闭月羞花
闭月羞花 (bì yuè xiū huā) literally means “moon hides flowers shy” and expresses “exceptionally beautiful”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving success and perseverance. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
Also searched as: bi yue xiu hua, bi yue xiu hua,闭月羞花 meaning, 闭月羞花 in english
Exceptionally beautiful
Pronunciation: bì yuè xiū huā
Literal meaning: Moon hides flowers shy
Origin & Usage
Originating from descriptions of the legendary beauty Yang Guifei, one of China's Four Great Beauties, this idiom suggests a beauty so radiant it could cause the moon (月) to hide (闭) and flowers (花) to feel shame (羞). The phrase first appeared in Tang Dynasty poetry, reflecting the period's aesthetic ideals where natural phenomena served as measures of human beauty. Court historians noted how Yang's presence would dim the brilliance of celestial bodies and outshine the garden's finest blooms. While historically used exclusively for physical beauty, modern usage has evolved to celebrate any form of excellence that outshines its surroundings, though it retains strong associations with feminine grace and beauty.
Examples
English: "Her elegant presentation captivated the entire audience"
Chinese: 她优雅的演讲吸引了全场观众
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Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about success & perseverance
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 闭月羞花 mean in English?
闭月羞花 (bì yuè xiū huā) literally translates to “Moon hides flowers shy” and is used to express “Exceptionally beautiful”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Success & Perseverance category.
When is 闭月羞花 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving exceptionally beautiful.
What is the pinyin for 闭月羞花?
The pinyin pronunciation for 闭月羞花 is “bì yuè xiū huā”.