諺語 · a single proverb
鶯歌燕舞
Simplified: 莺歌燕舞
What does 鶯歌燕舞 (yīng gē yàn wǔ) mean?
鶯歌燕舞 (yīng gē yàn wǔ) is a four-character classical idiom (chéngyǔ 成語). Word for word it reads "orioles singing and swallows dancing." In use it means: A scene of spring beauty, prosperity, and joyful abundance. You reach for it when you want that idea in one breath, and the Wood note it carries is why we hand it to those born in the Year of the Rabbit.
Literally: "orioles singing and swallows dancing."
The reading
When the orioles are singing and the swallows are dancing, the season has declared itself. Some moments do not need commentary. They just need you to be present for them, to notice that the world is, right now, in its most generous mood.
What kind of proverb it is
Source literary idiom; classical poetry
Sits beside
Keep reading
Return to the Proverb Pond to draw another of the eighty-seven, or hear one read aloud. Read the rest of its chapter in Nature, Seasons & Health, or follow the years these lines belong to: Year of the Rabbit, Year of the Rat, and Year of the Ox.
Questions
Is 鶯歌燕舞 a real Chinese proverb?
Yes. 鶯歌燕舞 (yīng gē yàn wǔ) is a four-character classical idiom (chéngyǔ 成語), and it comes from literary idiom; classical poetry. It is living Chinese heritage, given here with per-character pinyin and its source so you can trust the line, not a phrase invented in English.
How do you pronounce 鶯歌燕舞?
In Mandarin it is yīng gē yàn wǔ. Read the pinyin above each character to follow the tones, or press the speaker beside the calligraphy to hear your browser read 鶯歌燕舞 aloud in Mandarin.