貂裘换酒 — “To exchange a valuable mink coat for wine”

貂裘换酒 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to exchange a valuable mink coat for wine”. Symbolizing a dissolute, unrestrained, and extravagant life of indulgence, often implying a disregard for valuable possessions. Literally, “mink coat for wine”.

Frequency

貂裘换酒 Pronunciation and Pinyin

貂裘换酒 Character Breakdown

Stroke Order

Character	Pinyin	Strokes	Meaning
貂	diāo	12	marten or sable
裘	qiú	13	fur coat
换	huàn	10	exchange, change, replace
酒	jiǔ	10	alcoholic beverage

Example Sentence with 貂裘换酒

他年轻时曾过着貂裘换酒、放浪形骸的生活，后来才幡然醒悟，重新振作。

In his youth, he led a life of exchanging mink coats for wine, indulging in unrestrained pleasures, before he finally came to his senses and pulled himself together.

Origin and Story of 貂裘换酒

During the Jin Dynasty, Ruan Fu, son of Ruan Xian (one of the famous "Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove"), was exceptionally fond of wine.

While serving as an officer (安东参军), he would spend his days drinking and indulging, often appearing muddled and neglecting his military duties.

The emperor then appointed him as the Chief Clerk to the General of Cavalry (车骑将军长史), hoping this higher position would curb his drinking. However, Ruan Fu became even more unrestrained in his indulgence, frequently found completely drunk.

He would sometimes even exchange his precious mink coat adorned with gold for wine.