakes.
3 Example Sentences

1. 他小心翼翼地打开书，生怕把书页撕坏。He opened the book very carefully, fearing to tear the pages.
2. 孩子小心翼翼地端着水杯，慢慢走过来。The child held the water cup cautiously and walked over slowly.
3. 她小心翼翼地做着练习题，避免出错。She did the exercises extremely carefully to avoid making mistakes.

• Literal Meaning：小=small 心=heart 翼=wing 翼=wing | extremely cautious
• Key Takeaway：小心翼翼=Do things with great care, avoid any mistakes or accidents.
• Contrast：小心翼翼Careful√、粗心大意Careless×
• Usage Tip：小心翼翼+地+动词（打开/拿着/做/走）
• Memory Techniques：”Small heart, wing-wing” – be as careful as a bird with its wings, no carelessness.

【兴高采烈】xìng gāo cǎi liè

Meaning: Be in high spirits. Be over the moon. Be full of joy.
Deep explanation：Describes someone who is very happy, excited, or joyful.
3 Example Sentences

1. 听到好消息，他兴高采烈地跳了起来。He jumped for joy in high spirits after hearing the good news.
2. 孩子们兴高采烈地去参加中文联欢会。The children went to the Chinese get-together in great excitement.
3. 她得知通过HSK五级，兴高采烈地告诉了家人。She told her family joyfully when she knew she passed HSK 5.

• Literal Meaning：兴=spirit 高=high 采=vigor 烈=intense | in high spirits
• Key Takeaway：兴高采烈=Show obvious happiness and excitement with words and actions.
• Usage Tip：兴高采烈+地+动词（跑/跳/说/去）/be+兴高采烈
• Memory Techniques：”High spirit, intense vigor” – your mood is full of joy and excitement.

【垂头丧气】chuí tóu sàng qì

Meaning: Hang one’s head in disappointment. Be down in the dumps.
Deep explanation：Refers to feeling discouraged, depressed, or lacking energy.
3 Example Sentences

1. 考试没考好，他有点垂头丧气，提不起精神。He felt discouraged after failing the exam, lacking energy.
2. 比赛输了，队员们垂头丧气地离开了赛场。The players left the field in disappointment after losing the game.
3. 他看着不及格的成绩单，垂头丧气地坐在椅子上。He sat on the chair with his head down, looking at the failed report card.

• Literal Meaning：垂=hang 头=head 丧=discouraged 气=spirit | hang one’s head in disappointment
• Key Takeaway：垂头丧气=Be sad and discouraged because of failure or disappointment.
• Contrast：垂头丧气Depressed×、兴高采烈Joyful√
• Usage Tip：垂头丧气+地+动词（走/坐/说/离开）/be+垂头丧气
• Memory Techniques：”Hang your head, lose your spirit” – your body and mood are both low.

【无忧无虑】wú yōu wú lǜ

Meaning: Without worries or concerns. Carefree. Free from anxiety.
Deep explanation：Describes a carefree and relaxed state, with no worries or pressure.
3 Example Sentences

1. 孩子的生活无忧无虑，充满了快乐。Children live a carefree life, full of happiness.
2. 假期里，他待在乡下，过着无忧无虑的日子。During the holiday, he stayed in the countryside and lived a worry-free life.
3. 小时候，我们都是无忧无虑的，没有太多烦恼。When we were kids, we were all carefree with no many troubles.

• Literal Meaning：无=without 忧=worry 无=without 虑=concern | without worries or concerns
• Key Takeaway：无忧无虑=Be in a relaxed state, no pressure or troubles.
• Contrast：无忧无虑Carefree√、忧心忡忡Worried×
• Usage Tip：be+无忧无虑/无忧无虑的+名词（life/childhood/days）
• Memory Techniques：”No worry, no concern” – your heart is free from all troubles.

【实事求是】shí shì qiú shì

Meaning: Seek truth from facts. Be practical and realistic.
Deep explanation：Means dealing with things based on reality, without exaggeration or falsehood.
3 Example Sentences

1. 写作文要实事求是，不能编造虚假内容。When writing, you should stick to the facts and not make up false content.
2. 我们看待问题，要实事求是，客观分析。We should view problems from facts and analyze them objectively.
3. 他做人实事求是，从不说大话、假话。He is a realistic person and never talks big or lies.

• Literal Meaning：实=fact 事=thing 求=seek 是=truth | seek truth from facts
• Key Takeaway：实事求是=Base on reality when dealing with things, no exaggeration or lies.
• Usage Tip：作谓语/定语（实事求是/实事求是的态度/看待问题要实事求是）
• Memory Techniques：”Facts first, seek the truth” – what is real is the most important.

【取长补短】qǔ cháng bǔ duǎn

Meaning: Learn from others’ strong points to offset one’s own weaknesses. Make up for one’s deficiencies with others’ advantages.
Deep explanation：Refers to absorbing others’ strengths to compensate for one’s own weaknesses.
3 Example Sentences

1. 同学之间要取长补短，共同进步。Students should learn from each other’s strengths and make progress together.
2. 学习外语时，要和同学互相取长补短。When learning a foreign language, you should learn from each other’s strengths with classmates.
3. 这个团队的成员取长补短，合作得非常好。The team members offset each other’s weaknesses with strengths and cooperate very well.

• Literal Meaning：取=take 长=strength 补=make up 短=weakness | use strengths to cover weaknesses
• Key Takeaway：取长补短=Learn others’ advantages, make up for your own shortcomings.
• Usage Tip：取长补短/互相取长补短/取+某人的+长，补+自己的+短
• Memory Techniques：”Take strengths, make up weaknesses” – learn from others to make yourself better.

How to Study Chinese Idioms for HSK 4 Effectively

Chinese idioms may look intimidating at first, but at HSK 4, they’re meant to help—not hurt—you. These 15 essential Chinese idioms for HSK 4 cover the meanings, contexts, and usage patterns you’re most likely to see on the exam and in real life.

The key takeaway? Don’t treat idioms as decorations. Treat them as tools. Integrate them into your speaking, writing, and daily review, and you’ll quickly notice your comprehension improving and your confidence rising.

When learning idioms, certain strategies should be employed.To truly master HSK 4 idioms with examples, don’t just memorize lists. Try these strategies:

• Daily sentences: Write one sentence per idiom each day.
• Idiom swapping: Replace simple words with idioms in your essays.
• English comparison: Match each idiom with a similar English expression.
• Mini stories: Create a short story using 2–3 idioms together.Wukong has some free specialized idioms stories, let’s take a look.

Conclusion

Integrate these idioms into your daily study routine for HSK success—and if you want more practical guides like this, make sure to follow and subscribe Wukong Education for more HSK preparation tips, HSK 4 vocabulary strategies, and exam-focused Chinese learning content.

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Demi | WuKong Math Teacher

I am an educator from Yale University with ten years of experience in this field. I believe that with my professional knowledge and teaching skills, I will be able to contribute to the development of Wukong Education. I will share the psychology of children’s education and learning strategies in this community, hoping to provide quality learning resources for more children.