呵壁问天 — “To lament one's unappreciated talent or misfortunes”
呵壁问天 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to lament one's unappreciated talent or misfortunes”. Often by expressing profound frustration or complaint, as if questioning the heavens about one's fate. Literally, “scold the wall and ask the sky”.
呵壁问天 Pronunciation and Pinyin
呵壁问天 Character Breakdown
Stroke OrderExample Sentence with 呵壁问天
Origin and Story of 呵壁问天
During the Warring States period, Qu Yuan departed from Yingdu, taking a solitary boat down the river on his journey home. He earnestly hoped to discuss state affairs with the King of Chu and implement legal reforms.
He arrived at a desolate wilderness, disembarked from his boat, and wandered through the mountains and marshes. Upon seeing the ancestral temple of the former kings, he was filled with profound emotion. Consequently, he faced a wall, vehemently rebuking it, and loudly questioned the heavens why he, a man of great talent, remained unappreciated.
Idioms Related to 呵壁问天
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Open the tool →Questions about 呵壁问天
What does 呵壁问天 mean?
呵壁问天 (hē bì wèn tiān) is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to lament one's unappreciated talent or misfortunes”.
How do you pronounce 呵壁问天?
呵壁问天 is pronounced hē bì wèn tiān in Mandarin Chinese.
What does 呵壁问天 literally mean?
Literally, 呵壁问天 means “scold the wall and ask the sky”. It is used to mean “to lament one's unappreciated talent or misfortunes”.
Where does 呵壁问天 come from?
呵壁问天 comes from a classical Chinese story dating back to ancient China. The full story is on this page.
What is the Chinese definition of 呵壁问天?
呵：大声呵斥；问天：向天发问。形容文人不得志而发牢骚。