得天独厚
得天独厚 (dé tiān dú hòu) literally means “receive heaven unique favor” and expresses “uniquely blessed with natural advantages”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving success and perseverance. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
Also searched as: de tian du hou, de tian du hou,得天独厚 meaning, 得天独厚 in english
Uniquely blessed with natural advantages
Pronunciation: dé tiān dú hòu Literal meaning: Receive heaven unique favor
Origin & Usage
This idiom originated from Tang Dynasty geographical descriptions of particularly fortunate territories, first documenting regions with exceptional natural endowments like fertile soil, favorable climate, and strategic positioning. During the Song Dynasty, it expanded beyond geography to innate human talents. The concept of receiving (得) heaven's (天) unique (独) abundance/favor (厚) had a particularly significant cosmological attribution—'heaven' established these advantages as objective, inherent qualities rather than subjective assessment. Unlike terms simply meaning 'fortunate,' it specifically addresses structural, intrinsic advantages rather than temporary good luck. Modern usage spans geographic resources to innate talent, describing fundamentally advantageous conditions that exist prior to any human effort, particularly when these foundations create inherent competitive advantages regardless of subsequent development choices.
When to Use
Situation: The coastal region's ideal climate and natural harbor created exceptional development advantages
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Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about success & perseverance
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 得天独厚 mean in English?
得天独厚 (dé tiān dú hòu) literally translates to “Receive heaven unique favor” and is used to express “Uniquely blessed with natural advantages”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Success & Perseverance category.
When is 得天独厚 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving uniquely blessed with natural advantages.
What is the pinyin for 得天独厚?
The pinyin pronunciation for 得天独厚 is “dé tiān dú hòu”.