每天成语
background texture
< 惊心动魄众说纷纭 >

如火如荼

*The explanations on this page are generated by AI. Please note that they may contain inaccurate information.

1. Basic Information

  • Pinyin: rú huǒ rú tú
  • English Translation: Like a raging fire and white cogon flowers (in full swing)
  • Idiom Composition: 「如」（Like / as if (used for metaphor).）＋「火」（Fire (symbolizing the color red).）＋「如」（Like / as if (used for metaphor).）＋「荼」（White flowers of the cogon grass (symbolizing the color white).）
  • Meaning: Originally describing the magnificent and orderly appearance of an army (contrasting red and white uniforms), it now refers to large-scale activities or movements that are flourishing, intense, and carried out with great momentum.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「如火如荼」 contains the following nuances:

  • Momentum of Activity: This idiom refers to large-scale states involving many people and high spirits. It is rarely used for small-scale personal actions.
  • Visual Contrast (Original Meaning): The original meaning uses the vivid contrast between 红色 (hóng sè) 'red' (fire) and 白色 (bái sè) 'white' (cogon flowers) to express an overwhelming visual momentum.

3. Usage

「如火如荼」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

  • Projects and Construction: Used to describe construction, development, or projects progressing at a rapid and vigorous pace.
    • Example:「新机场的建设正如火如荼地进行，预计明年完工。」
      （The construction of the new airport is in full swing and is expected to be completed next year.）
  • Sports and Events: Indicates that a tournament, campaign, or event is currently at its peak of excitement and activity.
    • Example:「世界杯比赛正如火如荼，球迷们热情高涨。」
      （The World Cup matches are at their peak, and the fans' enthusiasm is soaring.）
  • Social Movements and Trends: Describes new trends or reform movements spreading through society with great momentum.
    • Example:「近年来，人工智能的研究在世界各地开展得如火如荼。」
      （In recent years, research into Artificial Intelligence has been flourishing all over the world.）

Additional Examples:

  1. 虽然外面烈日当空，但工人们依然干得如火如荼。
    （Despite the scorching sun, the workers are still working with great intensity.）
  2. 这场营销活动搞得如火如荼，吸引了大量消费者。
    （This marketing campaign was carried out on a grand scale and attracted a large number of consumers.）
  3. 随着春天的到来，植树造林活动在全国各地如火如荼地展开。
    （With the arrival of spring, tree-planting activities are spreading vigorously across the country.）
  4. 创业大潮如火如荼，许多年轻人投身其中。
    （The entrepreneurship boom is at its height, and many young people are diving into it.）
  5. 正如火如荼的选举活动让整个城市都沸腾了。
    （The election campaign, which is in full swing, has the whole city buzzing.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

  • Source: From the *Discourses of the States* (国语·吴语). It originates from a story where King Fuchai of Wu (吴王夫差) led his army; the left wing wore red armor and flags like 'fire' (火), and the right wing wore white armor and flags like '荼' (tú - cogon flowers), creating a disciplined and magnificent sight that intimidated the enemy.
  • Evolution: The meaning shifted from military discipline to any 'vibrant large-scale activity' such as construction sites, sports meets, or social movements.
  • About 荼 (tú): While 荼 (tú) can mean bitter herbs in other contexts, here it specifically refers to the white flowering head of cogon grass, used as a symbol of pure white.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

6. Summary

如火如荼 (rú huǒ rú tú) describes a state where a large-scale activity or project has reached its climax and is being carried out with intense energy. While it originally depicted the awe-inspiring sight of a disciplined army, modern usage typically applies it to construction, events, or social movements to describe them as being 'in full swing' or 'flourishing' in a positive sense.

'造句' Feature Usage Guide

造句练习📝

Try creating sentences using '如火如荼'!

0/50

每天成语 | 如火如荼