📖 Meaning
An idiom describing a woman of such extraordinary beauty that she could cause the downfall of an entire state or city. It is used to praise a woman's unparalleled, world-class beauty in a poetic and dramatic way.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from a poem by the Han dynasty scholar Li Yannian (李延年) presented to Emperor Wu of Han (汉武帝). The poem reads: "北方有佳人，绝世而独立。一顾倾人城，再顾倾人国。" (In the north there is a lovely one, unique in the world. One glance overthrows a city, a second glance overthrows a state.) The emperor was so moved that he asked to meet this beauty, and Li Yannian introduced his sister, Lady Li (李夫人), who became one of the emperor's favorite consorts.
💡 Example Usage
她倾国倾城的容貌让在场的所有人都为之倾倒。
Her devastatingly beautiful appearance left everyone present completely captivated.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 倾国倾城
- Pinyin: qīng guó qīng chéng
- Literal Translation: overturn, state, overturn, city
- Category: Quality
- Characters: 4