蒹葭玉树 — “A humble person relying on or clinging to a distinguished person”
蒹葭玉树 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “a humble person relying on or clinging to a distinguished person”. An unworthy individual associating with or seeking the patronage of a noble one, often implying an incongruous or unequal pairing. Literally, “Common reeds leaning against a jade tree”.
蒹葭玉树 Pronunciation and Pinyin
蒹葭玉树 Character Breakdown
Stroke OrderExample Sentence with 蒹葭玉树
Origin and Story of 蒹葭玉树
During the Three Kingdoms period, Xiahou Xuan, a Gentleman of the Yellow Gate, was exceptionally handsome and known as a 'jade man.' He held himself in high esteem and was quite arrogant.
Mao Zeng, a Cavalry Commandant and imperial son-in-law, was ugly and repulsive. Relying on the fact that his sister was the Empress, he often sought opportunities to get close to Xiahou Xuan. When they sat together, people called it 'common reeds leaning against a jade tree.'
Xiahou Xuan was extremely displeased, and Emperor Ming of Wei subsequently demoted him because of this incident.
Idioms Related to 蒹葭玉树
Synonyms of 蒹葭玉树
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Open the tool →Questions about 蒹葭玉树
What does 蒹葭玉树 mean?
蒹葭玉树 (jiān jiā yù shù) is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “a humble person relying on or clinging to a distinguished person”.
How do you pronounce 蒹葭玉树?
蒹葭玉树 is pronounced jiān jiā yù shù in Mandarin Chinese.
What does 蒹葭玉树 literally mean?
Literally, 蒹葭玉树 means “Common reeds leaning against a jade tree”. It is used to mean “a humble person relying on or clinging to a distinguished person”.
Where does 蒹葭玉树 come from?
蒹葭玉树 comes from a classical Chinese story dating back to ancient China. The full story is on this page.
What is the Chinese definition of 蒹葭玉树?
蒹葭：价值低微的水草，比喻微贱。表示地位低的人依附地位高的人