On the Contents of Stable Compounds in The Chinese Language

Abstract

In the process of analyzing the Chinese language from a morphological and semantic perspective, it is impossible to overlook idiomatic expressions. Therefore, the primary aim of this article is to explore Chinese idiomatic expressions and their distinctive features. Specifically, the article focuses on two types of fixed expressions, namely chengyu and guanyongyu, and advances the task of analyzing them. The traditional understanding that chengyu consist of four characters and guanyongyu consist of three characters has developed over centuries. However, this article also examines cases that either conform to or deviate from these conventions. Additionally, methods for identifying these units within fixed expressions are analyzed in detail. For instance, the possibility of determining the type of expression based on the number of characters is explored. Furthermore, the question of whether chengyu must solely possess historical characteristics is addressed, along with the issue of the existence of modern chengyu. The article examines proper nouns and terms included in fixed expressions in the Chinese language and draws conclusions about why they appear in fixed expressions but not in shuyu (lexical units).

In addition, similarities and differences between fixed expressions and shuyu are analyzed, and relevant examples for each type of fixed expression are provided. These examples include a direct translation of the expression and its corresponding equivalent, accompanied by explanations. This approach highlights that each character in Chinese idiomatic expressions has its own meaning, but collectively they convey a unified idea.

This article applies morphological and semantic analysis methods to delve deeper into the structure of fixed expressions, offering opportunities for a more thorough study. The conclusions drawn provide a framework for identifying the category to which the units within fixed expressions belong.