流芳百世
流芳百世 (liú fāng bǎi shì) literally means “fragrance flows for a hundred generations” and expresses “enduring good reputation”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving success and perseverance.
Also searched as: liu fang bai shi, liu fang bai shi,流芳百世 meaning, 流芳百世 in english
Enduring good reputation
Pronunciation: liú fāng bǎi shì Literal meaning: Fragrance flows for a hundred generations
Origin & Usage
The idiom 流芳百世 (liú fāng bǎi shì) originates from a story involving Huan Wen (桓温), a prominent general during the Eastern Jin Dynasty. Despite his high status and military achievements, Huan Wen harbored ambitions of becoming emperor. In a moment of reflection, he expressed his desire for his name to be remembered positively for generations, saying, 'If a man cannot leave a good name to be praised for a hundred generations, should he not at least leave a bad name to be cursed for ten thousand years?' (流芳百世, 遗臭万年). The characters 流 (liú, flow), 芳 (fāng, fragrance), 百 (bǎi, hundred), and 世 (shì, generations) together convey the idea of a good reputation enduring through time. Today, the idiom is used to praise individuals whose virtuous deeds and contributions to society ensure their legacy is celebrated long after their passing.
Examples
English: "Her contributions to education will leave a lasting legacy for future generations."
Chinese: 她对教育的贡献将流芳百世。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about success & perseverance
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 流芳百世 mean in English?
流芳百世 (liú fāng bǎi shì) literally translates to “Fragrance flows for a hundred generations” and is used to express “Enduring good reputation”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Success & Perseverance category.
When is 流芳百世 used?
Situation: Her contributions to education will leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
What is the pinyin for 流芳百世?
The pinyin pronunciation for 流芳百世 is “liú fāng bǎi shì”.
Curated Lists Featuring 流芳百世
10 Chinese Idioms About Fame, Legacy & Achievement
Learn 10 Chinese idioms about leaving a lasting mark, achieving greatness, and being remembered through the ages.
10 Chinese Idioms About Respecting Elders & Aging for Double Ninth Festival
Chinese idioms about honoring elders, aging gracefully, and the wisdom that comes with experience — for Chongyang Festival (重阳节), China's Senior Citizens' Day.