📖 Meaning
To attract wealth and invite treasure into one's home or business. It is a traditional Chinese expression of good fortune, commonly used during New Year celebrations, business openings, and festive occasions to wish for prosperity. The phrase conveys the hope of growing rich through the inflow of money and valuables.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom traces back to the Yuan dynasty play 'Jiang Sang Shen' (降桑椹) by the playwright Liu Tangqing (刘唐卿). In its second act, the line reads: 'May wealth be beckoned and treasure brought in, bringing fine auspiciousness; may the whole family live in safety without worry.' The expression reflects the deep-rooted Chinese desire for both material prosperity and familial well-being. Over centuries it evolved into a standard blessing used on couplets, paper cuttings, and ornaments during the Spring Festival.
💡 Example Usage
春节时家家户户贴上招财进宝的春联，期盼来年生意兴隆、日子红火。
During the Spring Festival, every household puts up couplets wishing for wealth and treasure, hoping the coming year brings booming business and a prosperous life.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 招财进宝
- Pinyin: zhāo cái jìn bǎo
- Literal Translation: beckon wealth, bring in, treasure
- Category: Success
- Characters: 4