一气呵成
一气呵成 (yī qì hē chéng) literally means “complete in one breath” and expresses “complete in one go”. 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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Complete in one go
Pronunciation: yī qì hē chéng
Literal meaning: Complete in one breath
Origin & Usage
This idiom captures the aesthetic ideal of completing (成) something in a single (一) breath (气) or effort (呵), originating from classical Chinese calligraphy. Tang Dynasty art critics used it to praise works that displayed spontaneous perfection and natural flow. Historical accounts describe how master calligraphers could complete complex characters in one fluid motion, embodying both technical skill and spiritual harmony. Contemporary usage extends to any task executed with perfect flow and natural completion, from artistic performance to problem-solving, emphasizing the harmony between preparation and execution.
Examples
English: "The artist completed the masterpiece in one inspired session"
Chinese: 艺术家在一次充满灵感的创作中完成了这幅杰作
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 一气呵成 mean in English?
一气呵成 (yī qì hē chéng) literally translates to “Complete in one breath” and is used to express “Complete in one go”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Success & Perseverance category.
When is 一气呵成 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving complete in one go.
What is the pinyin for 一气呵成?
The pinyin pronunciation for 一气呵成 is “yī qì hē chéng”.