天外有天
天外有天 (tiān wài yǒu tiān) literally means “skies beyond skies” and expresses “always someone better”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving wisdom and learning. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
Also searched as: tian wai you tian, tian wai you tian,天外有天 meaning, 天外有天 in english
Always someone better
Pronunciation: tiān wài yǒu tiān
Literal meaning: Skies beyond skies
Origin & Usage
This idiom is intimately paired with '人外有人', together expressing that beyond (外) the sky (天) there is another sky, and beyond every person's abilities, there exists someone more capable. This dual meaning emerged from Daoist cosmological texts describing multiple heavens, but gained widespread use during the Song Dynasty through Buddhist scholarly exchanges. Both phrases serve as reminders of limitless potential and the importance of humility. The metaphor particularly resonated with Neo-Confucian scholars who saw it as a perfect expression of intellectual modesty. Modern usage often appears in professional or academic contexts to remind accomplished individuals that there are always greater heights to reach, especially when encountering unexpected excellence that transcends assumed limitations.
Examples
English: "The champion was talented, but he knew there were even better players out there"
Chinese: 这位冠军很有天赋，但他知道还有更厉害的选手
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 天外有天 mean in English?
天外有天 (tiān wài yǒu tiān) literally translates to “Skies beyond skies” and is used to express “Always someone better”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Wisdom & Learning category.
When is 天外有天 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving always someone better.
What is the pinyin for 天外有天?
The pinyin pronunciation for 天外有天 is “tiān wài yǒu tiān”.