Heart Of A Wolf, Soul Of A Dog

Monday, January 5, 2026

In Chinese culture, there is an idiom called "狼心狗肺" (láng xīn gǒu fèi), which describes people lacking honesty and moral integrity. This idiom reminds us that honesty and morality are essential values in society, holding significance both in ancient and modern times. 

The Story:

The story unfolds in an ancient village known for its proud tradition of honesty and integrity. However, one day, a stranger arrived in the village. Although he appeared friendly, his true nature embodied the essence of "狼心狗肺."The stranger borrowed some money from the villagers, promising to repay it soon. However, as time passed, the money was not returned, leading the villagers to doubt his honesty诚实（chéngshí）. Eventually, the stranger quietly left the village, taking the borrowed money with him.

The villagers were deeply disappointed, understanding that the stranger exemplified the traits of "狼心狗肺" – a lack of honesty and moral integrity. This story serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us to uphold principles of honesty and morality and avoid becoming like the stranger.

诚实（chéngshí），verb/adj ，honesty

Honesty is a fundamental virtue that forms the basis of trust in relationships.
诚实是一种基本的美德，它构建了关系中的信任基础。
Chéngshí shì yī zhǒng jīběn de měidé, tā gòujiàn le guānxì zhōng de xìnrèn jīchǔ.

His honesty in business dealings earned him a reputation for trustworthiness.
他在商业交易中的诚实为他赢得了可信任的声誉。
Tā zài shāngyè jiāoyì zhōng de chéngshí wèi tā yíngdé le kěxìnrèi de shēngyù.

Inspiration:

"狼心狗肺" teaches us that honesty and moral integrity are the cornerstones of maintaining trust, respect, and harmony in society. Whether in ancient or modern times, these values should be cherished 珍惜（zhēnxī） and upheld. Only through honest and ethical behavior can we build a trustworthy and harmonious community.This idiom also imparts the lesson that we should never compromise honesty and morality for short-term gains. In any situation, adhering to principles of honesty and integrity is crucial.

珍惜（zhēnxī），verb ，cherished

She cherished the old photo album that held memories of her childhood.
她珍惜那本保存着她童年记忆的旧照片册。
Tā zhēnxī nà běn bǎocúnzhe tā tóngnián jìyì de jiù zhàopiàncè.

The heirloom was cherished by the family for generations due to its historical significance.
这件传家宝因其历史重要性被家族世代珍惜。
Zhè jiàn chuán jiā bǎo yīn qí lìshǐ zhòngyàoxìng bèi jiāzú shìdài zhēnxī.

Modern Application:

The story of "狼心狗肺" holds profound significance in contemporary society. In personal life and the professional realm, honesty and ethical behavior are essential for building a positive reputation and achieving success. We should always remember these values and refrain from behaving in a deceitful or dishonest manner.

He appears friendly on the surface, but his heart is cold and calculating. 
他表面上对人很友好，但实际上心狼心狗肺。
Tā biǎomiàn shàng duì rén hěn yǒuhǎo, dàn shíjì shàng xīn lángxīn gǒufèi.

This person always makes wolf-hearted and dog-lunged decisions without considering others' feelings. 
这个人总是做出狼心狗肺的决定，不考虑别人的感受。
Zhège rén zǒngshì zuò chū lángxīn gǒufèi de juédìng, bù kǎolǜ biérén de gǎnshòu.

Her constant lies and betrayals revealed her "heart of a wolf and lungs of a dog" nature, damaging friendships.
她不断的谎言和背叛揭示了她的"狼心狗肺"本性，损害了友谊。
Tā bùduàn de huǎngyán hé bèipàn jiēshìle tā de "láng xīn gǒu fèi" běnxìng, sǔnhài le yǒuyì.

Sign up for a free trial now!

FAQ / Tips

Our Chinese learning method is focused on personalized and interactive one-on-one lessons with a professional teacher. The lessons are conducted live through our online teaching platform, which allows you to see and talk to the teacher. You can schedule the lessons at a time that suits you, and the teacher will tailor the lesson content to your specific needs and goals. During the lesson, you can ask questions and receive feedback from the teacher to ensure you understand and master the knowledge and skills being taught. We also have a student service team and academic coordinator team to assist you with your learning and provide any additional support you may need.Overall, our method is designed to be flexible, personalized, and interactive to help you achieve your language learning goals.
We offer highly flexible class schedules that cater to your needs, with lessons available from 7am to 10pm Beijing time, seven days a week.This allows you to conveniently take lessons at any time and from any location that suits your schedule.
We provide a wealth of Chinese teaching materials and learning resources, including but not limited to textbooks, workbooks, listening materials, reading materials, video courses, and online courses.Our teaching materials and resources are carefully selected and designed to meet the learning needs and goals of different learners. At the same time, our teachers will provide personalized teaching and guidance based on the learning characteristics and needs of students to ensure that students can learn and master Chinese language efficiently.
Our students come from a wide range of ages, from 3 years old to over 80 years old. Our courses are tailored to each student's age and proficiency level to ensure they can receive maximum benefit and progress. Whether you want to learn Chinese as a second language or improve your existing Chinese skills, we can provide you with courses and resources that are suitable for you
Our teaching methodology is centered around our students and their individual learning objectives.We provide personalized learning plans, innovative and flexible teaching materials and methods, and strive to make learning Chinese a joyful and enjoyable experience.Our approach is designed to engage students and foster a deep understanding of the Chinese language, culture, and customs. We believe that learning should be fun and meaningful, and we work hard to ensure that every student enjoys their Chinese language learning journey with us.
Before starting any Chinese language course, the teacher will assess your Chinese language proficiency level through a placement test.This helps to determine your current level of understanding and ability in Chinese, and allows the teacher to tailor the course materials and teaching methods to your specific needs and goals. The placement test may include assessments of your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.Based on the results of the test, the teacher will be able to recommend an appropriate course of study for you.