Customer Reviews

Dictionary of 1,000 Chinese Idioms

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book has a very good overview of 1000 idioms alphabetized by Pinyin. It has the 4 chineses characters for each idiom followed by the Pinyin, a literal translation as well as an explanation of what it is trying to say. One major complaint and one small one. Major: There are no tone marks on the pinyin! If you want to use a saying you need a dictionary to get the tones. Minor: the font chosen for the characters simulates natural handwriting and is difficult for a beginer to read. If they rereleased the book with these changes it would be a 4 stars.

I agree with the previous reviewer - if this book had tone marks with the PinYin, it would rate a full star higher! The Chinese is a little difficult to read (I'm just starting out learning Chinese) due to the typesetting fint used. I like the organization - based upon the first Chinese character in the phrase - you can find related phrases together.

I have no trouble recemmending this book, but could be much more enthusiastic if there were a couple printing changes made.

First, let me start off by saying that I like this book. The worst that will happen is that you'll learn more Chinese.

However, the book does have some flaws. Primarily, that the characters are not standard typeface, but more handwritten, is a problem for newcomers to Chinese. Second, the Pinyin does not include tone marks. It's definitely better than not having them, but it's limiting.

The main problem with this book is the choice of idioms. There are 1000, but they're not all in use or even recognized by native Chinese. I had a teacher (from China), one of the most educated people I've ever met, and she didn't recognize a good portion of these idioms. Furthermore, the book does not include the stories behind the idioms. (Most idioms have some Chinese folk tale associated with them, cementing their meaning in Chinese culture.)

For the advanced: yes, these are all Chengyus, in four character format. Some of the meanings are evident from the component characters. Some are not and would really benefit from the backstory. For example, "bu san bu si" doesn't immediately tell you why it means "neither fish nor fowl; a shady person; incongruous."

(Amazon apparently doesn't allow for Chinese characters in reviews.)

The book arrived quickly and I was excited to look at it.
I have had it for about two weeks and am happy with what I see so far.
I am researching Chinese idioms and this book will be a good reference for me.

Denise