石沉大海
石沉大海 (shí chén dà hǎi) literally means “stone sinks into the sea” and expresses “disappear without trace”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving life philosophy.
Also searched as: shi chen da hai, shi chen da hai,石沉大海 meaning, 石沉大海 in english
Disappear without trace
Pronunciation: shí chén dà hǎi Literal meaning: Stone sinks into the sea
Origin & Usage
The idiom 石沉大海 (shí chén dà hǎi) is commonly used in classical Chinese literature to describe a situation where something disappears without a trace, akin to a stone sinking into the vast sea. The imagery of a stone (石, shí) sinking (沉, chén) into the sea (大海, dà hǎi) vividly illustrates the idea of complete disappearance or lack of response. This phrase is often employed to express the frustration of receiving no reply or feedback after making an effort, such as sending a letter or investing resources. Its earliest known usage is found in the Yuan dynasty play 《西厢记》 by Wang Shifu, where it metaphorically describes the absence of news or return. In modern contexts, it is used to convey situations where expectations remain unmet, emphasizing the futility of certain efforts.
Examples
English: "After sending out his application, he felt like his hopes had vanished without a trace."
Chinese: 他的申请就像石沉大海，再也没有消息。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about life philosophy
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 石沉大海 mean in English?
石沉大海 (shí chén dà hǎi) literally translates to “Stone sinks into the sea” and is used to express “Disappear without trace”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Life Philosophy category.
When is 石沉大海 used?
Situation: After sending out his application, he felt like his hopes had vanished without a trace.
What is the pinyin for 石沉大海?
The pinyin pronunciation for 石沉大海 is “shí chén dà hǎi”.