📖 Meaning
Originally a Buddhist term referring to the completion of religious activities such as chanting sutras or almsgiving. It is now used metaphorically to mean that an undertaking has been brought to a satisfactory and successful conclusion. It conveys a sense of full accomplishment with nothing left undone.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from a letter by Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty (隋炀帝), titled '入朝遣使参书', in which he wrote about Buddhist ceremonies at Mount Heng being brought to completion. In Buddhist tradition, '功德' refers to meritorious acts such as reciting scriptures and making offerings, while '圆满' means reaching perfection. Over time the expression extended beyond religious contexts to describe any event or project concluded with complete success.
💡 Example Usage
经过三年的筹备，这座新学校终于落成，可谓功德圆满。
After three years of preparation, the new school was finally completed—a truly successful conclusion.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 功德圆满
- Pinyin: gōng dé yuán mǎn
- Literal Translation: merit, virtue, round, complete
- Category: Success
- Characters: 4