Comparative Study Of Chinese And Japanese Idiom

American Language Professor Edward Sapir says that there is something behind language, and language can not exist without culture. The so-called culture is the sum of the social habits and beliefs left over from the society, which may decide on our life organization. Thus, we can see that the relationship between language and culture is inseparable. Idioms, which commonly exist in Chinese and Japanese, are an important component of language expression, and are a special expression associated with the times, society and life. They reflect the distinct cultural and ethnic characteristics. Idioms are frequently used and they are an important link in the process of learning Chinese.Chinese and Japanese idioms have both similarities and differences in structure and expression ways and the many subtle differences are difficult in Chinese learning. For those who learn Chinese, only when they can understand the differences between Chinese idioms and those in their mother tongue can they use them properly. Thus, it helps not only deepen the understanding of Chinese culture, but also can be expressed lively and authentically during communication. This paper deals with the comparison of the Chinese and Japanese idioms-- idioms of the human body-- the number used, the methods and the superficial characteristics, hoping that it will bring some logical conclusions, even from other scholars. Hopefully it will play a little role of reference in the actual teaching and so that those who study Chinese language, through their idioms study, will understand Chinese culture and Chinese people's way of thinking more deeply and improve their communicative skills.