chéngyǔ cídiǎn: 成语词典 - Chengyu Dictionary, Idiom Dictionary [The Contextual Chinese Dictionary]

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====== chéngyǔ cídiǎn: 成语词典 - Chengyu Dictionary, Idiom Dictionary ======
===== Quick Summary =====
  * **Keywords:** chengyu cidian, 成语词典, Chinese idiom dictionary, chengyu dictionary, how to look up Chinese idioms, four character idiom dictionary, Chinese idioms, chengyu, learning Chinese, Chinese reference book.
  * **Summary:** A **成语词典 (chéngyǔ cídiǎn)** is a specialized Chinese idiom dictionary, an essential tool for any serious learner. Unlike a standard dictionary, it focuses exclusively on **chengyu**—dense, four-character idioms derived from classical literature and history. This page will break down what a **chengyu dictionary** is, why it's culturally significant, and how to use it to unlock a deeper level of fluency and understanding in the Chinese language.
===== Core Meaning =====
  * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** chéngyǔ cídiǎn
  * **Part of Speech:** Noun
  * **HSK Level:** N/A (Components are HSK 4: [[词典]] and HSK 5: [[成语]])
  * **Concise Definition:** A dictionary specifically for Chinese idioms (chengyu).
  * **In a Nutshell:** A "成语词典" is not just a book of phrases; it's a key to understanding the heart of Chinese culture. These dictionaries don't just define idioms—they tell the ancient stories, historical events, or philosophical concepts from which the idioms originate. For a learner, it's the bridge between knowing words and understanding the cultural context that gives those words power and meaning.
===== Character Breakdown =====
  * **成 (chéng):** To become, complete, established, or accomplished.
  * **语 (yǔ):** Language, speech, or phrase.
  * **词 (cí):** Word or term.
  * **典 (diǎn):** A standard, canon, or reference book (like a dictionary).
The characters combine logically: **成语 (chéngyǔ)** means "established/accomplished phrases," referring to the fixed, classical nature of these idioms. **词典 (cídiǎn)** means "dictionary of words/terms." Therefore, **成语词典 (chéngyǔ cídiǎn)** literally means an "Established Phrase Dictionary" or, more naturally, an "Idiom Dictionary."
===== Cultural Context and Significance =====
In China, proficiency with 成语 (chéngyǔ) is a hallmark of education and refinement. These idioms are not just linguistic fossils; they are actively used in literature, journalism, formal speeches, and even daily conversation to convey complex ideas elegantly and efficiently.
A **成语词典** is thus a foundational tool for cultural literacy, much like a dictionary of Shakespearean phrases or classical allusions would be for an English literature student. Chinese children begin learning chengyu in primary school, and a physical 成语词典 is a common household item.
To compare, an English "idiom dictionary" is a useful but somewhat niche reference. A **成语词典**, however, is central to mastering formal and written Chinese. It's a gateway to understanding the values, history, and collective wisdom embedded in the language. Consulting one isn't just about finding a definition; it's about learning the **典故 (diǎngù)**, or the origin story, which is the key to using the idiom correctly and appreciating its full weight.
===== Practical Usage in Modern China =====
While physical books are still used, the function of the 成语词典 has largely moved to digital platforms.
  * **For Students:** It remains an indispensable study aid for native Chinese students preparing for exams like the Gaokao (college entrance exam), where chengyu comprehension is critical.
  * **For Language Learners:** For anyone learning Chinese, integrated dictionary apps like Pleco serve as a powerful digital 成语词典. When you look up a chengyu, these apps often provide not just the meaning but also the origin story and example sentences.
  * **In Conversation:** You wouldn't typically announce, "Let me check my 成语词典." Instead, you would say, "我查一下这个成语 (Wǒ chá yīxià zhège chéngyǔ)," meaning "Let me look up this chengyu." The term 成语词典 is used to describe the tool itself, whether it's a book, an app, or a website.
The term itself is neutral and formal. It simply names the reference tool.
===== Example Sentences =====
  * **Example 1:**
    * 这本**成语词典**对学习中文非常有帮助。
    * Pinyin: Zhè běn **chéngyǔ cídiǎn** duì xuéxí Zhōngwén fēicháng yǒu bāngzhù.
    * English: This chengyu dictionary is very helpful for studying Chinese.
    * Analysis: A straightforward sentence highlighting the primary purpose of a 成语词典 for a language learner.
  * **Example 2:**
    * 我得给我儿子买一本新的**成语词典**，旧的已经翻烂了。
    * Pinyin: Wǒ děi gěi wǒ érzi mǎi yī běn xīn de **chéngyǔ cídiǎn**, jiù de yǐjīng fān làn le.
    * English: I have to buy a new chengyu dictionary for my son; the old one is already worn out from use.
    * Analysis: This shows the cultural reality of the 成语词典 as a common and well-used book in a Chinese household, especially for children's education.
  * **Example 3:**
    * 如果你不知道这个成语的意思，可以查一下**成语词典**。
    * Pinyin: Rúguǒ nǐ bù zhīdào zhège chéngyǔ de yìsi, kěyǐ chá yīxià **chéngyǔ cídiǎn**.
    * English: If you don't know the meaning of this chengyu, you can look it up in a chengyu dictionary.
    * Analysis: This is a common piece of advice given to students or learners. It points to the 成语词典 as the definitive resource.
