Funny Chinese Proverbs & Humorous Sayings

Chinese humor often reveals itself through clever wordplay, ironic observations, and surprisingly blunt truths wrapped in elegant language. While many Chinese proverbs carry serious philosophical weight, others are simply meant to make you smile while delivering a dose of wisdom.

These humorous sayings often use exaggerated comparisons or absurd imagery to make their point. A lazy person might be compared to a “salted fish” (咸鱼), while someone who meddles might be likened to a “dog catching mice” (狗拿耗子). The humor lies in the unexpected imagery and the precise delivery.

This collection celebrates the lighter side of Chinese wisdom. These proverbs remind us not to take life too seriously and that sometimes the best advice comes wrapped in a joke.