近水楼台
近水楼台 (jìn shuǐ lóu tái) literally means “pavilion close to water” and expresses “advantage from close connections”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving life philosophy. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
Also searched as: jin shui lou tai, jin shui lou tai,近水楼台 meaning, 近水楼台 in english
Advantage from close connections
Pronunciation: jìn shuǐ lóu tái
Literal meaning: Pavilion close to water
Origin & Usage
First appearing in Tang Dynasty poetry, this idiom describes pavilions (楼台) close (近) to water (水), referring to their advantageous position to catch the moon's reflection first. The phrase gained wider usage during the Song Dynasty as a metaphor for privileged access or favorable positioning. Originally describing the literal beauty of waterside architecture, it evolved to represent the benefits of proximity to power or resources. During the Ming Dynasty, it became associated with political networking and family connections in the imperial examination system. Modern usage often describes advantageous relationships or positioning in business and social contexts, acknowledging that opportunity often depends on access and location.
Examples
English: "Living in the city gave her more career opportunities"
Chinese: 住在城市给了她更多的职业机会
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Related Chinese Idioms
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 近水楼台 mean in English?
近水楼台 (jìn shuǐ lóu tái) literally translates to “Pavilion close to water” and is used to express “Advantage from close connections”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Life Philosophy category.
When is 近水楼台 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving advantage from close connections.
What is the pinyin for 近水楼台?
The pinyin pronunciation for 近水楼台 is “jìn shuǐ lóu tái”.