饱经沧桑(飽經滄桑)
饱经沧桑 (bǎo jīng cāng sāng) literally means “fully experience seas to mulberry fields”and expresses “weathered profound life transformations”.This idiom is used when describing situations involving life philosophy.
Also searched as: bao jing cang sang, bao jing cang sang,饱经沧桑 meaning, 饱经沧桑 in english
Pronunciation: bǎo jīng cāng sāng Literal meaning: Fully experience seas to mulberry fields
Origin & Usage
This idiom originated from Han Dynasty geographical observations before gaining metaphorical significance during the Three Kingdoms period. The metaphor of fully witnessing (饱经) seas turning to mulberry fields (沧桑) references ancient Chinese observations that landscapes transform completely over centuries as waters recede and agriculture advances. This ecological transformation was particularly powerful—these dramatic changes occurred beyond single human lifespans, making their observation metaphorical for experiencing multiple life-altering historical epochs. Unlike terms simply meaning 'experienced,' it specifically suggests witnessing profound historical transformations. Modern usage describes individuals or institutions that have endured extreme historical transformations, particularly when accumulated wisdom from witnessing dramatic cyclical changes creates resilience and philosophical perspective unavailable to those with narrower historical exposure.
When to Use
Situation: The elderly shopkeeper had witnessed the neighborhood transform through war, rebuilding, and modernization
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Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about life philosophy
千里迢迢
qiān lǐ tiáo tiáo
Travel a great distance
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民富国强
mín fù guó qiáng
Prosperous people and powerful nation
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国泰民安
guó tài mín ān
National peace and public security
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太平盛世
tài píng shèng shì
Golden age of peace and prosperity
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四海升平
sì hǎi shēng píng
Peace everywhere; universal harmony
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安土重迁
ān tǔ zhòng qiān
Prefer stability; reluctant to relocate
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故土难离
gù tǔ nán lí
Hard to leave one's homeland
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落叶归根
luò yè guī gēn
Return to one's roots; go back home
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 饱经沧桑 mean in English?
饱经沧桑 (bǎo jīng cāng sāng) literally translates to “Fully experience seas to mulberry fields”and is used to express “Weathered profound life transformations”. This Chinese idiom belongs to theLife Philosophy category..
When is 饱经沧桑 used?
Situation: The elderly shopkeeper had witnessed the neighborhood transform through war, rebuilding, and modernization
What is the pinyin for 饱经沧桑?
The pinyin pronunciation for 饱经沧桑 is “bǎo jīng cāng sāng”.