📖 Meaning
A metaphor drawn from wild geese leaving behind their calls as they fly past. It signifies that a person should leave a good reputation or lasting mark in the world after passing through life. Often paired with 人过留名 to emphasize the importance of legacy.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the Yuan dynasty drama 'Han Gong Qiu' (Autumn in the Han Palace) by the playwright Ma Zhiyuan. In the fourth act, the character Emperor Yuan of Han laments the desolate twilight scenery and the sorrow of border separation, contrasting it with the notion that even passing geese leave their sound behind. The expression evolved into a common metaphor for leaving one's name or reputation after death or departure.
💡 Example Usage
老先生一生致力于乡村教育，真正做到了雁过留声。
The old gentleman devoted his life to rural education, truly leaving a lasting legacy behind.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 雁过留声
- Pinyin: yàn guò liú shēng
- Literal Translation: geese, pass, leave, sound
- Category: Status
- Characters: 4