líng jī yí dòng Chinese idiom chengyu
Chinese Idioms With Easy Explanations & Learning Activities：
火冒三丈 ( huǒ mào sān zhàng )
líng jī yí dòng chinese idiom chengyu meanings definitions
Learning Chinese idioms (成语) can be a fun and meaningful way to understand Chinese language and culture. It is however, not easy for children learning Chinese and English speakers to understand what they mean. And, Chinese idioms dictionaries often have explanations that need explanations themselves.
Not to worry! We have carefully written clear explanations in English for you. We have also added the equivalent English idioms and expressions so it’s super easy to understand! By the end of this blog post, you would have learned one more Chinese idiom!
Let’s dive into the Chinese idiom 火冒三丈 ( huǒ mào sān zhàng ) !
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Literal Meaning
The literal translation of the Chinese idiom 火冒三丈 ( huǒ mào sān zhàng ) in English is “fire expelled 30 meters high.”
líng jī yí dòng chinese idiom chengyu meanings definitions
Definition
The Chinese idiom 火冒三丈 ( huǒ mào sān zhàng ) is used to describe someone being extremely angry or furious, as if their anger is so intense that it could send fire shooting up 30 meters high.
It also emphasizes…
Let’s break it down word by word:
- 火 (huǒ ): Means “fire.”
- 冒 (mào ): Means “to expel.”
- 三 (sān ): Means “three or many.”
- 丈 (zhàng ): Means “10 meters.”
Together, 火冒三丈 ( huǒ mào sān zhàng ) literally means “fire that expels 30 meters high.” Metaphorically, it describes an uncontrollable burst of anger or frustration, as if the person’s rage is so intense that it’s shooting out like fire.
líng jī yí dòng chinese idiom chengyu meanings definitions
Similar English Idioms 相似英文习语
Comparable phrases in English include: “blow your top,” “flip your lid,” and “hit the roof.”
líng jī yí dòng chinese idiom chengyu meanings definitions
1. Blow your top
Definition: Describes the act of suddenly becoming very angry or furious, often losing control of one’s emotions.
Example:
English: When he found out his younger brother had eaten his pudding, he completely blew his top.
Chinese: 当他发现弟弟把他的布丁吃掉时，他气得火冒三丈。
Pinyin: Dāng tā fāxiàn dìdì bǎ tā de bùdīng chī diào shí, tā qì de huǒ mào sān zhàng.
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2. Flip your lid
Definition: Refers to losing one’s temper suddenly and reacting emotionally, often in a dramatic way.
Example:
English: Mama Bao flipped her lid when she saw the mess in the bedroom.
Chinese: 妈妈包看到房间里一团糟，立刻气得火冒三丈。
Pinyin: Māmā Bāo kàn dào fángjiān lǐ yī tuán zāo, lìkè qì de huǒ mào sān zhàng.
líng jī yí dòng chinese idiom
3. Hit the roof
Definition: Means to suddenly become extremely angry, often to the point of shouting or acting out.
Example:
English: Dad hit the roof when he realized we had broken the TV.
Chinese: 爸爸发现我们把电视弄坏了，气得火冒三丈。
Pinyin: Bàba fāxiàn wǒmen bǎ diànshì nòng huài le, qì de huǒ mào sān zhàng.
líng jī yí dòng chinese idiommeanings definition
By learning 火冒三丈 ( huǒ mào sān zhàng ) alongside these English idioms, we not only deepen our understanding of its meaning but also build stronger connections between languages. When we associate idioms with real-life situations, we make learning more intuitive and memorable.
This cross-linguistic approach enhances critical thinking, boosts memory retention, and makes the learning process more engaging and relatable. In the end, exploring these parallels offers a fun and effective way to bridge language and culture. More importantly, understanding how different languages express similar ideas helps us appreciate the nuances of communication, fostering a deeper cultural awareness.
By integrating bilingual learning into everyday experiences, we move beyond rote memorization and develop a natural sense for language in context. Whether through food, stories, or personal interactions, applying what we learn to real-life situations strengthens our ability to express ourselves fluently and confidently in both Chinese and English.
líng jī yí dòng chinese idiom chengyu meanings definitions
líng jī yí dòng chinese idiom chengyu meanings definitions
Chinese Example 华语例句 for 火冒三丈 ( huǒ mào sān zhàng )
- 他打開冰箱發現室友把他的蛋糕吃掉了，气得火冒三丈。
huǒ mào sān zhàng chinese idiom chengyu meanings definition
(Tā dǎkāi bīngxiāng fāxiàn shìyǒu bǎ tā de dàngāo chī diàole, qì de huǒ mào sān zhàng.)
