Every Singapore parent has heard their child say "I don't know any 成语 (chengyu)!" right before a composition exam. Chinese idioms are a core part of the MOE Chinese syllabus, and using them well can significantly boost composition scores.
What Are 成语 (Chengyu)?
Chengyu are fixed four-character expressions, most originating from classical Chinese literature and historical stories. They pack complex ideas into just four characters — which is exactly why examiners love seeing them in compositions.
Essential Idioms by Level
P1-P2: Foundation Idioms
At this stage, children learn simple idioms that describe common situations:
- 一心一意 (yī xīn yī yì) — wholeheartedly, with undivided attention
- 自言自语 (zì yán zì yǔ) — talking to oneself
- 七上八下 (qī shàng bā xià) — feeling anxious or uneasy
- 三心二意 (sān xīn èr yì) — indecisive, half-hearted
P3-P4: Building Vocabulary
Students start using more descriptive idioms in compositions:
- 津津有味 (jīn jīn yǒu wèi) — with great relish, enjoying something thoroughly
- 目不转睛 (mù bù zhuǎn jīng) — staring intently without looking away
- 迫不及待 (pò bù jí dài) — can't wait, eager and impatient
- 恍然大悟 (huǎng rán dà wù) — suddenly understanding, having an epiphany
- 喜出望外 (xǐ chū wàng wài) — pleasantly surprised, joy beyond expectations
P5-P6: Advanced Idioms for PSLE
Higher-level idioms that demonstrate language maturity:
- 刻骨铭心 (kè gǔ míng xīn) — deeply engraved in one's memory
- 心旷神怡 (xīn kuàng shén yí) — feeling relaxed and carefree
- 不知所措 (bù zhī suǒ cuò) — at a loss, not knowing what to do
- 画蛇添足 (huà shé tiān zú) — to overdo something, gilding the lily
- 守株待兔 (shǒu zhū dài tù) — waiting idly for opportunity, relying on luck
How to Help Your Child Learn Idioms
Simply memorising a list won't work. Here's what does:
- Context over cramming — Learn idioms through stories, not flashcards alone
- Use in daily conversation — Point out situations where an idiom applies
- Practice in writing — Have your child use 2-3 idioms naturally in each composition
- Spaced repetition — Review idioms at increasing intervals so they stick
The key is making idioms part of your child's active vocabulary, not just a list they can recite.
Building a Strong Foundation
Idioms build on vocabulary. If your child struggles to remember basic Chinese words, idioms will feel even harder. Start by ensuring the foundation is solid — MOE syllabus vocabulary mastered first, then layer in idioms.