顶礼膜拜
顶礼膜拜 (dǐng lǐ mó bài) literally means “highest reverence and worship” and expresses “extreme adoration or worship”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving relationships and character. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
Also searched as: ding li mo bai, ding li mo bai,顶礼膜拜 meaning, 顶礼膜拜 in english
Extreme adoration or worship
Pronunciation: dǐng lǐ mó bài
Literal meaning: Highest reverence and worship
Origin & Usage
This reverential idiom combines the highest form of respect (顶礼) with devout worship (膜拜), originating from Buddhist ritual practices during the Eastern Han Dynasty. It described the complete prostration where devotees touched their foreheads to the ground before Buddha statues or revered monks. The specific posture represented the ultimate physical expression of reverence in Chinese culture. During the Tang Dynasty, as Buddhism flourished, the phrase entered secular contexts to describe exceptional admiration. Unlike terms for simple respect, it specifically describes adoration approaching religious devotion. Modern usage describes extreme admiration or hero-worship, particularly toward cultural icons, intellectual figures, or industry pioneers whose achievements inspire profound reverence.
Examples
English: "Fans treated the famous musician with almost religious adoration"
Chinese: 粉丝们对这位著名音乐家几乎是宗教般的崇拜
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 顶礼膜拜 mean in English?
顶礼膜拜 (dǐng lǐ mó bài) literally translates to “Highest reverence and worship” and is used to express “Extreme adoration or worship”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 顶礼膜拜 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving extreme adoration or worship.
What is the pinyin for 顶礼膜拜?
The pinyin pronunciation for 顶礼膜拜 is “dǐng lǐ mó bài”.