📖 Meaning
A metaphor for an outstandingly talented person. It draws on the imagery of a dragon's magnificent plumage and a young phoenix, together symbolizing exceptional ability and brilliant potential.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom draws on two of the most revered symbols in Chinese culture: the dragon and the phoenix. The character 翰 originally referred to the long, striking feathers of a pheasant, later extended to denote literary brilliance and soaring talent, while 雏 means a young phoenix, representing precocious genius with great promise ahead. Combining the two images, the phrase vividly praises a person of extraordinary gifts. It has no single definitive textual source but follows the long classical tradition of using dragon-and-phoenix imagery to celebrate exceptional individuals.
💡 Example Usage
这位少年才学过人，堪称龙翰凤雏。
This young man's learning is outstanding; he may truly be called a dragon's wing and a phoenix's chick.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 龙翰凤雏
- Pinyin: lóng hàn fèng chú
- Literal Translation: dragon, wing, phoenix, chick
- Category: Quality
- Characters: 4