Review games

Chinese Idiom Chain (Chengyu Jielong)

Each student says a four-character Chinese idiom (chengyu) that starts with the last character of the one before it, such as 一心一意 → 意气风发 → 发奋图强. It is a classic game in Chinese language classes that builds idiom vocabulary and quick recall.

🎓 Grades 3–12
⏱ 5–15 min
👥 Whole class, or groups of 4–8
📦 No prep

🎲 Another game

How to play Chinese Idiom Chain (Chengyu Jielong)

Start the chain with an idiom from the current lesson, such as 一心一意, and write it on the board.
The next student gives an idiom whose first character is the last character of the one before: 意气风发, then 发奋图强, then 强身健体.
Agree on the rules first: younger students may use a character with the same sound but a different meaning; older students must match the exact character.
Each student has 10 seconds. A student who is stuck can ask one classmate for help, or say "pass" and the next student continues.
Now and then, ask a student to explain the idiom they just said or use it in a sentence.
Count the links at the end and try to beat the class record next time.

Variations

Word chain for younger students: use two-character words instead of idioms, such as 天空 → 空气 → 气球.
Team battle: two teams take turns. A team that cannot continue within 10 seconds gives the other team a point.
Theme chain: only idioms with numbers, animals or body parts in them.

💡 Teacher tips

Let younger students use same-sound characters so the chain does not die out too early.
Keep the chain on the board so students can copy the new idioms into their notebooks after the game.

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