Passages · 润语选读
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现代汉语中的古代智慧：成语、谚语在当代的应用
成语与谚语是中文表达中最凝练、最富文化内涵的形式之一。它们源自古代文学、历史与民间智慧，既是语言工具，也是中国哲学与社会价值观的承载体。在当代社会中，这些古老的表达方式并未失去光彩，反而在商业、公关、文学创作和社交媒体等领域中展现出新的生命力。
1、在商业与公关中的精准与说服力
在商业领域，成语与谚语常被用于增强语言的说服力。像“一箭双雕”、“顺水推舟”这样的成语，可以简洁地表达策略思维或外交技巧。在商务谈判与广告语中，成语能够营造信任感与文化共鸣。例如，金融服务公司常用“稳扎稳打”来强调稳定性，而科技初创企业则可能通过“厚积薄发”展示其雄心与潜力。
2、在文学与创作中的表现力提升
当代作家也常借助成语与谚语为作品增添厚度与节奏。成语结构提供了表达复杂情感与哲思的捷径。在小说、随笔、甚至影视剧本中，像“覆水难收”这样的成语，被用来描绘不可挽回的决定或破裂的关系。这种表达方式既保留了文化记忆，又为新叙事提供了语言支持。
3.在社交媒体中的简洁与深度
在社交媒体这个追求“短平快”的时代，成语与谚语因其简洁、形象而大受欢迎。它们既能表达情绪，也能传达讽刺与评论。在微博、小红书等平台上，使用如“此地无银三百两”、“墙倒众人推”的帖子，因其风趣与文化熟悉感而广为传播。同时，网络用户也常将传统成语改编为幽默讽刺的“梗”，展示出成语在数字时代的可塑性与活力。
4、文化教育与身份认同
对于中文学习者及海外华人而言，成语与谚语是通往中国思维与价值观的重要通道。许多教育平台与语言学习App已将成语教学作为重点内容，不仅强调其在语言能力中的地位，也重视其文化流畅度。使用如“青出于蓝而胜于蓝”的表达，有助于学习者理解语言中所蕴含的等级关系与儒家思想。
成语与谚语不仅是语言的装饰品，更是表达、谈判、教育与文化连接的活跃工具。在现代多元语境中持续使用，说明语言遗产的韧性，也彰显出古代智慧在今日社会中的现实意义。只要汉语仍在使用，这些历久弥新的表达就将继续演化，在传统与创新之间架起桥梁。
Ancient Wisdom in Modern Chinese: The Contemporary Application of Idioms and Proverbs
Idioms (成语) and proverbs (谚语) are among the most condensed and culturally rich forms of expression in the Chinese language. Rooted in ancient literature, history, and folk wisdom, they serve not only as linguistic tools but also as vessels of Chinese philosophy and social values. In modern Chinese society, far from being relics of the past, idioms and proverbs continue to demonstrate their vitality, finding new relevance in fields such as business communication, public relations, literature, and social media.
In Business and Public Relations: Precision and Persuasion
In the world of business, idioms and proverbs are often used to enhance the persuasive power of communication. A well-chosen idiom such as “一箭双雕” (kill two birds with one stone) or “顺水推舟” (go with the flow) can concisely convey strategic thinking and diplomatic skill. Business negotiations and advertising slogans frequently rely on idiomatic expressions to build trust and cultural resonance. For instance, a financial services company might use “稳扎稳打” (steady and sure) to project stability, while a tech startup may highlight its ambition with “厚积薄发” (accumulate steadily and erupt suddenly).
In Literature and Creative Writing: Enriching Expression
Writers continue to draw upon idioms and proverbs to add depth and rhythm to modern narratives. The idiomatic structure provides a shortcut to complex emotional or philosophical ideas. In contemporary novels, essays, and even screenwriting, phrases like “覆水难收” (spilt water cannot be recovered) are used to depict irreversible decisions or broken relationships. These expressions bridge past and present, enabling writers to draw from a shared cultural memory while shaping new stories.
In Social Media: Brevity with Depth
In the age of social media, where brevity is essential, idioms and proverbs offer ready-made linguistic gems. Short, punchy, and often metaphorical, they are ideal for conveying emotion, irony, or commentary in a compact form. On platforms like Weibo or Xiaohongshu, posts that use idioms such as “此地无银三百两” (a clumsy denial only reveals the truth) or “墙倒众人推” (everyone hits a man who is down) gain popularity for their wit and cultural familiarity. Additionally, netizens often remix traditional expressions into humorous or ironic memes, demonstrating the adaptability of idioms in digital discourse.
Cultural Education and Identity
For Chinese language learners and overseas Chinese communities, idioms and proverbs serve as gateways to understanding Chinese thought and values. Educational platforms and language apps now include idiomatic learning sections, emphasizing their importance not only in language proficiency but also in cultural fluency. Using idioms like “青出于蓝而胜于蓝” (the student surpasses the master) helps learners grasp hierarchical relationships and Confucian ideals embedded in the language.
Chinese idioms and proverbs are more than decorative relics—they are living tools of expression, negotiation, education, and cultural connection. Their continued use in diverse modern contexts demonstrates the resilience of linguistic heritage and the enduring relevance of ancient wisdom in today’s fast-paced world. As long as Chinese is spoken and written, these time-honored expressions will continue to evolve, bridging tradition and innovation.