异军突起
*The explanations on this page are generated by AI. Please note that they may contain inaccurate information.
1. Basic Information
- Pinyin: yì jūn tū qǐ
- English Translation: A new force suddenly rising (to emerge as a dark horse)
- Idiom Composition: 「异」(Different or new (referring to a force outside the established mainstream))
+ 「军」(Army or a collective force/group) + 「突」(Suddenly or abruptly) + 「起」(To rise, emerge, or gain prominence) - Meaning: The sudden emergence of a new force, faction, or group that gains power or prominence rapidly. It is typically used as a complimentary term to describe an unexpected success or the rise of a 'dark horse' in a competitive field.
2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances
「异军突起」 contains the following nuances:
- The Meaning of 'Different Army': The term refers to a group distinct from the existing mainstream powers, signifying a 'new force' or 'emerging group' that brings fresh energy.
- Suddenness of the Rise: Unlike a slow, gradual progression, this idiom emphasizes a speed and impact that catches observers by surprise.
- Positive Connotation: In modern usage, it is almost always a positive evaluation, praising the vitality, innovation, or unexpected strength of the newcomer.
3. Usage
「异军突起」 is mainly used in the following contexts:
- Business & Market Competition: Frequently used when a startup or a new brand gains significant market share in a short period, drawing industry-wide attention.
- Example:「这家科技公司凭借创新技术,在竞争激烈的市场上异军突起。」
(This tech company emerged as a new force in the highly competitive market thanks to its innovative technology.)
- Example:「这家科技公司凭借创新技术,在竞争激烈的市场上异军突起。」
- Sports & Competitions: Refers to an unknown team or athlete who defies expectations to win or advance, acting as a 'dark horse'.
- Example:「在这次锦标赛中,一支年轻的队伍异军突起,击败了多名老将。」
(In this tournament, a young team suddenly rose to prominence, defeating many veteran players.)
- Example:「在这次锦标赛中,一支年轻的队伍异军突起,击败了多名老将。」
- Culture & Trends: Describes the sudden popularity of a new artistic style, literary school, or social trend.
- Example:「近年来,这种独特的绘画风格在艺术界异军突起。」
(In recent years, this unique painting style has suddenly gained popularity in the art world.)
- Example:「近年来,这种独特的绘画风格在艺术界异军突起。」
Additional Examples:
- 谁也没想到,那个默默无闻的小品牌竟然异军突起,成为了行业黑马。
(No one expected that obscure small brand to suddenly rise and become the industry's dark horse.) - 随着短视频的流行,许多草根网红异军突起。
(With the popularity of short videos, many grassroots influencers have emerged as a new force.) - 在众多竞争对手中,他们靠着优质的服务异军突起。
(Among many competitors, they stood out through their high-quality service.) - 电动汽车行业异军突起,正在改变传统的汽车市场格局。
(The electric vehicle industry has risen rapidly, changing the traditional automotive market landscape.) - 这支乐队以其独特的曲风异军突起,迅速拥有了大量粉丝。
(This band shot to fame with its unique musical style, quickly gaining a large fan base.)
4. Cultural Background and Notes
- Origin: This idiom comes from the Records of the Grand Historian (史记), specifically the 'Annals of Xiang Yu' (项羽本纪). During the uprisings against the Qin Dynasty (秦朝), a leader named Chen Ying (陈婴) was encouraged to lead a distinct group known as the 'Cangtou Army' (苍头军). The text described them as 异军苍头特起 (yì jūn cāng tóu tè qǐ), meaning a 'different army' that rose up uniquely.
- Modern Adaptation: While it originally described a literal military uprising, it has evolved to describe 'new waves' in business, technology, and pop culture. It is the standard Chinese way to describe a 'disruptor' or a 'rising star' that changes the status quo.
5. Similar and Opposite Idioms
- Similar Idioms:
- 独树一帜 (dú shù yī zhì): To fly one's own colors; to develop a unique style or school of thought.
- 脱颖而出 (tuō yǐng ér chū): To stand out from the crowd; talent revealing itself like an awl poking through a bag.link
- 风生水起 (fēng shēng shuǐ qǐ): To be prosperous and successful.link
- Opposite Idioms:
- 全军覆没 (quán jūn fù mò): The entire army being wiped out; a complete and total failure.
- 日薄西山 (rì bó xī shān): The sun setting over the western hills; a power or influence that is declining and nearing its end.
- 销声匿迹 (xiāo shēng nì jì): To disappear without a trace, to vanish from public view.link
- 江河日下 (jiāng hé rì xià): Things are getting worse day by day.link
6. Summary
异军突起 (yì jūn tū qǐ) describes the sudden and rapid rise of a new power, such as a startup disrupting a market or an underdog team winning a championship. It captures the dramatic appearance of a 'new star' or 'dark horse' that catches the established players by surprise.
