📖 Meaning
A classical Chinese idiom referring to high-ranking, powerful, and prestigious government officials in feudal times. It describes individuals who held prominent positions in the imperial bureaucracy and commanded both authority and social influence. The term carries connotations of wealth, status, and visible public prominence.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom originates from the Book of Rites (《礼记·檀弓下》), a Confucian classic compiled during the Warring States period and later edited during the Han dynasty. In the passage, it is recorded that when the son of a feudal lord died, all senior officials of rank ('达官之长') were required to carry mourning staffs. This ritual distinction marked the elevated status of high officials and their special ceremonial privileges. Over time, the phrase evolved into the four-character idiom '达官显宦', cementing its usage to denote the uppermost echelon of the imperial bureaucracy.
💡 Example Usage
古代的达官显宦出行时总是前呼后拥，排场极大。
In ancient times, high-ranking officials always traveled with a large entourage in a grand display of status.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 达官显宦
- Pinyin: dá guān xiǎn huàn
- Literal Translation: prominent, official, illustrious, bureaucrat
- Category: Status
- Characters: 4