📖 Meaning
Day after day, one day following another. It describes the prolonged or monotonous passage of time, often implying that time slips away with little change. It can also convey a sense of quiet persistence or the weight of routine.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the 'Book of Later Han' (《后汉书》), in the 'Annals of Emperor Guangwu' (《光武帝纪》). Emperor Guangwu, or Liu Xiu, was the founder of the Eastern Han Dynasty who reunified China after the chaos of Wang Mang's usurpation. Reflecting on the heavy burden of ruling the empire, he once said he constantly feared he was not up to the task. He remarked that as days passed one after another, he dared not look forward to what might happen ten years later. The phrase captures both the weight of imperial responsibility and the relentless passage of time.
💡 Example Usage
日复一日的练习让他技艺日益精进。
Day after day of practice gradually refined his skills.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 日复一日
- Pinyin: rì fù yī rì
- Literal Translation: day, again, one, day
- Category: Lifestyle
- Characters: 4