白云苍狗 Cheng Yu

Chinese proverbs are often expressed as four character set-expressions. These are called “cheng yu”. Unlike most other languages such proverbs appear often used in Chinese culture so they are not mere curiosities.

 

白 white (bai2)

云 clouds (yun2)

苍 dark blue, dark green, ash gray (cang1)

狗 dog (gou3)

White Clouds, Grey Dogs