风云际会

风云际会 (fēng yún jì huì) literally means “wind cloud gather meeting” and expresses “perfect moment of opportunity”. 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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Perfect moment of opportunity

Pronunciation: fēng yún jì huì
Literal meaning: Wind cloud gather meeting

Origin & Usage

Drawing from ancient Chinese cosmology, this idiom describes the dramatic moment when wind (风) and clouds (云) gather (际会) before a momentous change. The imagery comes from astronomical observations recorded during the Zhou Dynasty, where such atmospheric phenomena were seen as heavenly omens. Historical texts use this phrase to describe pivotal moments before major historical changes. Modern usage applies to the convergence of favorable circumstances or the perfect timing of opportunities, particularly in business ventures or social movements, emphasizing both the drama and the ephemeral nature of such moments.

Examples

English: "The market conditions created a perfect opportunity for the new venture"

Chinese: 市场条件为新企业创造了完美的机会


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Related Chinese Idioms

Similar idioms about success & perseverance

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 风云际会 mean in English?

风云际会 (fēng yún jì huì) literally translates to “Wind cloud gather meeting” and is used to express “Perfect moment of opportunity”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Success & Perseverance category.

When is 风云际会 used?

Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving perfect moment of opportunity.

What is the pinyin for 风云际会?

The pinyin pronunciation for 风云际会 is “fēng yún jì huì”.