惊天动地
惊天动地 (jīng tiān dòng dì) literally means “startle heaven shake earth” and expresses “earth-shaking; tremendous”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving success and perseverance.
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Earth-shaking; tremendous
Pronunciation: jīng tiān dòng dì Literal meaning: Startle heaven shake earth
Origin & Usage
This idiom describes something so significant it startles (惊) heaven (天) and shakes (动) earth (地). The cosmic scale of the metaphor indicates events of tremendous magnitude. The phrase appeared in historical texts describing momentous battles, natural disasters, or political upheavals. It represents the highest degree of impact or importance. Modern usage describes groundbreaking achievements, major events, or anything with profound, far-reaching consequences.
Examples
English: "The discovery had a tremendous impact on the scientific community."
Chinese: 这一发现在科学界引起了惊天动地的影响。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about success & perseverance
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 惊天动地 mean in English?
惊天动地 (jīng tiān dòng dì) literally translates to “Startle heaven shake earth” and is used to express “Earth-shaking; tremendous”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Success & Perseverance category.
When is 惊天动地 used?
Situation: The discovery had a tremendous impact on the scientific community.
What is the pinyin for 惊天动地?
The pinyin pronunciation for 惊天动地 is “jīng tiān dòng dì”.
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