无中生有
无中生有 (wú zhōng shēng yǒu) literally means “create something from nothing” and expresses “fabricate; create from nothing”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving strategy and action. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
Also searched as: wu zhong sheng you, wu zhong sheng you,无中生有 meaning, 无中生有 in english
Fabricate; create from nothing
Pronunciation: wú zhōng shēng yǒu
Literal meaning: Create something from nothing
Origin & Usage
This idiom has dual origins. Philosophically, it derives from the Daoist concept in 'Tao Te Ching' that all things emerge from nothingness (无) to existence (有). Strategically, it appears in the 'Thirty-Six Stratagems' as a deceptive military tactic of creating threats or advantages from nothing. The phrase can describe both creative innovation and deceptive fabrication, depending on context. Modern usage often carries negative connotations of making false accusations or spreading rumors, though it can also describe genuine creativity or innovation.
Examples
English: "He fabricated the entire story out of thin air."
Chinese: 他无中生有，编造了整个故事。
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 无中生有 mean in English?
无中生有 (wú zhōng shēng yǒu) literally translates to “Create something from nothing” and is used to express “Fabricate; create from nothing”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Strategy & Action category.
When is 无中生有 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving fabricate; create from nothing.
What is the pinyin for 无中生有?
The pinyin pronunciation for 无中生有 is “wú zhōng shēng yǒu”.