"Qingmei Zhuma" (green plums and bamboo horse) originates from the Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai's "Ballad of Changgan," with the original lines: "My lover came riding a bamboo horse, circling my bed, playing with green plums." It depicts the innocent playful scene of a little boy riding a bamboo horse and a little girl playing with green plums. This idiom is used to describe a man and a woman who knew each other and played together in early childhood, establishing a pure and innocent friendship. It not only refers to "childhood playmates" but also embodies a kind of innocent, intimate emotional bond, often carrying romantic and nostalgic undertones. In modern usage, it is mostly employed to describe opposite-sex friends who grew up together from a young age, especially when the two eventually become lovers, often used to emphasize the destiny of fate and the purity of emotion. Usage scenarios are commonly found in literature, film and television works, or daily conversations, such as reminiscing about childhood or telling love stories. Emotionally, it conveys warmth, sweetness, and a faint sense of nostalgia, evoking carefree childhood days and pure, beautiful feelings. In terms of cultural background, it reflects the praise and yearning for pure love of the "green plums and bamboo horse" kind in traditional Chinese culture.
📝 Example
The two of them have been childhood sweethearts since they were young, going to school and playing together, and now they have finally entered the hall of marriage. (In this sentence, "青梅竹马" means that the two have been close playmates since childhood, with deep affection.)
This movie tells the story of two childhood sweethearts who reunite after many years and discover that they still deeply love each other. (In this sentence, "青梅竹马" describes two people who have known each other since childhood and have a pure relationship.)