博古通今
博古通今 (bó gǔ tōng jīn) literally means “know past and present” and expresses “wise and learned”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving wisdom and learning.
Also searched as: bo gu tong jin, bo gu tong jin,博古通今 meaning, 博古通今 in english
Wise and learned
Pronunciation: bó gǔ tōng jīn Literal meaning: Know past and present
Origin & Usage
The idiom 博古通今 (bó gǔ tōng jīn) is commonly used in classical Chinese to describe someone who possesses extensive knowledge spanning both ancient (古, gǔ) and modern times (今, jīn). The phrase emphasizes a deep understanding and mastery of a wide range of subjects across different eras. Its earliest known mention is in the text 《孔子家语》, where it describes the sage Laozi as someone who 'knows the past and understands the present.' The idiom is often used to praise individuals with a comprehensive grasp of history and contemporary knowledge, highlighting their scholarly depth and intellectual breadth. In modern contexts, it is applied to scholars, educators, and anyone recognized for their vast and well-rounded knowledge.
Examples
English: "Her extensive knowledge makes her an expert in both historical and contemporary literature."
Chinese: 她博古通今，精通古今文学。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about wisdom & learning
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 博古通今 mean in English?
博古通今 (bó gǔ tōng jīn) literally translates to “Know past and present” and is used to express “Wise and learned”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Wisdom & Learning category.
When is 博古通今 used?
Situation: Her extensive knowledge makes her an expert in both historical and contemporary literature.
What is the pinyin for 博古通今?
The pinyin pronunciation for 博古通今 is “bó gǔ tōng jīn”.