锦上添花
锦上添花 (jǐn shàng tiān huā) literally means “add flowers to brocade” and expresses “enhance existing beauty”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving life philosophy.
Also searched as: jin shang tian hua, jin shang tian hua,锦上添花 meaning, 锦上添花 in english
Enhance existing beauty
Pronunciation: jǐn shàng tiān huā Literal meaning: Add flowers to brocade
Origin & Usage
The idiom 锦上添花 (jǐn shàng tiān huā) originates from a story involving Xue Rengui during the Tang Dynasty. Xue Rengui, once impoverished, was aided by Wang Maosheng, who provided him with necessities. Later, Xue Rengui achieved great success and was ennobled as the King of Two Liao. When local officials and gentry presented him with gifts, he remarked that their gestures were like 'adding flowers to brocade' (锦, brocade; 花, flower), emphasizing that Wang Maosheng's help during his hardships was far more valuable. This idiom highlights the idea that assistance during difficult times (雪中送炭, 'sending charcoal in snow') is more precious than embellishments during prosperity. In modern usage, it describes enhancing something already beautiful or successful.
Examples
English: "The new features in the app are just the icing on the cake."
Chinese: 这个应用程序的新功能简直是锦上添花。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about life philosophy
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 锦上添花 mean in English?
锦上添花 (jǐn shàng tiān huā) literally translates to “Add flowers to brocade” and is used to express “Enhance existing beauty”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Life Philosophy category.
When is 锦上添花 used?
Situation: The new features in the app are just the icing on the cake.
What is the pinyin for 锦上添花?
The pinyin pronunciation for 锦上添花 is “jǐn shàng tiān huā”.