📖 Meaning
It describes a large compound with many houses enclosed by high walls, traditionally belonging to a wealthy, noble, or powerful family. The phrase conveys both the physical depth and grandeur of the residence and the social standing of its occupants. It is often used to evoke a life of seclusion, prosperity, and privilege.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom comes from Act 2 of 'Jiu Fengchen' (Saving the Wind and Dust), a play by the celebrated Yuan dynasty dramatist Guan Hanqing. In the original line, the characters speak of those who seek to force their way into grand walled compounds, and would sooner tear down pavilions and towers. The words evoke the imposing, enclosed estates of rich and influential families in traditional China. Over time the expression came to describe any large, walled residential compound associated with a prosperous household.
💡 Example Usage
他出生在深宅大院，从小便不知民间疾苦。
Born in a grand walled compound, he knew nothing of the hardships of ordinary people from childhood.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 深宅大院
- Pinyin: shēn zhái dà yuàn
- Literal Translation: deep, residence, large, courtyard
- Category: Status
- Characters: 4