📖 Meaning
Describes something, usually gratitude, love, or a painful experience, that is so deeply felt it seems carved into one's very bones and engraved upon one's heart. It conveys an impression or memory that can never be forgotten.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom has roots in classical literature. The component 铭心 appears in Tang dynasty poetry, such as in Li Bai's work, meaning words engraved on the heart. The fuller pairing 刻骨 with 铭心 developed over centuries of literary usage, appearing in various Song and Ming dynasty texts to describe unforgettable feelings, especially deep gratitude or sorrow.
💡 Example Usage
那份恩情让我刻骨铭心，一辈子都不会忘记。
That kindness left an indelible mark on me—I will never forget it as long as I live.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 刻骨铭心
- Pinyin: kè gǔ míng xīn
- Literal Translation: carve, bone, engrave, heart
- Category: Emotion
- Characters: 4