📖 Meaning
A meritorious minister who founded a nation or dynasty. It refers to those who made outstanding contributions to the establishment of a new country or ruling dynasty.
📜 Origin Story
This phrase originates from Wu Han's biography 'Zhu Yuanzhang' (朱元璋传). After Zhu Yuanzhang became the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, the generals from Huainan West (淮西) and the staff members of his military headquarters were all regarded as founding meritorious ministers (开国功臣). These officials helped Zhu Yuanzhang rise from a peasant rebel to emperor of the Ming Dynasty.
💡 Example Usage
这位老将军是当之无愧的开国功臣，深受全国人民敬仰。
This old general is a well-deserved founding meritorious minister, deeply respected by people across the nation.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 开国功臣
- Pinyin: kāi guó gōng chén
- Literal Translation: open, country, merit, minister
- Category: Leadership
- Characters: 4