望穿秋水
望穿秋水 (wàng chuān qiū shuǐ) literally means “gazing through autumn waters” and expresses “to eagerly await someone or something”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving relationships and character. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
Also searched as: wang chuan qiu shui, wang chuan qiu shui,望穿秋水 meaning, 望穿秋水 in english
To eagerly await someone or something
Pronunciation: wàng chuān qiū shuǐ Literal meaning: Gazing through autumn waters
Origin & Usage
This idiom originates from Tang Dynasty poetry, where 'autumn waters' (秋水) was a literary metaphor for bright, clear eyes. The phrase describes looking so intently and longingly that one's gaze seems to pierce through clear autumn waters. It gained prominence through the works of poet Wang Bo and later appeared in the famous Yuan Dynasty drama 'The West Chamber' (西厢记). The idiom captures the intensity of longing and anticipation, particularly in romantic contexts. In modern usage, it describes eagerly awaiting someone's arrival or news, conveying deep emotional attachment and patient hope.
When to Use
Situation: She waited at the station, gazing through autumn waters for his return.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 望穿秋水 mean in English?
望穿秋水 (wàng chuān qiū shuǐ) literally translates to “Gazing through autumn waters” and is used to express “To eagerly await someone or something”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 望穿秋水 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving to eagerly await someone or something.
What is the pinyin for 望穿秋水?
The pinyin pronunciation for 望穿秋水 is “wàng chuān qiū shuǐ”.