登堂入室
登堂入室 (dēng táng rù shì) literally means “enter hall reach inner room” and expresses “progress from basic to advanced”. 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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Progress from basic to advanced
Pronunciation: dēng táng rù shì
Literal meaning: Enter hall reach inner room
Origin & Usage
Originally describing the physical progression from entering (登) the main hall (堂) to reaching (入) the inner chambers (室) of traditional Chinese homes, this idiom emerged from early Confucian texts. The architectural metaphor illustrated the structured nature of classical education, where students moved through clearly defined levels of learning. The imagery resonated deeply in Chinese pedagogical tradition, where knowledge was seen as a series of increasingly intimate spaces to be accessed through disciplined study. Modern usage describes any systematic progression from foundational knowledge to expertise, particularly in traditional arts and academic disciplines.
Examples
English: "After years of practice, she progressed from amateur to professional status"
Chinese: 经过多年练习，她从业余水平进步到专业水平
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 登堂入室 mean in English?
登堂入室 (dēng táng rù shì) literally translates to “Enter hall reach inner room” and is used to express “Progress from basic to advanced”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Success & Perseverance category.
When is 登堂入室 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving progress from basic to advanced.
What is the pinyin for 登堂入室?
The pinyin pronunciation for 登堂入室 is “dēng táng rù shì”.