古今中外

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: gǔ jīn zhōng wài
• English Translation: At all times and in all places (Throughout history and across the world)
• Idiom Composition: 「古」（Ancient; the past）＋「今」（Modern; the present）＋「中」（China; domestic (literally 'the middle')）＋「外」（Foreign; abroad; outside）
• Meaning: From ancient times to the present, and from China to the rest of the world. This idiom encompasses the entirety of time and space, emphasizing that something is universal or widely applicable.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「古今中外」 contains the following nuances:

• Total Coverage of Time and Space: By combining 古今 (gǔ jīn, 'ancient and modern') with 中外 (zhōng wài, 'China and foreign'), the idiom indicates a scope that includes everything without exception.
• Emphasis on Universality: It is frequently used to argue that a certain phenomenon or truth is a common thread shared by all of humanity, regardless of when or where they live.

3. Usage

「古今中外」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Describing History or Culture: Used when stating that works of art, historical events, or great figures transcend time and national borders.
  • Example:「这部小说融合了古今中外的文化元素，非常精彩。」
    （This novel is wonderful as it integrates cultural elements from all times and places.）
• Asserting Universal Truths: Used to emphasize facts or principles that remain unchanged regardless of the era or location.
  • Example:「古今中外，父母对子女的爱都是一样的。」
    （Throughout history and across the world, a parent's love for their children is the same.）
• Emphasizing Broad Scope: Used to describe knowledge, fame, or influence that spans a vast range of time and geography.
  • Example:「他博览群书，通晓古今中外的历史。」
    （He has read extensively and is well-versed in history from all times and places.）

Additional Examples:

1. 这种现象在古今中外的历史上都很罕见。
   （This phenomenon is extremely rare, even in the history of all times and places.）
2. 古今中外的名著都值得我们反复阅读。
   （Masterpieces from all eras and countries are worth reading repeatedly.）
3. 无论是古今中外，诚实守信都是做人的基本准则。
   （Whether at all times or in all places, honesty and trustworthiness are fundamental principles of being human.）
4. 这家博物馆收藏了大量古今中外的艺术珍品。
   （This museum houses a large number of artistic treasures from all times and places.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• Structural Logic: While English speakers might say 'at all times and in all places' or 'throughout history and across the globe,' the Chinese structure specifically uses 古今中外 (gǔ jīn zhōng wài), meaning 'Ancient-Modern-China-Foreign.' The use of 中 (zhōng) and 外 (wài) reflects a traditional worldview where China was considered the center of the known world.
• Frequency of Use: This is an extremely common idiom found in everything from daily conversation to academic papers. It is particularly prevalent when discussing 'History,' 'Culture,' and 'Art.'
• Comparison with Similar Phrases: While the idiom 古往今来 (gǔ wǎng jīn lái) refers only to the passage of time (throughout the ages), 古今中外 (gǔ jīn zhōng wài) adds a spatial dimension, making it a more comprehensive and inclusive term.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 古往今来 (gǔ wǎng jīn lái): From ancient times to the present (refers to the time dimension only).link
  • 举世闻名 (jǔ shì wén míng): World-famous; known by everyone in the world.link
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 一时一地 (yī shí yī dì): A specific time and place; limited in scope to a single moment or location.

6. Summary

The idiom 古今中外 (gǔ jīn zhōng wài) is a comprehensive expression that covers both the temporal axis (past and present) and the spatial axis (domestic and foreign). It is used to emphasize a vast scale, suggesting that a concept, person, or event is relevant 'everywhere and always.' It is a staple in discussions regarding history, culture, and universal human truths.