不毛之地
不毛之地 (bù máo zhī dì) literally means “barren land” and expresses “desolate area”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving life philosophy.
Also searched as: bu mao zhi di, bu mao zhi di,不毛之地 meaning, 不毛之地 in english
Desolate area
Pronunciation: bù máo zhī dì Literal meaning: Barren land
Origin & Usage
The idiom 不毛之地 (bù máo zhī dì) originates from the historical context of the Spring and Autumn period, specifically from the text 《公羊传》. During this time, the state of Zheng was caught between the powerful states of Jin and Chu. In a desperate situation, the ruler of Zheng surrendered to the Chu army, requesting to be granted a barren land (不毛之地) to live out his days. The term 不毛 (bù máo) literally means 'without hair,' metaphorically describing land that is barren and unproductive. 之地 (zhī dì) means 'land.' In modern usage, this idiom refers to any desolate or infertile area unsuitable for habitation or agriculture, emphasizing the challenges of survival in such harsh environments.
Examples
English: "The region was once fertile, but now it has become a wasteland."
Chinese: 这个地区曾经肥沃，但现在已变成不毛之地。
Related Chinese Idioms
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yī bō sān zhé
Many twists and turns
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改邪归正
gǎi xié guī zhèng
Return to righteousness
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Love ease, hate work
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wù jí bì fǎn
Extremes lead to reversal
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sài wēng shī mǎ
Misfortune might be a blessing
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Advantage from close connections
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夜郎自大
yè láng zì dà
Overestimate oneself
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因果报应
yīn guǒ bào yìng
Actions have consequences
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 不毛之地 mean in English?
不毛之地 (bù máo zhī dì) literally translates to “Barren land” and is used to express “Desolate area”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Life Philosophy category.
When is 不毛之地 used?
Situation: The region was once fertile, but now it has become a wasteland.
What is the pinyin for 不毛之地?
The pinyin pronunciation for 不毛之地 is “bù máo zhī dì”.