重于泰山 — “Of great significance”

Q: What is the Chinese definition of 重于泰山?

比泰山还要重。形容意义重大。

重于泰山 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “of great significance”. More important than Mount Tai, often describing the value of a noble cause or a life's contribution. Literally, “Heavier than Mount Tai”.

Frequency

重于泰山 Pronunciation and Pinyin

重于泰山 Character Breakdown

Stroke Order

Character	Pinyin	Strokes	Meaning
重	zhòng	9	heavy, important, repeat
于	yú	3	at, in, on, to, from
泰	tài	10	peaceful, prosperous, great
山	shān	3	mountain or hill

Example Sentence with 重于泰山

为保护珍稀物种而付出的努力，其意义重于泰山，值得我们永远铭记

The efforts made to protect endangered species are of paramount importance and should be remembered forever.

Origin and Story of 重于泰山

During the Western Han Dynasty, Sima Qian, the Grand Historian, continued to compile 'Records of the Grand Historian' (Shiji) to fulfill his father's dying wish.

Due to the Li Ling incident, he was subjected to brutal torture. Enduring immense pain, he finally completed the monumental historical work, 'Shiji,' in 91 BC.

In a letter to his friend, he discussed his understanding of death, stating: 'Though all men must die, some deaths are weightier than Mount Tai, while others are lighter than a goose feather.'