马到成功
马到成功 (mǎ dào chéng gōng) literally means “success upon the horse's arrival” and expresses “achieve immediate success”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving success and perseverance.
Also searched as: ma dao cheng gong, ma dao cheng gong,马到成功 meaning, 马到成功 in english
Achieve immediate success
Pronunciation: mǎ dào chéng gōng Literal meaning: Success upon the horse's arrival
Origin & Usage
This idiom originates from ancient Chinese military culture, where cavalry was crucial to victory. When war horses arrived at the battlefield, success was expected to follow swiftly. The phrase first appeared during the Yuan Dynasty in dramatic works describing military campaigns. The horse (马) symbolizes speed, power, and momentum, while 'arrival' (到) and 'success' (成功) emphasize immediate achievement. Today, it serves as a popular blessing for new ventures, examinations, and business endeavors, expressing hopes for swift and complete success.
Examples
English: "The team wished her success from the moment she began."
Chinese: 团队祝愿她马到成功。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about success & perseverance
一鸣惊人
yī míng jīng rén
Sudden, remarkable success
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百折不挠
bǎi zhé bù náo
Unshakeable despite adversity
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水滴石穿
shuǐ dī shí chuān
Persistence achieves anything
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门庭若市
mén tíng ruò shì
Extremely popular
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天道酬勤
tiān dào chóu qín
Heaven rewards diligence
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破釜沉舟
pò fǔ chén zhōu
Commit with no retreat
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守时如金
shǒu shí rú jīn
Value time preciously
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青出于蓝
qīng chū yú lán
Student surpasses master
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 马到成功 mean in English?
马到成功 (mǎ dào chéng gōng) literally translates to “Success upon the horse's arrival” and is used to express “Achieve immediate success”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Success & Perseverance category.
When is 马到成功 used?
Situation: The team wished her success from the moment she began.
What is the pinyin for 马到成功?
The pinyin pronunciation for 马到成功 is “mǎ dào chéng gōng”.
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