📖 Meaning
Describes speech that is exceptionally eloquent and pleasing to the ear, as if precious jade and pearls were flowing from the speaker's mouth. It is used to praise someone's graceful, fluent, and captivating way of speaking.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom employs a classical Chinese metaphor in which jade and pearls—both rare, lustrous, and highly valued—stand for refined and beautiful speech. The verb 噀 refers to the legendary Daoist act of spitting water or wine from the mouth to conjure rain or perform miracles, while 喷 evokes the spraying forth of treasures. Combined, the imagery suggests that a person's words are as dazzling and precious as gemstones scattering from the lips. The phrase has been used in later literary works to depict orators, poets, and storytellers whose eloquence enchants their audience.
💡 Example Usage
这位老先生讲起故事来噀玉喷珠,听众们无不为之陶醉。
When the old gentleman tells his stories, his words flow like jade and pearls, and every listener is enchanted.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 噀玉喷珠
- Pinyin: xùn yù pēn zhū
- Literal Translation: spit jade, spray pearls
- Category: Communication
- Characters: 4