📖 Meaning
A respectful way to refer to a few gentlemen or worthies present. It is a learned variant of 二三子, used to address or describe a small group of virtuous, accomplished men. Often carries a tone of esteem when appealing to their conscience or shared purpose.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase traces to the Zuo Zhuan (《左传·僖公二十四年》), where the Duke of Jin remarks that Heaven, not men, established his rule, rebuking those who claimed the credit for themselves. The term gained fuller shape in the Han dynasty, in the Biography of King Yuan of Chu in the Book of Han (《汉书·楚元王传》), where an imperial edict calls on worthy ministers to unite their will and strength to support the weak and revive neglected learning. Over time it became a stock expression for esteemed colleagues or worthies.
💡 Example Usage
此事尚望二三君子鼎力相助，共成善举。
For this matter I still hope you few gentlemen will lend your strength and help bring the good deed to completion.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 二三君子
- Pinyin: èr sān jūn zǐ
- Literal Translation: two, three, gentlemen
- Category: Status
- Characters: 4