出口成章

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: chū kǒu chéng zhāng
• English Translation: Words flow like a polished essay (eloquent and articulate)
• Idiom Composition: 「出」（To come out or issue forth）＋「口」（The mouth）＋「成」（To become or form into）＋「章」（An essay, article, or literary composition）
• Meaning: To speak so eloquently and logically that one's spontaneous words are as refined as a written composition. It describes someone with exceptional literary talent and a quick, articulate mind.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「出口成章」 contains the following nuances:

• Improvisation and Quality: The idiom emphasizes that even without preparation, the speaker's content is logical and beautiful, as if it had been carefully edited and written down.
• Proof of High Literacy: It suggests more than just being 'talkative'; it implies a rich vocabulary and a deep foundation in literature and scholarship.

3. Usage

「出口成章」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Praising Talent: Used to compliment writers, scholars, or orators who possess extraordinary verbal skills.
  • Example:「那位教授博学多才，讲起课来出口成章，学生们都听得入迷。」
    （That professor is so knowledgeable and talented that when he lectures, his words flow like a polished essay, leaving the students completely captivated.）
• Childhood Development: Used when a child's vocabulary and literacy skills have improved to the point of sounding like an educated adult.
  • Example:「经过大量的阅读训练，这孩子现在已经能出口成章了。」
    （After extensive reading practice, this child is now able to speak with remarkable eloquence.）

Additional Examples:

1. 他虽然年纪轻轻，但谈吐不凡，出口成章，令人刮目相看。
   （Although he is young, his manner of speaking is extraordinary and highly articulate, making everyone see him in a new light.）
2. 要想做到出口成章，平时必须多读书，多积累知识。
   （To be able to speak with such literary grace, one must read extensively and accumulate knowledge daily.）
3. 在这场辩论赛中，选手们个个思维敏捷，出口成章。
   （In this debate competition, every contestant was quick-witted and spoke with effortless eloquence.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• The phrase originates from the Book of Songs (诗经), specifically the line '出言有章' (chū yán yǒu zhāng), meaning 'to speak with structure and order.'
• In ancient China, the ability for one's spoken words to immediately form a literary composition (章 - zhāng) was considered the pinnacle of achievement for officials and intellectuals.
• Legend of Cao Zhi (曹植): During the Three Kingdoms (三国) period, the famous poet Cao Zhi (曹植) was known for his 'Seven Steps Verse' (七步诗), where he composed a perfect poem while walking only seven steps. This idiom is often used to describe such legendary improvisational talent.
• Modern Nuance: While very positive, it is distinct from simply being 'fast-talking' (口若悬河 - kǒu ruò xuán hé). 出口成章 (chū kǒu chéng zhāng) specifically highlights the intellectual depth and literary quality of the speech.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 下笔成章 (xià bǐ chéng zhāng): To finish an essay as soon as the pen touches paper; describes someone who writes quickly and skillfully.
  • 对答如流 (duì dá rú liú): To answer questions as fluently as flowing water.
  • 才华横溢 (cái huá héng yì): Having outstanding talent and brilliance.link
  • 信手拈来 (xìn shǒu niān lái): To do something with ease and without much thought.link
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 语无伦次 (yǔ wú lún cì): To speak incoherently or in a jumbled, illogical order.
  • 不知所云 (bù zhī suǒ yún): To not know what someone is talking about; used when speech is vague or nonsensical.
  • 目不识丁 (mù bù shí dīng): Unable to read or write, illiterate.link
  • 不学无术 (bù xué wú shù): Having neither learning nor skill.link

6. Summary

出口成章 (chū kǒu chéng zhāng) is a high compliment used to describe someone whose spontaneous speech is as structured and beautiful as a polished essay. It implies not just talkativeness, but a deep level of education and the ability to express complex ideas with grace and logic. It is often used to praise scholars, public speakers, or children who demonstrate advanced language skills.