📖 Meaning
Refers to magnificent carriages drawn by fine, prized horses. The phrase describes elegant and luxurious conveyances used by the wealthy and noble. It conveys an image of opulence and high status.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from a Tang dynasty poem titled 'Chang'an Dao' (长安道) by the poet Wei Yingwu (韦应物). The original lines read '宝马横来下建章，香车却转避驰道' — precious horses came down from Jianzhang Palace while fragrant carriages turned away to avoid the imperial racing road. The lines depict the bustling, splendid traffic of the Tang capital Chang'an, where nobles and officials rode in magnificent carriages. Over time the phrase was condensed into the four-character idiom 宝马香车 to denote luxurious carriages and fine horses, and it came to symbolize wealth and aristocratic refinement.
💡 Example Usage
节庆之日，长安街头宝马香车往来不绝，尽显繁华。
On festival days, magnificent carriages drawn by fine horses streamed endlessly through the streets of Chang'an, a vivid display of the city's prosperity.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 宝马香车
- Pinyin: bǎo mǎ xiāng chē
- Literal Translation: precious horse, fragrant carriage
- Category: Status
- Characters: 4