虎背熊腰
虎背熊腰 (hǔ bèi xióng yāo) literally means “tiger back bear waist” and expresses “strong and robust”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving life philosophy.
Also searched as: hu bei xiong yao, hu bei xiong yao,虎背熊腰 meaning, 虎背熊腰 in english
Strong and robust
Pronunciation: hǔ bèi xióng yāo Literal meaning: Tiger back bear waist
Origin & Usage
The idiom 虎背熊腰 (hǔ bèi xióng yāo) is commonly used in classical Chinese literature to describe someone with a strong and robust physique, akin to the broad back of a tiger (虎, hǔ) and the stout waist of a bear (熊, xióng). This vivid imagery paints a picture of physical strength and vitality, often associated with traditional masculine ideals. The earliest recorded use of this idiom appears in the Yuan Dynasty play 《飞刀对箭》, where it is used to describe a character's imposing physical presence. In modern usage, 虎背熊腰 is employed to positively describe individuals, particularly men, who possess a commanding and powerful build, reflecting an appreciation for physical prowess and vigor.
Examples
English: "His robust physique and strong presence make him an imposing figure in any room"
Chinese: 他健壮的体格和强大的气场让他在任何场合都显得威风凛凛
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about life philosophy
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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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hào yì wù láo
Love ease, hate work
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物极必反
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 虎背熊腰 mean in English?
虎背熊腰 (hǔ bèi xióng yāo) literally translates to “Tiger back bear waist” and is used to express “Strong and robust”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Life Philosophy category.
When is 虎背熊腰 used?
Situation: His robust physique and strong presence make him an imposing figure in any room
What is the pinyin for 虎背熊腰?
The pinyin pronunciation for 虎背熊腰 is “hǔ bèi xióng yāo”.