How is 成语 pronounced?

成语 is pronounced “chéng yǔ” in pinyin.

What HSK level is 成语?

成语 belongs to HSK 5 in the HSK 3.0 vocabulary.

HSK 5noun

成语

Traditional: 成語

chéng yǔ

成语 (chéng yǔ) means “Chinese set expression, typically of 4 characters, often alluding to a story or historical quotation; idiom; proverb; saying; adage”. It is an HSK 5 Chinese word (traditional 成語) in the HSK 3.0 vocabulary.

Measure word: 条,本,句

How to write 成语

Practice each character:

成

Example

学习成语能帮助我们更好地理解中国文化。

Xuéxí chéngyǔ néng bāngzhù wǒmen gèng hǎo de lǐjiě Zhōngguó wénhuà.

Learning idioms helps us better understand Chinese culture.

More HSK 5 vocabulary

HSK 5 →

哎āihey!; (interjection used to attract attention or to express surprise or disapprobation)唉āiinterjection or grunt of agreement or recognition (e.g. yes, it's me!); to sigh 爱护ài hùto cherish; to treasure; to take care of; to love and protect 爱惜ài xīto cherish; to treasure; to use sparingly 爱心ài xīncompassion; kindness; care for others; love; charity (bazaar, golf day etc); heart (the symbol ♥)安慰ān wèito comfort; to console 安装ān zhuāngto install; to erect; to fix; to mount; installation 岸ànvariant of 岸暗ànvariant of 暗熬夜áo yèto stay up late or all night 把握bǎ wòto grasp (also fig.); to seize; to hold; assurance; certainty; sure (of the outcome)摆bǎito arrange; to exhibit; to move to and fro; a pendulum

Frequently asked questions

What does 成语 mean?: 成语 (chéng yǔ) means “Chinese set expression, typically of 4 characters, often alluding to a story or historical quotation; idiom; proverb; saying; adage”. It is an HSK 5 word.
How is 成语 pronounced?: 成语 is pronounced “chéng yǔ” in pinyin.
What HSK level is 成语?: 成语 belongs to HSK 5 in the HSK 3.0 vocabulary.

Updated: 2026-05-27