废寝忘食

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: fèi qǐn wàng shí
• English Translation: Forgetting to eat and sleep (to be completely engrossed)
• Idiom Composition: 「废」（To discard or set aside (here, to give up sleep)）＋「寝」（Sleep or rest）＋「忘」（To forget）＋「食」（Food or eating）
• Meaning: To be so absorbed in a task that one neglects basic needs like eating and sleeping. It describes extreme dedication, diligence, or a state of intense concentration.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「废寝忘食」 contains the following nuances:

• Extreme Immersion: The idiom emphasizes a state of mind where mental focus is so intense that physiological needs like hunger and tiredness are temporarily ignored or forgotten.
• Diligence and Passion: It suggests more than just being busy; it implies a deep sense of responsibility, passion, or an investigative spirit toward the subject at hand.

3. Usage

「废寝忘食」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Academics, Research, and Work: The most common context, used to praise researchers, students, or professionals for their tireless dedication to a project or study.
  • Example:「为了攻克这个技术难关，研发团队废寝忘食地工作了整整一个月。」
    （To overcome this technical challenge, the R&D team worked day and night, forgetting to eat and sleep for an entire month.）
• Hobbies and Creative Pursuits: Describes being captivated by a game, book, or artistic creation. While it can sometimes imply a slight concern for the person's health, it is generally used to emphasize their level of enthusiasm.
  • Example:「他最近迷上了一款新游戏，简直到了废寝忘食的地步。」
    （He has recently become obsessed with a new game, to the point where he is completely engrossed, neglecting even food and sleep.）

Additional Examples:

1. 那段时间，他废寝忘食地复习，终于考上了理想的大学。
   （During that period, he studied tirelessly, forgetting to eat and sleep, and finally got into his dream university.）
2. 看着孩子废寝忘食地读那本小说，我不忍心打扰他。
   （Seeing my child so absorbed in that novel that he forgot to eat or sleep, I didn't have the heart to disturb him.）
3. 科学家们废寝忘食，只为早日研制出疫苗。
   （The scientists are working around the clock, neglecting food and rest, just to develop the vaccine as soon as possible.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• The idiom finds its roots in ancient texts such as the Book of Later Han (后汉书) and the Yan Family Instructions (颜氏家训). It has long been used to describe the sincere and serious attitude of scholars and officials toward their duties.
• In modern Chinese society, where diligence and hard work are highly valued, 废寝忘食 (fèi qǐn wàng shí) remains a very positive expression. While modern health awareness might warn against the dangers of overwork, this idiom is still primarily used to praise one's spirit and dedication rather than to criticize poor lifestyle habits.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 夜以继日 (yè yǐ jì rì): To continue the night into the day; to work day and night without stopping.link
  • 专心致志 (zhuān xīn zhì zhì): To devote oneself to something with singular focus and wholehearted purpose.
  • 兢兢业业 (jīng jīng yè yè): To be cautious and conscientious in one's work.link
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 饱食终日 (bǎo shí zhōng rì): To eat one's fill all day long while doing nothing useful; to be idle.
  • 无所事事 (wú suǒ shì shì): To have nothing to do; to idle away one's time without any purpose.link
  • 得过且过 (dé guò qiě guò): To muddle through, taking one day at a time without much thought for the future.link

6. Summary

废寝忘食 (fèi qǐn wàng shí) describes a state of being so deeply immersed in work, study, or a hobby that one forgets to eat or sleep. It is a high compliment for someone's diligence and passion, similar to the English concept of being "completely lost in one's work" or "burning the midnight oil," but with a specific focus on neglecting physical needs for the sake of a goal.