📖 Meaning
Extraordinary and exceptional talent and ability. It describes someone possessing rare gifts and outstanding capabilities that set them apart from ordinary people. Often used when seeking or praising individuals with remarkable skills.
📜 Origin Story
This phrase originates from the Tang dynasty text 'Zhenguan Zhengyao' (贞观政要), compiled by the historian Wu Jing, in the chapter on selecting officials. Emperor Taizong of Tang sought advice on finding men of exceptional ability to serve in government. A minister replied humbly that he dared not hold back his honest opinion, but lamented that he had not yet seen anyone possessing truly extraordinary talent. The phrase thus entered classical usage as a term for rare, outstanding capability.
💡 Example Usage
公司急需奇才异能之人来攻克这项技术难题。
The company urgently needs someone with extraordinary talent to solve this technical challenge.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 奇才异能
- Pinyin: qí cái yì néng
- Literal Translation: rare, talent, special, ability
- Category: Skill
- Characters: 4