Connecting with Chinese Students through Chéngyǔ: 凿壁偷光 (Záo Bì Tōu Guāng) – Bore a Hole on the Wall to Steal Light

Finding creative ways to study, even in hardship, shows true determination

As ESL teachers in China, building trust and rapport with students often begins with showing appreciation for their culture and values. One highly effective technique is using Chéngyǔ (成语), famed Chinese idioms, to create meaningful and engaging English lessons. These idioms are not just linguistic expressions; they are vehicles for history, character development, and cultural identity.

What is Chéngyǔ?

Chéngyǔ (成语) are four-character idioms steeped in history, typically drawn from classical literature, philosophy, or folklore. While short in form, each idiom encapsulates a vivid story or moral lesson. Even students with modest English skills usually know dozens of Chéngyǔ by heart, making them a perfect tool for bridging language and culture in the ESL classroom.

Bore a Hole in the Wall to Steal Light

The idiom 凿壁偷光 (Záo Bì Tōu Guāng) comes from the Western Han Dynasty and tells the story of a young man named Kuang Heng, who came from a very poor family. Despite his passion for learning, his household could not afford candles, and he couldn’t study at night.

Determined not to give up, Kuang Heng noticed that light from his neighbor’s home seeped through a crack in the wall. With great care, he bored a small hole in the wall to let more light shine through, using it to read and study deep into the night. His dedication paid off. Years later, he became a respected scholar and government official.

The phrase 凿壁偷光 literally translates as “to bore a hole in the wall and steal light,” but its deeper meaning highlights the importance of diligence, persistence, and the creative pursuit of education despite difficult circumstances.

Teaching Tips and Classroom Connection

This idiom opens the door to powerful classroom discussions. Try asking your students:

• Have you ever had to overcome a difficult situation to achieve a goal?

• What are some creative ways people can keep learning even when resources are limited?

• Can you think of similar idioms or proverbs in English?

Remember, understanding cultural reference points is an excellent tool for warm-ups in a classroom setting.