出口成章
出口成章 (chū kǒu chéng zhāng) literally means “words spoken become a chapter” and expresses “speaks in finished prose”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving wisdom and learning.
Also searched as: chu kou cheng zhang, chu kou cheng zhang,出口成章 meaning, 出口成章 in english
Speaks in finished prose
Pronunciation: chū kǒu chéng zhāng Literal meaning: Words spoken become a chapter
Origin & Usage
The Book of Songs praises the people of the capital for speech that has pattern in it — 出言有章 — and the idiom sharpens this: what leaves (出) the mouth (口) arrives already composed (成章). 章 is a section of a written work, so the claim is that the person speaks in finished prose without drafting. It is high praise and slightly formal, and it is said of orators and of the rare colleague whose first attempt at a sentence does not need repairing.
Examples
English: "Her eloquence allows her to articulate complex ideas effortlessly."
Chinese: 她的口才使得出口成章，表达复杂的思想毫不费力。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about wisdom & learning
断章取义
duàn zhāng qǔ yì
Out of context
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不可救药
bù kě jiù yào
Beyond hope of redemption or reform
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未雨绸缪
wèi yǔ chóu móu
Prepare before problems arise
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明哲保身
míng zhé bǎo shēn
Protect oneself from danger wisely
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如履薄冰
rú lǚ bó bīng
Extreme caution in risky situations
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小心翼翼
xiǎo xīn yì yì
Act with extreme caution and care
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依依不舍
yī yī bù shě
Reluctant to part; lingering attachment
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白头偕老
bái tóu xié lǎo
Grow old together; lifelong partnership
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 出口成章 mean in English?
出口成章 (chū kǒu chéng zhāng) literally translates to “Words spoken become a chapter” and is used to express “Speaks in finished prose”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Wisdom & Learning category.
When is 出口成章 used?
Situation: Her eloquence allows her to articulate complex ideas effortlessly.
What is the pinyin for 出口成章?
The pinyin pronunciation for 出口成章 is “chū kǒu chéng zhāng”.