披发左衽 — “Disheveled hair and left-opening lapels”
披发左衽 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to have disheveled hair and wear clothes with lapels opening to the left, historically referring to the customs of non-Han peoples; often used to describe a state of cultural disruption or adoption of foreign ways”. Literally, “Disheveled hair and left-opening lapels”.
披发左衽 Pronunciation and Pinyin
披发左衽 Character Breakdown
Stroke OrderExample Sentence with 披发左衽
Origin and Story of 披发左衽
During the Spring and Autumn period, Confucius led his disciples on journeys through various states. While residing in the state of Chen, waiting for an official appointment, King Fuchai of Wu, after conquering the state of Yue, grew powerful.
He seized the opportunity to attack Chen with his soldiers, who were described as having disheveled hair and left-opening lapels. The ruler of Chen fled overnight.
Confucius, however, still intended to preside over a sacrificial ceremony as planned. His disciples had to forcibly pull him onto a chariot, escaping Chen and heading towards the state of Cai.
Idioms Related to 披发左衽
More idioms starting with 披
- pī披yún云jiàn见rì日find clarity after overcoming difficulties
- pī披yún云wù雾dǔ睹qīng青tiān天break through darkness to see light
- pī披fà发rù入shān山retreat from society to live in seclusion
- pī披fā发yīng缨guàn冠rush to aid without proper dress
- pī披gǔ古tōng通jīn今profoundly knowledgeable about history
- pī披jiān坚zhí执ruì锐clad in armor and armed for battle
- pī披tóu头sàn散fà发with dishevelled hair
- pī披tóu头gài盖nǎo脑fiercely overwhelming blows or criticism
- pī披tóu头xiǎn跣zú足disheveled hair and bare feet
- pī披xīn心lì沥xuè血exert utmost sincerity and dedication
- pī披xīn心xiāng相fù付open one's heart and trust completely
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Open the tool →Questions about 披发左衽
What does 披发左衽 mean?
披发左衽 (pī fà zuǒ rèn) is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to have disheveled hair and wear clothes with lapels opening to the left, historically referring to the customs of non-Han peoples; often used to describe a state of cultural disruption or adoption of foreign ways”.
How do you pronounce 披发左衽?
披发左衽 is pronounced pī fà zuǒ rèn in Mandarin Chinese.
What does 披发左衽 literally mean?
Literally, 披发左衽 means “Disheveled hair and left-opening lapels”. It is used to mean “to have disheveled hair and wear clothes with lapels opening to the left, historically referring to the customs of non-Han peoples; often used to describe a state of cultural disruption or adoption of foreign ways”.
Where does 披发左衽 come from?
披发左衽 comes from a classical Chinese story dating back to ancient China. The full story is on this page.
What is the Chinese definition of 披发左衽?
左衽：衣襟向左掩。披头散发，衣襟左开，借指异族入侵为主。