- 草木灰 cǎomùhuī plant ashThe ash produced by burning grass, wood, and other plants; it is commonly used in farming as a fertilizer rich in potassium and phosphorus.
- 草木皆兵 cǎomùjiēbīng to be extremely paranoidlit. every tree and bush looks like an enemy soldier; used to describe a state of extreme panic or nervousness where one treats everything and everyone as a threat, often following a defeat or major setback
- 人非草木 rénfēicǎomù humans are sentient beingsHumans are not like plants and trees; used to emphasize that people have thoughts and feelings
- 人非草木,孰能无情 rénfēicǎomùshúnéngwúqíng humans are sentient beingsmen are not like trees or grass, how can they be without feelings; everyone has feelings and emotions
- 人生一世,草木一春 rénshēngyīshìcǎomùyīchūn life is shortA person has but one life just as grass has but one spring; refers to the brevity of human existence
- 草木鸟兽 cǎomùniǎoshòu flora and faunaplants and animals; flora and fauna