寥若晨星
寥若晨星 (liáo ruò chén xīng) literally means “sparse as morning stars” and expresses “very rare”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving life philosophy. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
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Very rare
Pronunciation: liáo ruò chén xīng
Literal meaning: Sparse as morning stars
Origin & Usage
A Tang Dynasty poetic description comparing rarity to morning (晨) stars (星) remaining visible (寥若) at dawn. Popular in classical poetry, it captured the ethereal quality of exceptional talents or opportunities. The metaphor was particularly meaningful in ancient astronomical observations, where morning stars were considered special omens. Court historians used it to describe rare individuals of extraordinary character or ability. Contemporary usage often refers to exceptional achievements or unique individuals in various fields, suggesting both rarity and brilliance. It emphasizes quality over quantity while maintaining a sense of natural beauty.
Examples
English: "True experts in this emerging technology are as rare as morning stars"
Chinese: 这个新兴技术领域的真正专家寥若晨星
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 寥若晨星 mean in English?
寥若晨星 (liáo ruò chén xīng) literally translates to “Sparse as morning stars” and is used to express “Very rare”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Life Philosophy category.
When is 寥若晨星 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving very rare.
What is the pinyin for 寥若晨星?
The pinyin pronunciation for 寥若晨星 is “liáo ruò chén xīng”.