📖 Meaning
One's good name and reputation are passed down through the ages forever. The 'fragrance' is a metaphor for a virtuous reputation that endures long after one's death.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the Yuan dynasty zaju play 'The Orphan of Zhao' (赵氏孤儿) by the playwright Ji Junxiang. In the second act, a character declares that if one preserves the Zhao orphan, one's name will be inscribed in the historical records and leave a fragrant reputation for ten thousand ages. The play dramatizes the legendary story of loyalty and sacrifice surrounding the survival of the Zhao clan's sole heir during the Spring and Autumn period.
💡 Example Usage
他的英勇事迹万古留芳，被后人世代传颂。
His heroic deeds left a fragrant name for all eternity, and have been praised by later generations.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 万古留芳
- Pinyin: wàn gǔ liú fāng
- Literal Translation: ten thousand ages, leave, fragrance
- Category: Morality
- Characters: 4