📖 Meaning
"八百" signifies a great number, and "孤寒" refers to impoverished scholars. The idiom describes a large group of poor, struggling literati. It also metaphorically refers to destitute scholars who have lost the patron they relied upon.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom originates from Wang Dingbao's 'Tang Zhiyan' (《唐摭言》) of the Five Dynasties period. It tells of Li Deyu, a powerful chancellor of the Tang Dynasty who was known for promoting and sponsoring scholars from humble backgrounds. When Li Deyu was exiled to Yazhou (present-day Hainan), the many impoverished scholars he had helped were heartbroken. The original verse reads: 'Eight hundred poor scholars all shed tears, at once gazing south toward Li of Yazhou.' The phrase has since become a metaphor for helpless scholars mourning the loss of their patron.
💡 Example Usage
他一生资助寒门学子，去职之日，八百孤寒皆感泣不已。
He spent his life supporting scholars from humble families; on the day he left office, the multitude of impoverished scholars he had aided wept with gratitude.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 八百孤寒
- Pinyin: bā bǎi gū hán
- Literal Translation: eight hundred, orphaned, cold
- Category: Condition
- Characters: 4