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He opened the fridge and found that his roommate had eaten his cake and became furious.
huǒ mào sān zhàng chinese idiom chengyu meanings definition - 小明打了一下午的游戏，结果网络突然断了，让他气得火冒三丈。
huǒ mào sān zhàng chinese idiom chengyu meanings definition
(Xiǎo Míng dǎle yī xiàwǔ de yóuxì, jiéguǒ wǎngluò tūrán duànle, ràng tā qì de huǒ mào sān zhàng.)
huǒ mào sān zhàng chinese idiom chengyu meanings definition
Xiao Ming was gaming all afternoon but the internet suddenly went out, so he became enraged.
huǒ mào sān zhàng chinese idiom chengyu meanings definition -
妈妈看到弟弟又把客厅弄得乱七八糟，气得火冒三丈，结果正准备开骂时，弟弟突然抱着她说：「妈妈你今天好漂亮哦！」她就气消了。
(Māmā kàndào dìdì yòu bǎ kètīng nòng de luànqībāzāo, qì de huǒ mào sān zhàng, jiéguǒ zhèng zhǔnbèi kāimà shí, dìdì tūrán bàozhe tā shuō: ‘Māmā nǐ jīntiān hǎo piàoliang ò!’ tā jiù qì xiāole.)
Mom saw that her younger son had made a mess of the living room again and was about to blow her top — but then he hugged her and said, “Mom, you look so pretty today!” And just like that, her anger disappeared.
huǒ mào sān zhàng chinese idiom chengyu meanings definition
By incorporating relatable real-life scenarios, Chinese learners can develop a deeper and more intuitive understanding of the Chinese idiom while staying engaged in the learning process.
Difficult idioms often feel intimidating, but when presented in a fun and memorable way, they become much easier to absorb. Laughter and curiosity help reinforce retention, allowing learners to naturally recall these expressions when encountering similar situations in the future.
More importantly, this approach transforms language learning from a tedious task into an enjoyable experience, fostering long-term motivation and a more positive attitude toward mastering Chinese.
líng jī yí dòng Chinese idiom chengyu definitions meanings
líng jī yí dòng
Why is it 三丈(sān zhàng)?
The “三丈” (sān zhàng) in 火冒三丈 (huǒ mào sān zhàng) is not meant to be taken literally but is used figuratively to emphasize the extreme intensity of the anger. Here’s why:
- The image of fire shooting up 10 meters is a dramatic and exaggerated way to represent someone being furiously angry — like the person’s anger is so intense that it’s shooting out like flames reaching high into the sky!
- The number three is often used in Chinese idioms to represent a general large or exaggerated quantity rather than a precise count. In Chinese culture, certain numbers like three, seven, and nine are often used symbolically for emphasis and exaggeration.
So, 火冒三丈 (huǒ mào sān zhàng) paints a vivid picture of someone’s anger exploding violently and uncontrollably — similar to how Western expressions like “blow your top” or “hit the roof” evoke a powerful emotional outburst.
Related Chinese Idioms
To deepen your understanding, let’s learn a few similar idioms 相似词 and opposing expressions 相反词.
The similar idioms include 大发雷霆、怒气冲天、怒气冲冲、暴跳如雷、气急败坏; the opposing expressions include 心平气和、处变不惊、心如止水.
líng jī yí dòng chinese idiom chengyu meanings definitions
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大发雷霆 (dà fā léi tíng)
Definition: Describes an extreme outburst of anger, often involving shouting or other intense expressions of rage. It emphasizes a sudden and violent display of fury, similar to a thunderstorm.
Example:
Chinese: 老板发现财务报表出错后，大发雷霆，把整个团队都骂了一顿。
(Lǎobǎn fāxiàn cáiwù bàobiǎo chūcuò hòu, dà fā léitíng, bǎ zhěnggè tuánduì dōu màle yī dùn.)English translation: When the boss found a mistake in the financial report, he blew his top and yelled at the whole team.
líng jī yí dòng chinese idiom chengyu meanings definitions
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怒气冲天 (nù qì chōng tiān)
Definition: Describes overwhelming anger, as if the rage is so intense that it rises to the sky. It emphasizes uncontrollable fury.
