披星戴月
披星戴月 (pī xīng dài yuè) literally means “wear stars crown moon” and expresses “work day and night”. 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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Work day and night
Pronunciation: pī xīng dài yuè
Literal meaning: Wear stars crown moon
Origin & Usage
This poetic idiom paints a picture of wearing (披) stars (星) and crowning (戴) oneself with the moon (月), describing dedication that extends from dawn to dusk. It originated from descriptions of diligent scholars during the Tang Dynasty who studied through the night. Historical records note how successful imperial examination candidates would often maintain such demanding schedules. Contemporary usage honors those who work tirelessly toward their goals, particularly in academic or professional pursuits, while maintaining the original's sense of sacrifice and dedication without glorifying overwork.
Examples
English: "The medical team worked around the clock during the crisis"
Chinese: 医疗团队在危机期间昼夜不停地工作
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 披星戴月 mean in English?
披星戴月 (pī xīng dài yuè) literally translates to “Wear stars crown moon” and is used to express “Work day and night”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Success & Perseverance category.
When is 披星戴月 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving work day and night.
What is the pinyin for 披星戴月?
The pinyin pronunciation for 披星戴月 is “pī xīng dài yuè”.