倾盖如故
倾盖如故 (qīng gài rú gù) literally means “tilt hat like old friends” and expresses “instant friendship”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving relationships and character. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
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Instant friendship
Pronunciation: qīng gài rú gù
Literal meaning: Tilt hat like old friends
Origin & Usage
Dating to the Spring and Autumn period, this elegant idiom describes the instant rapport between kindred spirits, comparing it to tilting (倾) carriage covers (盖) while greeting as if (如) old (故) friends. The image comes from ancient Chinese road etiquette, where travelers would tilt their carriage covers to show respect when passing. Historical accounts mention how legendary friendships between scholars often began with such chance encounters. Modern usage celebrates the phenomenon of immediate connection between like-minded people, particularly in professional or intellectual contexts, emphasizing how authentic relationships can transcend formal social conventions.
Examples
English: "The two scientists immediately recognized their shared passion for research"
Chinese: 两位科学家立即认识到他们对研究的共同热情
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 倾盖如故 mean in English?
倾盖如故 (qīng gài rú gù) literally translates to “Tilt hat like old friends” and is used to express “Instant friendship”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 倾盖如故 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving instant friendship.
What is the pinyin for 倾盖如故?
The pinyin pronunciation for 倾盖如故 is “qīng gài rú gù”.