📖 Meaning
A rare and extraordinarily precious treasure seldom found in the world. It is used to describe objects, talents, or works of art of exceptional value that are extremely uncommon and hard to obtain.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from a letter recorded in 《魏略》(Brief Account of Wei), in which Cao Pi (曹丕), the founder of the Wei state during the Three Kingdoms period, wrote to his minister Zhong Yao (钟繇). In the letter Cao Pi modestly describes himself as someone with 'ignorant and uncultivated qualities' yet fortunate enough to behold such a rare treasure of the world. The expression has since become a classical way to praise objects or talents of matchless rarity and worth.
💡 Example Usage
这件商代青铜器堪称希世之宝，价值连城。
This Shang Dynasty bronze vessel is truly a rare treasure of the world, priceless beyond measure.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 希世之宝
- Pinyin: xī shì zhī bǎo
- Literal Translation: rare, world, of, treasure
- Category: Quality
- Characters: 4