Example:
Chinese: 他被人当众羞辱，气得怒气冲天，连话都说不出来。
(Tā bèi rén dāngzhòng xiūrǔ, qì de nùqì chōngtiān, lián huà dōu shuō bù chūlái.)English translation: After being humiliated in public, he was so furious that he couldn’t even speak.
líng jī yí dòng chinese idiom chengyu meanings definitions -
怒气冲冲 (nù qì chōng chōng)
Definition: Describes someone visibly filled with anger, often reflected in their facial expression, body language, or tone of voice. It emphasizes the outward expression of anger.
Example:
Chinese: 她怒气冲冲地走进办公室，质问是谁动了她的文件。
(Tā nùqì chōngchōng de zǒu jìn bàngōngshì, zhìwèn shì shéi dòngle tā de wénjiàn.)English translation: She stormed into the office, demanding to know who had touched her files.
líng jī yí dòng chinese idiom chengyu meanings definitions -
暴跳如雷 (bào tiào rú léi)
Definition: Describes someone so angry that they are literally jumping or shaking with rage. It emphasizes an explosive and uncontrollable fit of anger.
Example:
Chinese: 他听到球队输掉比赛的消息后，气得暴跳如雷，把遥控器都摔了。
(Tā tīng dào qiúduì shū diào bǐsài de xiāoxī hòu, qì de bàotiào rúléi, bǎ yáokòngqì dōu shuāile.)English translation: When he heard that his team lost the game, he was so angry that he threw the remote across the room.
líng jī yí dòng chinese idiom chengyu meanings definitions -
气急败坏 (qì jí bài huài)
Definition: Describes someone so angry or anxious that they lose control and become frantic or flustered. It emphasizes the state of emotional instability.
Example:
Chinese: 他发现重要的文件找不到了，急得气急败坏，满屋子乱翻。
(Tā fāxiàn zhòngyào de wénjiàn zhǎo bù dào le, jí de qìjí bàihuài, mǎn wūzi luàn fān.)English translation: When he couldn’t find the important document, he became frantic and started searching the room in a panic.
And here is an opposing expression 相反词:
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心平气和 (xīn píng qì hé)
Definition: Describes a calm and composed state of mind, even when facing difficulties or conflicts. It emphasizes inner peace and emotional balance.
Example:
Chinese: 他在争论中始终保持心平气和，最终说服了对方。
(Tā zài zhēnglùn zhōng shǐzhōng bǎochí xīnpíng qìhé, zuìzhōng shuōfúle duìfāng.)English translation: He remained calm and composed throughout the argument and eventually convinced the other person.
líng jī yí dòng chinese idiom chengyu meanings definitions u
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处变不惊 (chǔ biàn bù jīng)
Definition: Describes someone who remains calm and unshaken in the face of sudden changes or emergencies. It emphasizes mental stability and courage.
Example:
Chinese: 面对突发的火灾，他处变不惊，冷静地指挥大家撤离。
(Miàn duì tū fā de huǒzāi, tā chǔ biàn bù jīng, lěngjìng de zhǐhuī dàjiā chèlí.)English translation: When the fire broke out, he remained calm and guided everyone to safety.
líng jī yí dòng chinese idiom chengyu meanings definitions -
心如止水 (xīn rú zhǐ shuǐ)
Definition: Describes a state of complete inner peace and emotional stillness, like calm, undisturbed water. It emphasizes emotional detachment and tranquility.
Example:
Chinese: 经过多年的修行，他已达到心如止水的境界，对世事不再动怒。
(Jīngguò duōnián de xiūxíng, tā yǐ dádào xīnrúzhǐshuǐ de jìngjiè, duì shìshì bù zài dòng nù.)English translation: After years of spiritual practice, he reached a state of inner peace and was no longer disturbed by worldly matters.
líng jī yí dòng chinese idiom chengyu meanings
These terms provide a fuller understanding of the Chinese idiom 火冒三丈 ( huǒ mào sān zhàng ) and how to describe the opposite situations.
