📖 Meaning
Refers to a beautiful young woman from a humble or ordinary family background. The term emphasizes natural, unadorned beauty rather than noble or aristocratic refinement. It often carries a tone of gentle affection or admiration.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom originates from the 'Biyu Song' (碧玉歌) in the Yuefu Poetry Collection (《乐府诗集》), a compilation of folk songs and ballads from the Han to Tang dynasties. The poem tells of a girl named Biyu, a 'small-family daughter' (小家女), who felt unworthy to marry into a noble household. Moved by a man's sincere affection and sense of honor, she ultimately formed a deep, sworn bond with him. Over time, 'small-family Biyu' evolved into the set phrase '小家碧玉,' used to describe any lovely young woman of modest origins.
💡 Example Usage
她虽是小家碧玉，却气质不凡。
Though she is a modestly born beauty, her demeanor is extraordinary.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 小家碧玉
- Pinyin: xiǎo jiā bì yù
- Literal Translation: small, family, jade-green, jade
- Category: Quality
- Characters: 4