妙手回春
妙手回春 (miào shǒu huí chūn) literally means “skilled hands bring spring” and expresses “extraordinary healing skill”. 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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Extraordinary healing skill
Pronunciation: miào shǒu huí chūn
Literal meaning: Skilled hands bring spring
Origin & Usage
This healing idiom praises marvelous (妙) hands (手) that can bring back (回) spring/life (春), originating from Tang Dynasty medical texts. It first described legendary physician Sun Simiao's ability to revive seemingly hopeless patients. The seasonal metaphor of spring representing renewal was particularly meaningful in Chinese medical philosophy, where health was seen as natural harmony restored. During the Song Dynasty, the phrase gained prominence as medical case histories documented remarkable recoveries attributed to skilled doctors. Modern usage primarily honors exceptional medical practitioners but extends to anyone with transformative skill in their profession - from financial experts who rescue failing businesses to educators who revitalize struggling students.
Examples
English: "The surgeon's extraordinary technique saved the patient's life against all odds"
Chinese: 外科医生非凡的技术在几乎不可能的情况下挽救了病人的生命
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Related Chinese Idioms
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 妙手回春 mean in English?
妙手回春 (miào shǒu huí chūn) literally translates to “Skilled hands bring spring” and is used to express “Extraordinary healing skill”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Success & Perseverance category.
When is 妙手回春 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving extraordinary healing skill.
What is the pinyin for 妙手回春?
The pinyin pronunciation for 妙手回春 is “miào shǒu huí chūn”.