口若悬河

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。