zhēng zhēng rì shàng Chinese idiom chengyu
líng jī yí dòng chinese idiom chengyu meanings definitions u
Learning Activities for Kids
Want to make learning this idiom even more memorable? Here are a few interactive learning activities:
- Watch the Draw-along Chengyu Video featuring Dim Sum Warriors’ cartoonist and teacher. Together, they bring the story of the Chinese idiom 火冒三丈 ( huǒ mào sān zhàng ) to life through engaging visuals and interesting background stories. Let’s draw the characters, learn the meanings, and listen to the stories all at once!
líng jī yí dòng chinese idiom chengyu meanings definitions u
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火冒三丈 (huǒ mào sān zhàng) ：Chengyu 1、2、3!
líng jī yí dòng chinese idiom chengyu meanings definitions z u
Objective:
- Help students recognize and understand the meaning of 成语 (chéngyǔ) that include exaggerated numbers or figures.
- Teach students to distinguish between 成语 that use real, literal numbers versus those that use numbers metaphorically or hyperbolically.
líng jī yí dòng chinese idiom chengyu meanings definitions
Materials Needed:
- A list of 成语 involving numbers, such as 火冒三丈 (huǒ mào sān zhàng ), 才高八斗 (cái gāo bā dǒu ), 一目十行 (yī mù shí háng ), 五十步笑百步 (wǔ shí bù xiào bǎi bù ), 十年树木，百年树人 (shí nián shù mù, bǎi nián shù rén), etc.
- Two large signs: “Real Number” (真实数字) and “Exaggerated Number” (夸张数字)
- Cards or slips of paper with each chengyu written on them
- Scoreboard or whiteboard for points tracking
líng jī yí dòng chinese idiom chengyu meanings definitions
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Introduction
- The teacher briefly introduces the concept of 成语 with numbers, explaining that some numbers are used literally while others are metaphorical or exaggerated.
- Give an example of each type:
- Literal: 十年树木，百年树人 (shí nián shù mù, bǎi nián shù rén)– “ten years to grow a tree, a hundred years to cultivate a person” is literally referring to how long it takes to cultivate a person.
- Exaggerated: 火冒三丈 (huǒ mào sān zhàng ) – “Fire shooting up 10 meters” is not literal but emphasizes intense anger.
líng jī yí dòng chinese idiom chengyu meanings definitions
2. Challenge
- Shuffle the chengyu cards and place them face down in the center.
- The students need to discuss and decide if the target chengyu uses a real or exaggerated number.
- The teacher confirms if the answer is correct and explains the logic behind it.
- If correct, the student earns 1 point.
líng jī yí dòng chinese idiom chengyu meanings definitions
3. Bonus Round – Speed Test
- After all cards are sorted, the teacher calls out chengyu one by one.
- The first student to raise their hand and answer “Real” or “Exaggerated” correctly gets 2 points.
- The student with the highest score wins and gets a prize.
líng jī yí dòng chinese idiom chengyu meanings definitions
4. Reflection & Wrap-Up
- Explain how cultural and historical factors influenced the use of numbers in Chinese chengyus.
- Ask students to give examples from their own lives where they might use some of the chengyu learned today.
líng jī yí dòng chinese idiom chengyu meanings definitions
In this blog post, we’ve explored the Chinese idiom 火冒三丈 (huǒ mào sān zhàng), delving into its meaning and how it captures the intense feeling of anger or frustration in a vivid and exaggerated way.
The idiom 火冒三丈 (huǒ mào sān zhàng) not only helps express emotions more dramatically but also provides insight into how Chinese culture uses metaphors to describe emotional states.
By exploring its definition, providing examples, and connecting it with similar and opposite idioms, we’ve gained a deeper understanding of how to use this phrase.
Through bilingual examples, engaging activities like the doodling video, and a creative hands-on activity that challenges students to role-play exaggerated emotional reactions and identify whether certain chengyu refer to literal or exaggerated numbers, we’ve provided practical ways for learners to internalize the idiom in an enjoyable and interactive manner.
Whether you’re a language enthusiast, a student of Chinese, or someone interested in creative problem-solving, the concept of 火冒三丈 (líng jī yí dòng) offers a valuable lesson in both language and life.
We hope this post has sparked your interest in learning 火冒三丈 (líng jī yí dòng) and other Chinese chengyus.
Thank you for reading, and we hope you will never火冒三丈 (líng jī yí dòng) !
líng jī yí dòng chinese idiom chengyu meanings definitions
