出口成章

Pronunciation: chū kǒu chéng zhāng Literal meaning: Words spoken become a chapter

Origin & Usage

The idiom 出口成章 (chū kǒu chéng zhāng) originates from the ancient Chinese text 《诗经·小雅·都人士》. In this poem, the phrase 出言成章 describes the elegant and articulate speech of the people from the capital, who were admired for their refined manners and adherence to rituals. The idiom literally means 'words spoken become a chapter,' illustrating the ability to speak eloquently and with literary flair. The characters are broken down as follows: 出 (chū, exit), 口 (kǒu, mouth), 成 (chéng, become), 章 (zhāng, chapter). In modern usage, 出口成章 is used to praise someone who can speak with great eloquence and clarity, often implying that their spoken words are as polished as written prose.

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。