xiēhòuyǔ: 歇后语 - Chinese Two-Part Allegorical Saying

• Keywords: xiehouyu, xiēhòuyǔ, 歇后语, Chinese puns, Chinese allegorical sayings, Chinese riddles, two-part saying, Chinese folk sayings, learn Chinese humor
• Summary: Discover the witty and humorous world of 歇后语 (xiēhòuyǔ), a unique type of Chinese two-part allegorical saying. These clever phrases present a scenario in the first part, while the second part—often unstated—reveals the true meaning, frequently through a pun or a cultural reference. Learning `xiēhòuyǔ` is a fantastic way to grasp the nuances of Chinese humor, culture, and the playful nature of the language.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): xiēhòuyǔ
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: N/A
• Concise Definition: A two-part allegorical saying where the first part describes a situation and the second, often unstated, part provides the punchline.
• In a Nutshell: A `歇后语` is like a mini-riddle or an inside joke embedded in the Chinese language. It's structured in two parts: a setup (the “front part,” 前半部分) and a punchline (the “back part,” 后半部分). In conversation, a speaker will often only say the setup, leaving the listener to mentally fill in the punchline. It's a clever way to be indirect, humorous, or descriptive.

• 歇 (xiē): To rest, to take a break, to pause.
• 后 (hòu): After, behind.
• 语 (yǔ): Language, saying, phrase.

These characters literally combine to mean a “saying that pauses” or a