📖 Meaning
A general term for men of letters, scholars, and literary figures. It refers to educated people who engage in writing, poetry, calligraphy, and other cultural pursuits. The phrase carries a tone of refined, cultured intellectualism.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase appears in Qing dynasty literature, notably in Han Bangqing's 'The Sing-song Girls of Shanghai' (海上花列传), where it describes the old feudal culture's cultivated scholars and elegant gentlemen who ignored national affairs, spending their days drinking with courtesans and composing romantic verse. Over time it became a general designation for literary intellectuals. The term evokes the image of brush-wielding scholars gathering to compose poetry and discuss arts.
💡 Example Usage
古往今来的文人墨客，都喜欢在这片山水之间吟诗作赋。
Throughout the ages, men of letters have loved to compose poetry among these mountains and waters.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 文人墨客
- Pinyin: wén rén mò kè
- Literal Translation: literary, people, ink, guests
- Category: Status
- Characters: 4