📖 Meaning
To be honest, practical, and steady in one's conduct while maintaining a genuine love for learning and study. The idiom praises someone whose character is solid and unpretentious, and who pursues knowledge with earnest dedication.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom appears in the History of the Northern Dynasties (《北史》), a historical work compiled by the Tang dynasty historian Li Yanshou. In the biography of Zhang Gun, a prominent official of the Northern Wei dynasty (386-534 AD), the text records: 'Gun was sincere, down-to-earth, and fond of learning, and had literary talent.' Zhang Gun served the Northern Wei court with distinction, and the phrase was used to commend his integrity and scholarly devotion. Later writers adopted the expression to describe anyone of genuine character who earnestly loves learning.
💡 Example Usage
他自幼笃实好学，深得师长们的喜爱与赞赏。
Since childhood he has been sincere and devoted to learning, winning the deep affection and praise of his teachers.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 笃实好学
- Pinyin: dǔ shí hào xué
- Literal Translation: sincere, down-to-earth, fond of, learning
- Category: Learning
- Characters: 4