How do you pronounce 如坐针毡?

如坐针毡 is pronounced rú zuò zhēn zhān in Mandarin Chinese.

What does 如坐针毡 literally mean?

Literally, 如坐针毡 means “as if sitting on a felt mat with needles”. It is used to mean “to be in a state of extreme uneasiness, agitation, or restless anxiety”.

Where does 如坐针毡 come from?

如坐针毡 comes from a classical Chinese story dating back to ancient China. The full story is on this page.

What is the Chinese definition of 如坐针毡?

象坐在插着针的毡子上。形容心神不定，坐立不安。

如坐针毡 — “To be in a state of extreme uneasiness, agitation, or restless anxiety”

如坐针毡 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to be in a state of extreme uneasiness, agitation, or restless anxiety”. To be on tenterhooks or on pins and needles. Literally, “As if sitting on a felt mat with needles”.

Frequency

如坐针毡 Pronunciation and Pinyin

如rú
坐zuò
针zhēn
毡zhān

如坐针毡 Character Breakdown

Character	Pinyin	Strokes	Meaning
如	rú	6	like, as, if
坐	zuò	7	sit, ride, or be located
针	zhēn	7	needle
毡	zhān	9	felt fabric

Example Sentence with 如坐针毡

等待面试结果时，他感到如坐针毡，内心非常不安。

While waiting for the interview results, he felt as if he were sitting on pins and needles, very uneasy internally.

Origin and Story of 如坐针毡

During the Western Jin Dynasty, there lived a scholar named Du Xi. He was highly learned and possessed an exceptionally upright character. After becoming an attendant to the crown prince, he repeatedly offered advice to Prince Minhuai, who was the son of Emperor Hui of Jin.

However, Prince Minhuai not only disregarded Du Xi's counsel but also held a deep resentment towards him.

One day, the prince intentionally placed needles inside the felt cushion where Du Xi was accustomed to sitting. Unaware of the prank, Du Xi sat down and was pricked, causing his buttocks to bleed profusely.

The following day, the prince deliberately questioned Du Xi, asking, 'What happened to you yesterday?' Du Xi found it difficult to disclose the truth and could only reply, 'I got drunk yesterday and don't remember what I did.' The prince then retorted, 'You enjoy criticizing others, so why did you also make a mistake yourself?'

Idioms Related to 如坐针毡

Synonyms of 如坐针毡

Antonyms of 如坐针毡

More idioms starting with 如

Questions about 如坐针毡

What does 如坐针毡 mean?: 如坐针毡 (rú zuò zhēn zhān) is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to be in a state of extreme uneasiness, agitation, or restless anxiety”.
How do you pronounce 如坐针毡?: 如坐针毡 is pronounced rú zuò zhēn zhān in Mandarin Chinese.
What does 如坐针毡 literally mean?: Literally, 如坐针毡 means “as if sitting on a felt mat with needles”. It is used to mean “to be in a state of extreme uneasiness, agitation, or restless anxiety”.
Where does 如坐针毡 come from?: 如坐针毡 comes from a classical Chinese story dating back to ancient China. The full story is on this page.
What is the Chinese definition of 如坐针毡?: 象坐在插着针的毡子上。形容心神不定，坐立不安。

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