五体投地
五体投地 (wǔ tǐ tóu dì) literally means “five parts cast to ground” and expresses “extreme admiration”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving relationships and character.
Also searched as: wu ti tou di, wu ti tou di,五体投地 meaning, 五体投地 in english
Extreme admiration
Pronunciation: wǔ tǐ tóu dì Literal meaning: Five parts cast to ground
Origin & Usage
The idiom 五体投地 (wǔ tǐ tóu dì) originates from ancient Indian Buddhist practices, where it was considered the highest form of reverence. This ceremonial gesture involved prostrating oneself by touching the ground with five parts of the body: both hands, both knees, and the head. It was first documented in the Chinese text 《大唐西域记》 (Great Tang Records on the Western Regions) by the monk Xuanzang, who described it as a gesture of utmost respect towards Buddhist relics and esteemed monks. The characters 五 (wǔ) mean 'five', 体 (tǐ) means 'body', 投 (tóu) means 'to cast', and 地 (dì) means 'ground'. In modern usage, the idiom has evolved to express extreme admiration or respect for someone or something, often used in a hyperbolic sense.
Examples
English: "He was so impressed by her talent that he felt utterly humbled."
Chinese: 他对她的才华感到五体投地，完全被震撼了。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about relationships & character
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 五体投地 mean in English?
五体投地 (wǔ tǐ tóu dì) literally translates to “Five parts cast to ground” and is used to express “Extreme admiration”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 五体投地 used?
Situation: He was so impressed by her talent that he felt utterly humbled.
What is the pinyin for 五体投地?
The pinyin pronunciation for 五体投地 is “wǔ tǐ tóu dì”.