对牛弹琴 (duì niú tán qín): lit. to play the lute to a cow (idiom); fig. offering a treat to an unappreciative audience; to cast pearls before swine; caviar to the general; to preach to deaf ears; to talk over sb's head

Meaning & Stroke Order

HSK 7

Idiom info

Pinyin
Meaning: lit. to play the lute to a cow (idiom); fig. offering a treat to an unappreciative audience; to cast pearls before swine; caviar to the general; to preach to deaf ears; to talk over sb's head
Characters: 4
HSK level: HSK 7

Watch the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Preview the practice sheet, then download the PDF.

HSK 1

right

HSK 3

HSK 4

to pluck (a string)

HSK 4

guqin 古琴[gu3 qin2] (a type of zither)

Learn how it's used

We'll add example sentences with pinyin, translation, and audio so you can hear how this entry is used.

Keep exploring nearby meanings, levels, and sounds.

Unlock related vocabulary