肝肠寸断
肝肠寸断 (gān cháng cùn duàn) literally means “liver and intestines cut” and expresses “extreme sorrow”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving relationships and character.
Also searched as: gan chang cun duan, gan chang cun duan,肝肠寸断 meaning, 肝肠寸断 in english
Extreme sorrow
Pronunciation: gān cháng cùn duàn Literal meaning: Liver and intestines cut
Origin & Usage
The idiom 肝肠寸断 (gān cháng cùn duàn) is commonly used in classical Chinese literature to describe a state of extreme sorrow or heartbreak. The phrase literally translates to 'liver and intestines cut into inches,' evoking a vivid image of intense emotional pain. The earliest known reference to this idiom can be traced back to the Western Han period in the text 《战国策·燕策三》, where it describes the profound grief of a person facing imminent death. The imagery of internal organs being severed into pieces symbolizes the depth of one's anguish. In modern usage, this idiom is often employed to express the deepest levels of sadness, particularly in the context of personal loss or tragic events.
Examples
English: "The news of her departure left him heartbroken."
Chinese: 她的离去让他肝肠寸断。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about relationships & character
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 肝肠寸断 mean in English?
肝肠寸断 (gān cháng cùn duàn) literally translates to “Liver and intestines cut” and is used to express “Extreme sorrow”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 肝肠寸断 used?
Situation: The news of her departure left him heartbroken.
What is the pinyin for 肝肠寸断?
The pinyin pronunciation for 肝肠寸断 is “gān cháng cùn duàn”.