📖 Meaning
The five internal organs feel as if they are on fire. It describes a state of extreme anxiety, anguish, or distress, as though one's insides are burning. Used to convey deep emotional torment and agitation.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the Qing dynasty novel '廿载繁华梦' (Twenty Years of Splendid Dreams) by Huang Xiaopai. In the thirty-third chapter, a character awaits news from his brother regarding the urgent matter of raising a million in funds to settle an affair. Having received no reply for several days, he writes that he is '五内如焚'—his insides burn with anxiety—vividly expressing his unbearable worry and impatience.
💡 Example Usage
儿子失踪三天，母亲五内如焚，四处寻找。
After her son had been missing for three days, the mother was consumed with anxiety, searching everywhere for him.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 五内如焚
- Pinyin: wǔ nèi rú fén
- Literal Translation: five, organs, like, burning
- Category: Emotion
- Characters: 4