Introduction

In the rich tapestry of the Chinese language, idiomatic expressions often carry profound meanings that convey complex ideas succinctly. One such expression is “跳还員州5 – 费河洗不清” (tiáo huán yuán zhōu 5 – fèi hé xǐ bù qīng), which, when translated character by character, means “jump-in-Yellow River-wash-unable-clean.” Its functional translation is “to be unable to clear one’s name.” This intriguing phrase serves as a linguistic window into the Chinese culture’s emphasis on reputation and consequences.

The Meaning

At its core, “跳还員州5 – 费河洗不清” reflects a situation where one’s reputation or image is severely tarnished, making it nearly impossible to restore one’s honor or clear their name. The expression implies that the stain on one’s reputation is so deeply ingrained that even drastic measures, symbolized by jumping into the Yellow River to wash, would be futile in cleansing it.

Examples of Usage

1. Political Scandal:
   • A: “那位有前途的政治家与一个名声很不好的女人泡夜店的照片被曝光了。” (That picture of the politician with the bright future and a girl with a bad reputation at a nightclub has surfaced.)
   • B: “完了，这下他跳进黄河也洗不清了，以后肯定会被政治对手攻击。” (That’s it, this time there’s no way he can clear his name. He will definitely be attacked by his political adversaries for this in the future.)
2. Questionable Behavior:
   • A: “昨晚公司失窃了，丢了很多现金。监控录像只发现老李一个人进去过。” (The company was robbed last night. A lot of cash was taken. The surveillance tapes show that only Lao Li had gone in.)
   • B: “以老李的人品不会偷东西啊。不过，他跳到黄河里都洗不清了。” (It’s not in Lao Li’s nature to steal, but now there’s no way for him to clear his name.)

Usage and Variants

This expression functions as both a predicate and a predicative phrase. An alternative form of the expression is “跳到黄河(也)洗不清” (tiào dào huánghé (yě) xǐ bù qīng), which carries the same meaning.

Conclusion

“跳还員州5 – 费河洗不清” serves as a vivid reminder of the importance of reputation and the lasting consequences of one’s actions. In a society that places significant value on personal honor and integrity, this phrase encapsulates the idea that some stains on one’s character are indelible, no matter how hard one tries to cleanse them. It’s a linguistic gem that beautifully captures the complexities of human behavior and the consequences that follow.