📖 Meaning
This idiom describes hospitably and sincerely entertaining guests by preparing a hearty meal. It originates from the act of killing a chicken and cooking millet to serve visitors, symbolizing warm and generous hospitality. It is used to convey earnest and wholehearted treatment of guests.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the Analects (论语·微子), a text compiled during the Spring and Autumn period. In the passage, Zilu (子路), a disciple of Confucius, encountered an old man carrying a basket on his back while traveling. The old man's household killed a chicken and prepared millet to feed Zilu, demonstrating warm and sincere hospitality toward a stranger. Over the centuries, the phrase evolved into a literary metaphor for generously entertaining guests with heartfelt devotion.
💡 Example Usage
老友远道而来，他杀鸡为黍，盛情款待。
When his old friend arrived from afar, he killed a chicken and prepared millet, entertaining him with great warmth.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 杀鸡为黍
- Pinyin: shā jī wéi shǔ
- Literal Translation: kill chicken, prepare millet
- Category: Action
- Characters: 4