首屈一指
首屈一指 (shǒu qū yī zhǐ) literally means “bend the thumb first” and expresses “foremost; top-ranked”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving success and perseverance.
Also searched as: shou qu yi zhi, shou qu yi zhi,首屈一指 meaning, 首屈一指 in english
Foremost; top-ranked
Pronunciation: shǒu qū yī zhǐ Literal meaning: Bend the thumb first
Origin & Usage
The idiom 首屈一指 (shǒu qū yī zhǐ) is commonly used in classical Chinese to denote being the best or foremost in a particular field. The phrase originates from the imagery of counting on one's fingers, where the thumb (首, first) is bent (屈, bend) first to represent the number one. This visual metaphor conveys the idea of being at the top or leading position. In modern usage, it is often applied to describe individuals, institutions, or entities that are considered the best in their category, such as a top-ranked university or an industry-leading company.
Examples
English: "In the world of technology, she is truly a leader, standing out above all others."
Chinese: 在科技界，她首屈一指，无人能及。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about success & perseverance
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 首屈一指 mean in English?
首屈一指 (shǒu qū yī zhǐ) literally translates to “Bend the thumb first” and is used to express “Foremost; top-ranked”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Success & Perseverance category.
When is 首屈一指 used?
Situation: In the world of technology, she is truly a leader, standing out above all others.
What is the pinyin for 首屈一指?
The pinyin pronunciation for 首屈一指 is “shǒu qū yī zhǐ”.