每天成语
background texture
< 古往今来功成名就 >

文质彬彬

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

1. Basic Information

  • Pinyin: wén zhì bīn bīn
  • English Translation: Refined and gentle (a balance of substance and elegance)
  • Idiom Composition: 「文」（Refinement, outward cultivation, or literary grace.）＋「质」（Inner substance, character, or raw nature.）＋「彬彬」（A state of being well-balanced or perfectly blended.）
  • Meaning: Originally describing a perfect balance between one's inner substance (质) and outward refinement (文); in modern usage, it describes a man who is elegant, scholarly, and well-mannered.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「文质彬彬」 contains the following nuances:

  • Balance of Inner and Outer: In the original context of the Analects (论语), this referred to the ideal harmony between raw, unpolished nature (质) and cultivated education or social graces (文).
  • Modern Gentlemanly Quality: Today, the philosophical depth has shifted toward describing a man who is intellectual, soft-spoken, and polite, rather than a specific moral balance.
  • Gender-Specific Usage: This idiom is almost exclusively used to describe men. For women, terms like 温文尔雅 (wēn wén ěr yǎ) are more commonly used to describe a similar refined grace.

3. Usage

「文质彬彬」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

  • Describing first impressions: Used to describe a man who looks intellectual or gentle, often associated with wearing glasses or carrying books.
    • Example:「他戴着一副金丝眼镜，看起来文质彬彬的。」
      （He wears a pair of gold-rimmed glasses and looks very refined and scholarly.）
  • Highlighting a contrast: Often used to contrast a gentle appearance with unexpected strength or explosive action.
    • Example:「别看他平时文质彬彬，到了球场上却非常有爆发力。」
      （Don't be fooled by his usual gentle and elegant manner; on the court, he is incredibly explosive.）
  • Praising character and manners: Used to compliment someone who is polite and lacks any trace of crudeness.
    • Example:「这位年轻教授说话文质彬彬，很有学者风度。」
      （This young professor speaks in a polite and refined way, truly embodying the spirit of a scholar.）

Additional Examples:

  1. 虽然他长得文质彬彬，但性格却十分刚毅。
    （Although he has a refined and gentle appearance, his character is actually very steadfast.）
  2. 没想到那个文质彬彬的男生竟然是拳击冠军。
    （I never would have guessed that scholarly-looking boy was actually a boxing champion.）
  3. 我们要培养文质彬彬、举止文明的新一代。
    （We must cultivate a new generation that is refined and well-mannered, with civilized behavior.）
  4. 他一改往日文质彬彬的形象，大声斥责了这种不公正的行为。
    （He cast aside his usual gentle and scholarly image and loudly denounced the injustice.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

  • Source: This idiom originates from the Analects (论语), Book 6 (Yong Ye). Confucius (孔子) famously said: 'When substance exceeds refinement, one is rustic; when refinement exceeds substance, one is a mere clerk. Only when refinement and substance are balanced (文质彬彬) can one be a true gentleman (君子).'
  • The Ideal Gentleman: In Confucian thought, a 君子 (jūnzǐ) must balance their innate honesty and character (质) with the social graces, rituals, and literacy (文) learned through study.
  • Modern Nuance: While the original meaning was about holistic character development, modern speakers use it as a visual and behavioral compliment for someone who appears 'civilized' and 'intellectual.'

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

6. Summary

Originally a Confucian concept describing the ideal balance between raw nature and cultivated refinement, 文质彬彬 (wén zhì bīn bīn) is now primarily used to praise a man's **gentlemanly demeanor** or **scholarly appearance**. It is the perfect term for someone who looks intellectual, perhaps wears glasses, and carries himself with quiet grace.

'造句' Feature Usage Guide

造句练习📝

Try creating sentences using '文质彬彬'!

0/50