1.
set phrase; idiom; established expression
A fixed, well-established expression — a phrase or idiom whose wording has been stable over time and whose meaning cannot always be predicted from its parts. Often refers to four-character compounds (四字熟語) and proverbs drawn from Chinese classics.
有名な成語。
A famous set phrase.
In classical-Chinese class, we learn many set phrases that originate from the Chinese classics.
Composed of 成 (become, form, complete) and 語 (word, phrase). Refers to expressions that have become fixed in the language — idioms, proverbs, and set phrases whose wording is stable and whose meaning is conventional.
Usage
In Japanese, 成語 is especially used for expressions of classical origin, including many Chinese four-character idioms (四字熟語) and literary proverbs. It is a somewhat formal or scholarly term; everyday Japanese uses 慣用句 or ことわざ for most idiomatic expressions.
Common collocations
- 成語を使う: to use a set phrase
- 成語を引用する: to quote an idiom
- 成語辞典: a dictionary of set phrases/idioms
- 中国成語: Chinese idioms (chengyu)
Similar words
- 慣用句: idiom, idiomatic expression — the most common everyday term for fixed expressions
- 熟語: compound word, idiomatic phrase — often refers to two-, three-, or four-character kanji compounds
- 四字熟語: four-character idiom — a specific subtype of 成語 / 熟語
- ことわざ: proverb, saying — refers specifically to pithy traditional sayings that teach a lesson
Related Words
Compare:
慣用句 (idiom, idiomatic expression)
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熟語 (compound word, idiomatic phrase)
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四字熟語 (four-character idiom)
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諺 (proverb, saying)