口若悬河
口若悬河 (kǒu ruò xuán hé) literally means “mouth like a suspended river” and expresses “eloquent and persuasive”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving wisdom and learning.
Also searched as: kou ruo xuan he, kou ruo xuan he,口若悬河 meaning, 口若悬河 in english
Eloquent and persuasive
Pronunciation: kǒu ruò xuán hé Literal meaning: Mouth like a suspended river
Origin & Usage
The idiom 口若悬河 (kǒu ruò xuán hé) originates from a story in the Southern Dynasties period, specifically from the work 《世说新语·赏誉》 by Liu Yiqing. It describes the eloquence of a scholar named Guo Xiang (郭象), who was renowned for his profound knowledge and exceptional speaking skills. His ability to articulate thoughts was compared to a river suspended in mid-air, flowing endlessly and without depletion. The phrase combines 口 (kǒu, mouth), 若 (ruò, like), 悬 (xuán, suspended), and 河 (hé, river), painting a vivid picture of unceasing eloquence. In modern usage, it describes someone who is articulate and persuasive, often captivating audiences with their speech.
Examples
English: "His storytelling ability was so captivating that it flowed effortlessly like a river."
Chinese: 他的讲故事能力口若悬河,滔滔不绝。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about wisdom & learning
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 口若悬河 mean in English?
口若悬河 (kǒu ruò xuán hé) literally translates to “Mouth like a suspended river” and is used to express “Eloquent and persuasive”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Wisdom & Learning category.
When is 口若悬河 used?
Situation: His storytelling ability was so captivating that it flowed effortlessly like a river.
What is the pinyin for 口若悬河?
The pinyin pronunciation for 口若悬河 is “kǒu ruò xuán hé”.