有口皆碑
有口皆碑 (yǒu kǒu jiē bēi) literally means “every mouth is a monument” and expresses “universally praised”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving relationships and character.
Also searched as: you kou jie bei, you kou jie bei,有口皆碑 meaning, 有口皆碑 in english
Universally praised
Pronunciation: yǒu kǒu jiē bēi Literal meaning: Every mouth is a monument
Origin & Usage
The Song Buddhist compilation Wudeng Huiyuan has the line: do not trouble to carve the stubborn stone, for the mouths of travellers on the road are the tablet. Chinese practice was to record a good official's deeds on an inscribed stele; the argument here is that what people say about you unprompted does the same work and cannot be commissioned. Hence every mouth (有口皆) a monument (碑). Reputation that has clearly not been bought, which is precisely the kind worth having.
Examples
English: "His contributions to the community were recognized by all, earning him widespread acclaim."
Chinese: 他对社区的贡献得到了大家的认可，有口皆碑。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about relationships & character
草木皆兵
cǎo mù jiē bīng
Extreme paranoia sees threats everywhere
Learn more →
守口如瓶
shǒu kǒu rú píng
Keep secrets well
Learn more →
口是心非
kǒu shì xīn fēi
Words differ from thoughts
Learn more →
信口开河
xìn kǒu kāi hé
Talk irresponsibly; make things up
Learn more →
苦口婆心
kǔ kǒu pó xīn
Patient, sincere advice
Learn more →
心直口快
xīn zhí kǒu kuài
Frank and outspoken
Learn more →
言而有信
yán ér yǒu xìn
To be true to one's word
Learn more →
众口铄金
zhòng kǒu shuò jīn
Repeated by enough people, a falsehood passes for truth
Learn more →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 有口皆碑 mean in English?
有口皆碑 (yǒu kǒu jiē bēi) literally translates to “Every mouth is a monument” and is used to express “Universally praised”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 有口皆碑 used?
Situation: His contributions to the community were recognized by all, earning him widespread acclaim.
What is the pinyin for 有口皆碑?
The pinyin pronunciation for 有口皆碑 is “yǒu kǒu jiē bēi”.