International Journal of Chinese Interdisciplinary Studies
Vol. 3 No. 1 (2025): IJCIS: INTERNATIONAL ARTICLE CONTEST

An Analysis on Chinese Idioms Containing the Word “罗”

Stephen Aji Wardana (Universitas Negeri Surabaya)
Rosita Nugraheni (Universitas Negeri Surabaya)
Iffa Mar’atus Shohibul Birri (Universitas Negeri Surabaya)



Article Info

Publish Date
04 Apr 2026

Abstract

Chinese idioms (成语) are an essential part of cultural heritage that reflect meaning, values, and unique expressions of Chinese society. Thus, in order to understand deeper about the meaning and connotations contained in the Chinese Idioms, the writers researched Chinese Idioms specifically contained the word 罗. This study focuses on idioms containing the Chinese character “罗 (luó)”, which etymologically means “net” or “mesh”. Using a semantic framework and descriptive qualitative method, this research analyzes 49 idioms sourced from standard idiom dictionaries, classical literature, and historical texts. The idioms were examined through their denotative and connotative meanings, emotional valence (positive, negative, neutral), and source origins. The findings reveal that idioms with “罗” convey diverse themes, such as entrapment, wealth, distribution, economic hardship, methodology, cultural elements, and foreign-derived terms. Of the total, 27 idioms had positive connotations, 16 were negative, and 6 neutral. The idioms originate from folklore, literary works, historical records, and foreign influences. This study highlights the semantic richness of Chinese idioms and the cultural depth embedded in the character “罗”.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ijcis

Publisher

Subject

Arts Humanities Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Social Sciences

Description

International Journal of Chinese Interdisciplinary Studies (IJCIS) is a peer-reviewed scientific journal published by the Department of Mandarin Education, Faculty of Languages and Arts, Universitas Negeri Surabaya (State University of Surabaya), Indonesia, since 2023. The journal employs a ...