  * **Example 4:**
    * 老师建议我们人手一本**成语词典**。
    * Pinyin: Lǎoshī jiànyì wǒmen rénshǒu yī běn **chéngyǔ cídiǎn**.
    * English: The teacher recommended that each of us have a chengyu dictionary.
    * Analysis: The phrase 人手一本 (rénshǒu yī běn) means "one per person," emphasizing that the teacher considers it an essential, individual tool for every student.
  * **Example 5:**
    * 现在的手机APP比纸质的**成语词典**方便多了。
    * Pinyin: Xiànzài de shǒujī APP bǐ zhǐzhì de **chéngyǔ cídiǎn** fāngbiàn duō le.
    * English: Modern mobile apps are much more convenient than paper chengyu dictionaries.
    * Analysis: This sentence reflects the shift from physical books to digital tools in modern China.
  * **Example 6:**
    * 这本**成语词典**不仅有释义，还有每个成语的典故。
    * Pinyin: Zhè běn **chéngyǔ cídiǎn** bùjǐn yǒu shìyì, hái yǒu měi gè chéngyǔ de diǎngù.
    * English: This chengyu dictionary not only has definitions, but also the origin stories for each chengyu.
    * Analysis: This highlights a key feature of a *good* 成语词典 – the inclusion of the 典故 (diǎngù), or historical/literary source.
  * **Example 7:**
    * 写作文的时候，一本好的**成语词典**是我的秘密武器。
    * Pinyin: Xiě zuòwén de shíhòu, yī běn hǎo de **chéngyǔ cídiǎn** shì wǒ de mìmì wǔqì.
    * English: When writing essays, a good chengyu dictionary is my secret weapon.
    * Analysis: This metaphorically shows the value of a 成语词典 in elevating one's writing to a more sophisticated level.
  * **Example 8:**
    * 他简直就是一本活的**成语词典**，什么成语都知道。
    * Pinyin: Tā jiǎnzhí jiùshì yī běn huó de **chéngyǔ cídiǎn**, shénme chéngyǔ dōu zhīdào.
    * English: He is practically a living chengyu dictionary; he knows every idiom.
    * Analysis: A common metaphorical use. Calling someone a "living dictionary" (活词典) is a high compliment, praising their extensive knowledge.
  * **Example 9:**
    * 我在书店的工具书区找到了这本**成语词典**。
    * Pinyin: Wǒ zài shūdiàn de gōngjùshū qū zhǎodào le zhè běn **chéngyǔ cídiǎn**.
    * English: I found this chengyu dictionary in the reference book section of the bookstore.
    * Analysis: A practical sentence showing where one might physically locate such a book. 工具书 (gōngjùshū) means "reference book" or "tool book."
  * **Example 10:**
    * 这本**成语词典**按照拼音首字母排序，很容易查找。
    * Pinyin: Zhè běn **chéngyǔ cídiǎn** ànzhào pīnyīn shǒuzìmǔ páixù, hěn róngyì cházhǎo.
    * English: This chengyu dictionary is arranged by the first letter of the Pinyin, making it very easy to look things up.
    * Analysis: This describes a common organizational method for modern dictionaries, useful for both native speakers and learners familiar with Pinyin.
===== Nuances and Common Mistakes =====
  * **Mistake: Confusing it with a regular [[词典]] (cídiǎn).**
    * A regular 词典 (cídiǎn) is a general word dictionary. A 成语词典 (chéngyǔ cídiǎn) is highly specialized. While a general dictionary might include very common chengyu, a dedicated 成语词典 will provide far more detail, including the origin story, classical context, synonyms, and antonyms.
    * **Incorrect:** "I'll look up the word '你好' in my 成语词典."
    * **Reason:** A 成语词典 is for idioms, not regular words or greetings. You would use a standard 词典 or 字典 for that.
  * **Mistake: Assuming it's just for looking up four-character phrases.**
    * Not every four-character phrase is a chengyu. For example, 学习汉语 (xuéxí Hànyǔ - study Chinese) has four characters but is just a normal verb-object phrase. Chengyu are fixed, often non-literal expressions with a classical origin. A 成语词典 helps you distinguish between them.
  * **Nuance: Digital vs. Physical.**
    * While the term 成语词典 conjures the image of a thick book, in practice, its function is now mostly served by dictionary apps. When a Chinese person says "look it up," they almost always mean on their phone. However, the concept and the term itself remain unchanged.
===== Related Terms and Concepts =====
  * **[[成语]] (chéngyǔ):** An idiom. The content found within a 成语词典.
  * **[[词典]] (cídiǎn):** A general dictionary for words and phrases. A 成语词典 is a specific type of 词典.
  * **[[字典]] (zìdiǎn):** A character dictionary. It focuses on single Chinese characters—their pronunciation, stroke order, and various meanings.
  * **[[典故]] (diǎngù):** The historical or literary allusion/story behind a chengyu. This is the most important information provided by a good 成语词典.
  * **[[查词典]] (chá cídiǎn):** The verb phrase "to look up in a dictionary." This action is what you do with a 成语词典.
  * **[[俗语]] (súyǔ):** A common saying or popular saying. Generally more colloquial and less classical than a 成语.
  * **[[谚语]] (yànyǔ):** A proverb, often stating a general truth or piece of advice (e.g., "An apple a day keeps the doctor away").
  * **[[歇后语]] (xiēhòuyǔ):** A "two-part allegorical saying." A witty, folk saying where the first part is stated and the second part (the punchline) is implied.