门庭若市
门庭若市 (mén tíng ruò shì) literally means “doorway busy as market” and expresses “extremely popular”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving success and perseverance. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
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Extremely popular
Pronunciation: mén tíng ruò shì
Literal meaning: Doorway busy as market
Origin & Usage
This vivid idiom describes a household's entrance (门庭) being as busy as a marketplace (若市). It originated during the Han Dynasty, initially describing the homes of influential officials where countless visitors sought audience. The metaphor gained particular significance during the Tang Dynasty, when it came to represent both social success and intellectual influence. Notable examples include the residence of poet Bai Juyi, where fellow scholars gathered in such numbers that his gateway resembled a bustling market. Modern usage extends beyond literal crowds to indicate popularity, influence, or high demand - whether describing a successful business, a popular professor's office hours, or a sought-after professional's schedule.
Examples
English: "The new restaurant was so popular that it was always packed with customers"
Chinese: 这家新餐厅很受欢迎，总是顾客盈门
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 门庭若市 mean in English?
门庭若市 (mén tíng ruò shì) literally translates to “Doorway busy as market” and is used to express “Extremely popular”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Success & Perseverance category.
When is 门庭若市 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving extremely popular.
What is the pinyin for 门庭若市?
The pinyin pronunciation for 门庭若市 is “mén tíng ruò shì”.