📖 Meaning
To never forget something even at every meal; to constantly keep something in mind. It describes being so deeply concerned about or devoted to something that one is reminded of it at every mealtime.
📜 Origin Story
From the 'Records of the Grand Historian' (史记), in the biography of Zhang Shizhi and Feng Tang. Emperor Wen of the Han Dynasty recounted that when he lived in the Dai region, his food supervisor Gao Qu often spoke to him about the worthy Zhao general Li Qi, who fought at Julu. The emperor said, 'Now every time I eat a meal, my thoughts have never failed to be at Julu.' This expression came to signify constant, unwavering remembrance of someone or something important.
💡 Example Usage
他每饭不忘师恩，时常写信问候恩师近况。
He never forgets his teacher's kindness, often writing letters to check on his mentor's wellbeing.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 每饭不忘
- Pinyin: měi fàn bù wàng
- Literal Translation: every, meal, not, forget
- Category: Perseverance
- Characters: 4