东山再起
东山再起 (dōng shān zài qǐ) literally means “east mountain again rise” and expresses “make a comeback after setback or retirement”. 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: dong shan zai qi, dong shan zai qi,东山再起 meaning, 东山再起 in english
Make a comeback after setback or retirement
Pronunciation: dōng shān zài qǐ Literal meaning: East mountain again rise
Origin & Usage
The story of Jin Dynasty official Xie An, who retreated to East Mountain (东山) before making a triumphant return to high office, gave us this enduring image of strategic withdrawal followed by powerful comeback. Tang Dynasty historians transformed his specific experience into a broader pattern of career revival. The mountain imagery perfectly captured both retreat and elevation, suggesting how temporary withdrawal often enables eventual ascension.
When to Use
Situation: After bankruptcy, the entrepreneur rebuilt his business empire from scratch
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 东山再起 mean in English?
东山再起 (dōng shān zài qǐ) literally translates to “East mountain again rise” and is used to express “Make a comeback after setback or retirement”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Success & Perseverance category.
When is 东山再起 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving make a comeback after setback or retirement.
What is the pinyin for 东山再起?
The pinyin pronunciation for 东山再起 is “dōng shān zài qǐ”.