📖 Meaning
This idiom describes someone or something that is small, delicate, and cleverly cute in appearance. It is most commonly used to describe a person with a petite and lovely figure. The term conveys a sense of endearing charm and refined daintiness.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase traces back to the Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai, who in his work 'Jiangxia Xing' (《江夏行》) wrote fondly of a young woman's petite and charming figure. The word '玲珑' originally referred to the clarity and delicate craftsmanship of carved jade or stone, suggesting exquisite workmanship. Over time, the expression came to be used more broadly to describe anyone or anything small, delicate, and endearingly lovely. It has since become a common literary term in classical and modern Chinese writing.
💡 Example Usage
她身材娇小玲珑，穿上旗袍更显优雅动人。
With her petite and delicate figure, she looked even more graceful and charming in a qipao.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 娇小玲珑
- Pinyin: jiāo xiǎo líng lóng
- Literal Translation: delicate, small, exquisite, clever
- Category: Quality
- Characters: 4