📖 Meaning
Literally 'Chang'e in the moon,' referring to the fairy Chang'e who, according to Chinese mythology, resides in the Moon Palace after stealing the elixir of immortality. It is used metaphorically to describe a woman of extraordinary beauty and graceful charm.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom derives from the myth of Chang'e, wife of the legendary archer Hou Yi. According to legend, Chang'e stole and consumed the elixir of immortality and ascended to the Moon Palace, where she has lived ever since as a celestial fairy. The phrase appears in Yuan dynasty anonymous drama 'Zhuan Kuai Tong' (《赚蒯通》), Act Three, in the line 'My sister is Chang'e in the moon.' Over time it became a poetic metaphor for a strikingly beautiful woman.
💡 Example Usage
她容貌出众，举止优雅，宛如月里嫦娥下凡一般。
With her outstanding looks and graceful bearing, she is like Chang'e descending from the moon.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 月里嫦娥
- Pinyin: yuè lǐ cháng é
- Literal Translation: moon, in, Chang'e
- Category: Quality
- Characters: 4