乞骸骨 — “To request retirement”
乞骸骨 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to request retirement”. Especially for an official seeking to return to their hometown in old age or ill health, often implying a desire to pass away peacefully in one's native land. Literally, “beg for one's bones”.
乞骸骨 Pronunciation and Pinyin
乞骸骨 Character Breakdown
Stroke OrderExample Sentence with 乞骸骨
Origin and Story of 乞骸骨
During the Western Han Dynasty, Shu Guang, the Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, was advanced in years.
He petitioned the emperor to retire alongside his nephew, hoping that their aging bodies could eventually be laid to rest in their hometown. Their request was granted.
When they departed the capital, high officials and dignitaries gathered outside the city gates to bid them farewell. They were deeply respected by the people as 'Worthy Grand Tutors' for their wisdom in knowing when to be content, avoiding potential disgrace, and withdrawing from public life after successfully completing their duties.
Idioms Related to 乞骸骨
Synonyms of 乞骸骨
More idioms starting with 乞
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Open the tool →Questions about 乞骸骨
What does 乞骸骨 mean?
乞骸骨 (qǐ hái gǔ) is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to request retirement”.
How do you pronounce 乞骸骨?
乞骸骨 is pronounced qǐ hái gǔ in Mandarin Chinese.
What does 乞骸骨 literally mean?
Literally, 乞骸骨 means “beg for one's bones”. It is used to mean “to request retirement”.
Where does 乞骸骨 come from?
乞骸骨 comes from a classical Chinese story dating back to ancient China. The full story is on this page.
What is the Chinese definition of 乞骸骨?
乞：求，讨。古代官吏因年老请求退职