今年是马年。说到马，中国人会想到速度、力量和勇气。古代没有汽车和火车，人们出门、打仗、送信都要骑马，所以马一直是人类重要的伙伴。
This year is the Year of the Horse. When people in China talk about horses, they often think of speed, strength, and courage. In ancient times there were no cars or trains. People rode horses when traveling, fighting wars, or delivering messages, so the horse has long been an important companion to humans.
在中国文化里，马常常象征努力、成功和向前进。比如，人们用“一马当先”形容走在最前面的人；用“万马奔腾”形容力量很大、气势很强。在爱情故事里，很多人也听过“白马王子”这个说法，它指的是理想中的好男友，就像英语里的 prince charming 一样。
In Chinese culture, the horse often symbolizes hard work,success, and moving forward. For example, the expression “一马当先” describes someone who leads theway, while “万马奔腾”describes great strength and powerful momentum. In love stories, many people have heard the term “白马王子,”which refers to an ideal boyfriend, similar to the English phrase PrinceCharming.
中国神话中还有一种神奇的动物叫“龙马”。传说它像马，又有龙的特征，代表力量和智慧，被认为是吉祥的象征。中国小说《西游记》中也有一匹白龙马，是龙王的儿子，后来变成白马，陪伴唐僧去西天取经，他忠诚又勇敢，是团队的重要成员。
Chinese mythology also includes a magical creature calledthe “Dragon Horse” (龙马). It issaid to look like a horse but has features of a dragon, representing strength and wisdom and symbolizing good fortune. In the Chinese novel Journey to the West, there is also a White Dragon Horse. He is the son of a Dragon Kingwho later becomes a white horse and accompanies the monk Tang Sanzang on his journey to the West. Loyal and brave, he is an important member of the team.
In art, the horse is also a common theme. The famouscultural relic马踏飞燕（FlyingHorse of Gansu） shows arunning horse and symbolizes speed and power. The painter Xu Beihong is also
well known for his horse paintings. The horses in his works are full of vitality and convey a sense of freedom and life energy.
马年到了，人们喜欢用与马有关的祝福语表达美好愿望，比如“马到成功”，表示事情顺利成功；又比如“龙马精神” ，祝愿身体健康、充满活力、积极向上。这些话不仅好听，也表达了中国人对努力与进步的重视。
With the arrival of the Year of the Horse, people like touse horse-related blessings to express good wishes. For example, “马到成功” means achieving success quicklyand smoothly, while “龙马精神”wishes someone good health, vitality, and a positive spirit. These expressions not only sound beautiful but also reflect the Chinese appreciation for hard work and progress.
List of idioms
一马当先 ( yī mǎ dāng xiān) : to take the lead; to be the first to act (lit.trans. one · horse · face/act first)
万马奔腾 (wàn mǎ bēn téng) : powerful momentum; amagnificent, energetic scene (lit. trans. ten thousand · horses · run · gallop/rise)
白马王子 (bái mǎ wáng zǐ): Prince Charming; the idealromantic partner ( lit. trans. white ·horse · king · son)
马到成功(mǎ dào chénggong): to achieve instant success; success comes quickly (lit. trans. horse · arrive · achieve · success)
龙马精神(lóng mǎ jīng shén):vigorous spirit; energy and vitality (lit. trans. dragon · horse · spirit · vitality)
Exercises
1. 在古代，人们为什么需要马？
A. 做宠物
B. 交通和战争
C. 做食物
2. “白马王子”通常指什么？
A. 一匹白马
B. 理想的伴侣
C. 一个国王
3. “龙马精神”表示：
A. 很累
B. 精力充沛
C. 很生气
4. 在你的文化中，有哪些著名的马？马这个形象代表着什么？
（leave your answer in the comment）
Slow reading
