📖 Meaning
To treat something with utmost seriousness and solemnity. It describes a person who approaches a matter with a grave, earnest, and careful attitude rather than being casual or dismissive.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the Qing dynasty novel 'Dream of the Red Chamber' (红楼梦) by Cao Xueqin, specifically in its fourth chapter. In the original context, a matter is treated with such gravity that a three-day waiting period is observed before proceeding with entry, underscoring the importance of solemn ceremony. Over time it became a common idiom for describing any action carried out with serious, deliberate care.
💡 Example Usage
他郑重其事地把那份合同读了两遍才签字。
He read the contract twice with great seriousness before signing it.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 郑重其事
- Pinyin: zhèng zhòng qí shì
- Literal Translation: solemn, serious, its, matter
- Category: Attitude
- Characters: 4