📖 Meaning
A good reputation that is passed down through countless generations. The idiom uses the metaphor of fragrance to represent a noble name and virtuous deeds that endure eternally. It describes someone whose honorable legacy is remembered and praised forever.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom draws on the classical Chinese metaphor of fragrance (芳) representing a good reputation, combined with ten thousand generations (万世) signifying eternity. The concept of a lasting honorable name pervades Chinese historical and literary traditions, where virtuous figures are praised for deeds that outlive them. Similar phrasing appears in various classical texts extolling the enduring legacy of sages and heroes. The idiom embodies the deeply held cultural value that moral character and noble achievements transcend time.
💡 Example Usage
这位民族英雄的壮举必将万世流芳。
The heroic deeds of this national hero will be remembered for all eternity.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 万世流芳
- Pinyin: wàn shì liú fāng
- Literal Translation: ten thousand, generations, flow, fragrant
- Category: Status
- Characters: 4