洛阳纸贵(洛陽紙貴)
洛阳纸贵 (luò yáng zhǐ guì) literally means “luoyang paper expensive”and expresses “extraordinary popularity of intellectual work”.This idiom is used when describing situations involving success & perseverance.
Also searched as: luo yang zhi gui, luo yang zhi gui,洛阳纸贵 meaning, 洛阳纸贵 in english
Pronunciation: luò yáng zhǐ guì Literal meaning: Luoyang paper expensive
Origin & Usage
This idiom tells of how paper in Luoyang (洛阳) became expensive (纸贵) due to overwhelming demand for a single work. It originated from the Jin Dynasty, when Zuo Si's 'Biography of Lady Wei' became so popular that paper prices in the capital reportedly soared as everyone sought copies. The geographical reference was significant - Luoyang represented the height of cultural sophistication as an ancient capital. During the Tang period, it became the ultimate metaphor for literary success. Modern usage describes works or ideas generating exceptional public interest, particularly when intellectual contributions transition from elite appreciation to mainstream phenomenon.
When to Use
Situation: The professor's groundbreaking research publication created such demand that printing costs soared
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Related Chinese Idioms
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匠心独运
jiàng xīn dú yùn
Apply creative genius; show ingenuity
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独具匠心
dú jù jiàng xīn
Show great ingenuity; have original design
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别具一格
bié jù yī gé
Have unique style; be distinctive
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独树一帜
dú shù yī zhì
Be unique; have distinctive style
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dú zhàn áo tóu
Come first; win top honors
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出神入化
chū shén rù huà
Reach supernatural skill level
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功成名就
gōng chéng míng jiù
Achieve success and fame
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名利双收
míng lì shuāng shōu
Gain both fame and fortune
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 洛阳纸贵 mean in English?
洛阳纸贵 (luò yáng zhǐ guì) literally translates to “Luoyang paper expensive”and is used to express “Extraordinary popularity of intellectual work”. This Chinese idiom belongs to theSuccess & Perseverance category..
When is 洛阳纸贵 used?
Situation: The professor's groundbreaking research publication created such demand that printing costs soared
What is the pinyin for 洛阳纸贵?
The pinyin pronunciation for 洛阳纸贵 is “luò yáng zhǐ guì”.