Sharp-Beaked Monkey Cheeks-尖嘴猴腮 (jiān zuǐ hóu sāi)

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

"尖嘴猴腮" (jiān zuǐ hóu sāi) is a Chinese idiom that originates from a classic Chinese tale. In an ancient village nestled in the mountains, a cheeky monkey lived alongside the villagers. This monkey had a sharp mouth and 脸颊 (liǎn jiá) cheeks, as the idiom suggests.

One day, the villagers decided to teach the monkey a lesson about speaking rudely. They presented the monkey with a basket of delicious, ripe peaches, a fruit he adored. But there was a catch: each time he attempted to take a peach, he received a pinch on the cheeks, leading to great discomfort and pain.
The monkey soon realized that his sharp mouth and cheeks were causing him pain whenever he tried to satisfy his desires. Over time, he learned to speak more kindly and considerately. The idiom "尖嘴猴腮" (jiān zuǐ hóu sāi) serves as a reminder that harsh words can hurt not only others but also ourselves.

脸颊 (liǎn jiá), noun, cheek

Examples:

  1. She pinched her cheek to check if she was awake.
    她捏了一下脸颊以确认自己是否醒来。
    Tā niēle yīxià liǎnjiá yǐ quèrèn zìjǐ shìfǒu xǐng lái.
  2. A tear rolled down his cheek when he heard the touching story.
    听到那感人的故事时，一滴眼泪沿着他的脸颊滚落下来。
    Tīng dào nà gǎnrén de gùshì shí, yī dī yǎnlèi yánzhe tā de liǎnjiá gǔn luò xiàlái.

The Inspiration (启发 - Qǐfā)

The story of "尖嘴猴腮" (jiān zuǐ hóu sāi) offers an important lesson about the impact of our words on others and ourselves. In today's world, where communication is key, it reminds us to choose our words carefully and 说 (shuō) speak with kindness and empathy.

说 (shuō), verb, speak

Examples:

  1. She can speak multiple languages fluently.
    她能流利地说多种语言。
    Tā néng liúlì de shuō duōzhǒng yǔyán.
  2. He didn't want to speak about the incident.
    他不想说那件事情。
    Tā bù xiǎng shuō nà jiàn shìqíng.

Modern Application (现代如何运用 - Xiàndài Rúhé Yùnyòng)

The idiom "尖嘴猴腮" holds a timeless message in our contemporary world. In an age of digital communication and social media, where words travel faster than ever, it is crucial to be mindful of the impact our words can have on both ourselves and others.

Key Sentences:

  1. Her sharp tongue hurt her friends, so she learned not to be a "Monkey with Sharp Mouth and Cheeks."
    她尖嘴伤友，于是学着不当"尖嘴猴腮"。
    Tā jiānzuǐ shāng yǒu, yúshì xuézhe bù dāng "Jiānzuǐ Hóu Sāi."
  2. He used to be a "JMonkey with Sharp Mouth and Cheeks" but changed, now he speaks kindly.
    他曾是"尖嘴猴腮"但改变了，现在说话和善。
    Tā céng shì "Jiānzuǐ Hóu Sāi" dàn gǎibiànle, xiànzài shuōhuà hé shàn.
  3. By avoiding "Monkey with Sharp Mouth and Cheeks" behavior, they maintain harmony in the workplace.
    避免"尖嘴猴腮"的行为，他们在工作中保持和谐。
    Bìmiǎn "Jiānzuǐ Hóu Sāi" de xíngwéi, tāmen zài gōngzuò zhōng bǎochí héxié.

Related Articles

Sign up for a free trial now!

FAQ / Tips

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.
Yes, our website offers courses in both traditional and simplified Chinese characters. You can choose the character set that you want to learn based on your personal preference or learning goals.Our courses are designed to accommodate learners of all levels and backgrounds, so whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, we have resources that can help you improve your Chinese language skills.
No, the tuition fees you have paid cover all costs.There are no additional fees or hidden charges. We strive to be transparent and upfront with our pricing, ensuring that our clients receive the best value for their investment.
Our learning is different from traditional language learning in a number of ways. Firstly, we use technology to enhance the learning experience and provide personalized learning paths for each student. Secondly, our focus is not just on language proficiency, but also on cultural understanding and practical application of the language.Thirdly, we place a strong emphasis on developing speaking and listening skills, as well as reading and writing.Additionally, we incorporate modern teaching methods and materials, such as multimedia resources and interactive exercises.Finally, our courses are designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing students to learn at their own pace and according to their own schedule.
As a first - time student, if you are not completely satisfied with our service, we offer a cancellation policy that allows you to cancel your subscription before the first month. In such cases, we only charge a one - month fee and refund the remaining balance to you as soon as possible.We strive to ensure that our customers are fully satisfied with our service and are committed to providing a hassle - free refund process.
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.