青云直上
青云直上 (qīng yún zhí shàng) literally means “blue clouds straight up” and expresses “rise quickly to high position”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving success and perseverance. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
Also searched as: qing yun zhi shang, qing yun zhi shang,青云直上 meaning, 青云直上 in english
Rise quickly to high position
Pronunciation: qīng yún zhí shàng
Literal meaning: Blue clouds straight up
Origin & Usage
This idiom describes going straight (直) up (上) to blue (青) clouds (云). Similar to 平步青云, it depicts rapid ascent to high positions. The directness of 直 emphasizes the speed and lack of detours. Modern usage describes rapid promotion and career advancement, rising directly to the top without setbacks.
Examples
English: "Her talent propelled her rapidly through the ranks."
Chinese: 她的才华让她青云直上。
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Apply creative genius; show ingenuity
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Show great ingenuity; have original design
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Have unique style; be distinctive
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Be unique; have distinctive style
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Reach perfection; master completely
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Flawless; invulnerable to criticism
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 青云直上 mean in English?
青云直上 (qīng yún zhí shàng) literally translates to “Blue clouds straight up” and is used to express “Rise quickly to high position”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Success & Perseverance category.
When is 青云直上 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving rise quickly to high position.
What is the pinyin for 青云直上?
The pinyin pronunciation for 青云直上 is “qīng yún zhí shàng”.