如醉如梦
如醉如梦 (rú zuì rú mèng) literally means “like drunk like dream” and expresses “entranced in dreamlike state”. 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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Entranced in dreamlike state
Pronunciation: rú zuì rú mèng
Literal meaning: Like drunk like dream
Origin & Usage
This ethereal idiom compares an experience to being both drunk (醉) and dreaming (梦), originating from Tang Dynasty poetry. It first appeared in Li Bai's verses describing transcendent states where boundaries between reality and illusion dissolve. The repeated structure of 'like' (如) emphasizes the dual nature of the experience - neither fully intoxicated nor dreaming, but similar to both states simultaneously. During the Song Dynasty, it expanded beyond poetic contexts to describe any profoundly disorienting yet beautiful experience. Unlike terms for simple confusion, it carries positive connotations of pleasant disorientation. Modern usage describes aesthetically overwhelming experiences where reality seems temporarily suspended, particularly in contexts of natural beauty, artistic immersion, or profound emotional states.
Examples
English: "The surreal landscape left the travelers in a dreamlike state of wonder"
Chinese: 超现实的风景让旅行者处于一种如梦似幻的惊奇状态
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 如醉如梦 mean in English?
如醉如梦 (rú zuì rú mèng) literally translates to “Like drunk like dream” and is used to express “Entranced in dreamlike state”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Life Philosophy category.
When is 如醉如梦 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving entranced in dreamlike state.
What is the pinyin for 如醉如梦?
The pinyin pronunciation for 如醉如梦 is “rú zuì rú mèng”.