📖 Meaning
This idiom describes a person whose talent and boldness of spirit surpass those of ordinary people. It praises someone with extraordinary ability and commanding presence who stands out among their peers.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the 'Records of the Grand Historian' (史记), in the 'Annals of Xiang Yu' written by Sima Qian during the Han dynasty. It describes Xiang Yu, the famous warlord and rival of Liu Bang, who was said to be over eight feet tall, strong enough to lift a bronze cauldron, and whose talent and spirit surpassed all others. Even the young men of Wu were already in awe of him. The passage highlights Xiang Yu's exceptional abilities from an early age.
💡 Example Usage
这位年轻的将军才气过人，深得将士们的敬重。
This young general, whose talent and spirit surpass all others, earned the deep respect of his soldiers.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 才气过人
- Pinyin: cái qì guò rén
- Literal Translation: talent, spirit, surpass, people
- Category: Quality
- Characters: 4