恍如隔世
恍如隔世 (huǎng rú gé shì) literally means “dimly as if separated by lifetimes” and expresses “feeling as if ages have passed”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving life philosophy.
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Feeling as if ages have passed
Pronunciation: huǎng rú gé shì Literal meaning: Dimly as if separated by lifetimes
Origin & Usage
This idiom describes the disorienting feeling of being dimly (恍) as if (如) separated (隔) by different lifetimes or eras (世). It captures the profound sense of discontinuity when change makes the past seem impossibly distant. The phrase appeared in literary texts describing characters awakening from long dreams or returning after extended absences. It draws on Buddhist concepts of multiple lifetimes and the impermanence of all things. Modern usage describes experiencing dramatic change that makes previous times feel like another existence entirely.
Examples
English: "Returning after twenty years, the changes made him feel as if ages had passed."
Chinese: 二十年后归来，这些变化让他恍如隔世。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about life philosophy
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 恍如隔世 mean in English?
恍如隔世 (huǎng rú gé shì) literally translates to “Dimly as if separated by lifetimes” and is used to express “Feeling as if ages have passed”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Life Philosophy category.
When is 恍如隔世 used?
Situation: Returning after twenty years, the changes made him feel as if ages had passed.
What is the pinyin for 恍如隔世?
The pinyin pronunciation for 恍如隔世 is “huǎng rú gé shì”.