For convenience we have used “riddle-phrase” as a translation for xie-hou yu. There seems to be no equivalent for this unique type of linguistic construction in English. The expression xie-hou was used by classical writers to a construction in which the first part of an often quoted phrase was used as a substitute for the last, as if in English one were to use the phrase “let there be” as a substitute for the word “light.”In the vernacular language, xie-hou yu has evolved somewhat from the xie-hou of classical Chinese. The first phrase is in the form of a riddle, e.g. “a monk holding an umbrella” (和尚打傘) and one is supposed to guess the answer, “no hair no sky” (無法無天). The intended meaning is contained in the second phrase and the first phrase is disregarded. Often, as in the above example, the second phrase contains a play on word. Here fa (髮, hair) is a pun of fa (法, law). Thus the desired interpretation is the often used phrase 無法無天, meaning in flagrant disregard of the laws of man and the will of heaven, or absolutely lawless.In other instances, the first phrase is a graphic illustration of the second phrase, e.g. “a deaf man trying to teach a mute” (聾子教啞巴) -- “one can’t speak (tell it right) nor can the other hear (understand)” (一個不會說,一個不會聽).The last phrase is sometimes unspoken but if there is doubt as to the other party’s being familiar with the phrase or if there is more than one answer to the riddle, the second phrase will be supplied after a slight pause. In writing, the two phrases are separated by a dash.Although the intended meaning is contained solely in the second phrase and the first is disregarded, the use of such words as dog, rat, or turtle in the first phrase is generally considered disparaging. Xie-hou yu with their lively metaphors and clever puns can brighten one’s writing or speech if used adroitly. They also display some of the richness, wit, and humor of the Chinese cultural heritage.OCAC has had the good fortune of being able to enlist the service of Professor C.K. Wang as editor of Chinese Riddle-phrases. Professor Wang has compiled a basic selection of most often used riddle-phrases and provided clear, concise explanations for each.Professor Wang obtained his doctoral degree from Cambridge University and has read extensively in the field of Chinese folk literature. The volumes of Chinese Songs and Chinese Riddles which he edited for The Overseas Chinese Library have been enthusiastically received abroad. We feel that these volumes of Chinese Riddle-phrases will be a valuable addition to The Overseas Chinese Library Series.

zlib/Languages/Chinese Language Reference/王秋桂, 趙林 (Editors)/歇後語 第一集 Chinese Riddle-Phrases 1_5640515.pdf

王秋桂, 趙林編; 王秋桂; 趙林

Architecture & Building Research Institute. Ministry of Interior.

National Taiwan Arts Education Center

Central Police University Press

San ban, Tai bei shi, min 102.06-

Taiwan, Taiwan

2020-07-22