Skip to content
Stroke order, etymology and audio for every word.Start learning
俗语 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
俗语súyǔcommon sayingHSK 7, unknown, 18 strokes, rank #21832, Very Hard
俗语súyǔproverbHSK 7, unknown, 18 strokes, rank #21832, Very Hard
俗语súyǔcolloquial speechHSK 7, unknown, 18 strokes, rank #21832, Very Hard
súyǔ(su2yu3)su yu T2
  1. 1common saying
  2. 2proverb
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

俗语(俗語)súyǔ(su2yu3)

俗语 (súyǔ) refers to common sayings or proverbs that convey wisdom or cultural values in a concise manner. These expressions are often used in everyday conversation, making them essential for understanding colloquial Chinese and enhancing language fluency.

Strokes18Frequency#21832DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, 俗语 often reflect societal norms and shared values, serving as a bridge between generations. They are frequently used in storytelling and teaching moral lessons.

Memory tip

Think of 俗 (sú) as 'sue,' which sounds like 'sue the common folks for their sayings,' and 语 (yǔ) means 'language.' Imagine a courtroom where common people share their sayings, illustrating how everyday language is rich with wisdom.

Meanings of 俗语

súyǔ(su2yu3)
1common saying
2proverb
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 俗语 means.

About 俗语

俗语Simplified
俗語Traditional
18Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 俗语

JasonAmy

Podcast: 俗语

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI study notes for 俗语

Quick Contrast

成语 (chéngyǔ) vs 俗语 (súyǔ) — use 成语 for fixed phrases typically consisting of four characters with specific meanings, while 俗语 refers to more flexible, colloquial sayings.

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 俗语 with 成语 (chéngyǔ), which are fixed idiomatic expressions that are typically more formal. 俗语 can be used in informal conversations and are often regional, so be mindful of local variations.

HSK Study Tips

As 俗语 is not specifically listed in HSK vocabulary, it's useful for learners at HSK 3 and above who are starting to engage in more complex dialogues. Focus on contextual usage in daily conversations to enhance understanding.

Common Mistakes

Learners might misuse 俗语 in formal writing, where 成语 would be more appropriate. For instance, saying '这是一句俗语' in a formal report could be seen as too casual; instead, use '这是一句成语'.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 俗语

Premium — Locked

Tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 俗语, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsPitch drawing+5 XP
Get Pro to unlock

Jason Explains 俗语 to you

Let me explain 俗语 for you

Make it yours

Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 俗语 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.

How well do you know 俗语?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 俗语 is seven skills, not one.

Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.

  • MeaningFree
  • CharacterFree
  • PinyinFree
  • TonePro
  • ListeningPro
  • SpeakingPro
  • WritingPro
See the Learning Lab Three facets free · no card needed

Component characters

俗súcustom
HSK 79 strokes亻
View full entry
语yǔdialect
HSK 79 strokes讠
View full entry

How to say common saying in Chinese

“common saying” in Chinese is俗语súyǔ

俗语 (súyǔ) refers to common sayings or proverbs that convey wisdom or cultural values in a concise manner. These expressions are often used in everyday conversation, making them essential for understanding colloquial Chinese and enhancing language fluency.

When to use 俗语

Learners often confuse 俗语 with 成语 (chéngyǔ), which are fixed idiomatic expressions that are typically more formal. 俗语 can be used in informal conversations and are often regional, so be mindful of local variations.

俗语 or something close to it

成语 (chéngyǔ) vs 俗语 (súyǔ) — use 成语 for fixed phrases typically consisting of four characters with specific meanings, while 俗语 refers to more flexible, colloquial sayings.

What learners get wrong

Learners might misuse 俗语 in formal writing, where 成语 would be more appropriate. For instance, saying '这是一句俗语' in a formal report could be seen as too casual; instead, use '这是一句成语'.

Write 俗语

俗
语

Practice writing 俗语 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Ask Jason

Have a question about 俗语?

Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.

Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.

Cultural Notes for 俗语

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

Unlike Western proverbs that might be more formal or philosophical, 俗语 often highlight practical wisdom and are embedded in daily conversation.

Frequently asked questions about 俗语

俗语 are everyday sayings that can vary regionally, while 成语 are fixed phrases often derived from literature and have specific meanings.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 俗语?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.

A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.

See the Learning Lab