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胸有成竹 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
胸有成竹xiōngyǒuchéngzhúto plan in advance (idiom)HSK 7, unknown, 28 strokes, rank #21996, Very Hard
胸有成竹xiōngyǒuchéngzhúa card up one's sleeveHSK 7, unknown, 28 strokes, rank #21996, Very Hard
胸有成竹xiōngyǒuchéngzhúforewarned is forearmedHSK 7, unknown, 28 strokes, rank #21996, Very Hard
xiōngyǒuchéngzhú(xiong1you3cheng2zhu2)xiong you cheng zhu T1
  1. 1to plan in advance (idiom)
  2. 2a card up one's sleeve
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March 24, 2026

胸有成竹xiōngyǒuchéngzhú(xiong1you3cheng2zhu2)

胸有成竹 is an idiom that means to have a well-thought-out plan before embarking on a task. It suggests that one is confident and prepared, akin to an artist having a clear vision of their artwork before starting to paint. This phrase is often used in contexts where foresight and careful preparation are valued, such as in business strategies or exam preparations.

Strokes28Frequency#21996DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

This idiom originates from a story about a famous painter who, before painting bamboo, would visualize the complete image in his mind, emphasizing the importance of preparation in Chinese culture. It reflects the value placed on planning and foresight in both personal and professional life.

Memory tip

Imagine a painter (胸 - chest) who has bamboo (竹 - bamboo) growing in his mind, representing the clear plans he has (成 - to accomplish). Visualize how he confidently paints, knowing exactly how to use the bamboo, which sounds like 'zhu' in '成竹' - this will help you remember both the meaning and pronunciation.

Meanings of 胸有成竹

xiōngyǒuchéngzhú(xiong1you3cheng2zhu2)
1to plan in advance (idiom)
2a card up one's sleeve
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About 胸有成竹

胸有成竹Simplified
28Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedBCT✓CEFRC2

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AI study notes for 胸有成竹

Usage Notes

This idiom is generally used in formal contexts, so be cautious when using it in casual conversation. It often collocates with words like '计划' (plan) and '准备' (prepare). A common mistake is using it incorrectly in informal settings, where simpler phrases would suffice.

HSK Study Tips

Although this idiom is not an HSK standard, it may resonate with learners at HSK 5 and above due to its complexity. Students should focus on understanding idiomatic expressions and how they convey cultural nuances, which is essential for higher-level proficiency.

Common Mistakes

Learners often misinterpret 胸有成竹 as simply 'having a plan,' without recognizing the depth of preparation implied. For example, saying '我胸有成竹' when just casually discussing a plan can sound overly formal; instead, use simpler phrases in casual contexts.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 胸有成竹

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Idiom spotlight: 胸有成竹

Chengyu origin story
Literal meaning:chest have completed bamboo

Component characters

胸xiōngbreast, bosom; heart, mind
HSK 610 strokes⺼
View full entry
有yǒuto have
HSK 16 strokes月
View full entry
成chéngto succeed
HSK 66 strokes戈
View full entry
竹zhúbamboo
HSK 66 strokes竹
View full entry

How to say to plan in advance (idiom) in Chinese

“to plan in advance (idiom)” in Chinese is胸有成竹xiōngyǒuchéngzhú

胸有成竹 is an idiom that means to have a well-thought-out plan before embarking on a task. It suggests that one is confident and prepared, akin to an artist having a clear vision of their artwork before starting to paint. This phrase is often used in contexts where foresight and careful preparation are valued, such as in business strategies or exam preparations.

When to use 胸有成竹

This idiom is generally used in formal contexts, so be cautious when using it in casual conversation. It often collocates with words like '计划' (plan) and '准备' (prepare). A common mistake is using it incorrectly in informal settings, where simpler phrases would suffice.

What learners get wrong

Learners often misinterpret 胸有成竹 as simply 'having a plan,' without recognizing the depth of preparation implied. For example, saying '我胸有成竹' when just casually discussing a plan can sound overly formal; instead, use simpler phrases in casual contexts.

Write 胸有成竹

胸
有
成
竹

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Cultural Notes for 胸有成竹

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

In Western cultures, the concept of having a 'card up one's sleeve' implies a hidden advantage or secret, whereas 胸有成竹 emphasizes the importance of thorough preparation and planning rather than secrecy.

Frequently asked questions about 胸有成竹

It's best to reserve 胸有成竹 for more formal discussions, such as in business or academic contexts.

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