龙马精神
龙马精神 (lóng mǎ jīng shén) literally means “dragon-horse spirit” and expresses “youthful vigor despite old age”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving success and perseverance.
Also searched as: long ma jing shen, long ma jing shen,龙马精神 meaning, 龙马精神 in english
Youthful vigor despite old age
Pronunciation: lóng mǎ jīng shén Literal meaning: Dragon-horse spirit
Origin & Usage
The 龙马 is a single creature, not two: the dragon-horse that rose from the Yellow River bearing the diagram on its back, in the legend of how the trigrams were devised. So the phrase claims the vitality (精神) of a mythical beast rather than combining a dragon and a horse. It is used almost exclusively of the old, as a compliment on undiminished energy, and it is a standard thing to write in a birthday greeting to an elderly person.
Examples
English: "The 85-year-old professor still taught full courses with remarkable energy"
Chinese: 这位85岁的教授仍然精力充沛地教授全部课程
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about success & perseverance
马到成功
mǎ dào chéng gōng
Achieve immediate success
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老马识途
lǎo mǎ shí tú
Experience brings wisdom
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聚精会神
jù jīng huì shén
Concentrate fully
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驷马难追
sì mǎ nán zhuī
Cannot undo what's done
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万马奔腾
wàn mǎ bēn téng
Powerful unstoppable momentum
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金戈铁马
jīn gē tiě mǎ
Magnificent military might and valor
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厉兵秣马
lì bīng mò mǎ
Make thorough preparations; get ready for action
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平步青云
píng bù qīng yún
Rise rapidly to high position
Learn more →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 龙马精神 mean in English?
龙马精神 (lóng mǎ jīng shén) literally translates to “Dragon-horse spirit” and is used to express “Youthful vigor despite old age”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Success & Perseverance category.
When is 龙马精神 used?
Situation: The 85-year-old professor still taught full courses with remarkable energy
What is the pinyin for 龙马精神?
The pinyin pronunciation for 龙马精神 is “lóng mǎ jīng shén”.
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