📖 Meaning
Describes a person full of spirit and vitality, with a glowing and radiant demeanor. It conveys the impression of abundant energy and healthy vibrance shining through one's expression and bearing.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from Ming dynasty scholar Shen Defu's work 'Wanli Yehuo Bian' (Unofficial Gleanings of the Wanli Era), in the section on calligraphy titled 'True Small-Script Traces of Jin and Tang.' It recounts that Han Zongbo owned a copy of the Cao E Stele attributed to Wang Xizhi (Youseen, 'Right General'). Though the silk had darkened and the ink appeared faded, upon long and careful inspection the brushwork's intent shone through beyond the silk, 'radiant with spirit' (神采奕然). The idiom thus originally praised the living vitality concealed within an aged masterpiece.
💡 Example Usage
他虽年过七旬，却依然神采奕然，步履矫健。
Though over seventy, he remains radiant with vitality and walks with a brisk, vigorous stride.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 神采奕然
- Pinyin: shén cǎi yì rán
- Literal Translation: spirit, appearance, abundant, thus
- Category: Condition
- Characters: 4