见多识广

Pronunciation: jiàn duō shí guǎng Literal meaning: Seen much, know wide

Origin & Usage

The idiom 见多识广 (jiàn duō shí guǎng) is commonly used in classical Chinese to describe someone with extensive experience and broad knowledge. It combines 见多 (jiàn duō), meaning 'having seen much,' and 识广 (shí guǎng), meaning 'having wide knowledge.' This idiom emphasizes the depth of understanding and the breadth of experience gained through diverse life encounters. Although its precise origin is not tied to a specific historical story, it was notably used in Ming dynasty literature, such as Feng Menglong's 'Stories to Caution the World' (《古今小说》). In modern contexts, this idiom is often used to praise individuals who are well-informed and experienced, suggesting that their insights are valuable in various situations.

Examples

English: "His extensive travels have made him well-read and knowledgeable about different cultures."

Chinese: 他的广泛旅行使他见多识广，了解不同的文化。