📖 Meaning
This idiom describes extreme toil, suffering, and hardship. The exaggerated numbers 'hundred million' and 'ten thousand' emphasize that the suffering is beyond measure. It is used to convey that someone has endured tremendous difficulties in accomplishing something.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the essay '大哀篇' (Essay on Great Sorrow) by Li Dazhao, one of the co-founders of the Chinese Communist Party, written during the early Republic of China period (early 20th century). In the essay, Li Dazhao discusses the responsibilities of those who govern, arguing that since the people place their trust and shelter under their leadership, those in power ought to bear the corresponding duties. He uses the phrase to say that no matter how immense the hardship, there is no room for excuses. The essay reflects Li Dazhao's deep concern for the suffering of ordinary people.
💡 Example Usage
父母亿辛万苦将我们养大成人，我们理应好好报答他们。
Our parents endured untold hardships to raise us, so we ought to repay them properly.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 亿辛万苦
- Pinyin: yì xīn wàn kǔ
- Literal Translation: hundred million bitter, ten thousand hardship
- Category: Perseverance
- Characters: 4