Chinese Idiom: 才气过人 (Cai Qi Guo Ren)
English Translation: Exceptional Qualities
pīn yīn: cái qì guò rén
Idiom Meaning: Describes someone whose talent and charisma far surpass those of ordinary people.
Historical Source: Shiji · Xiang Yu Benji (《史记·项羽本纪》).
Idiom Story:
Xiang Yu (项羽) was a prominent figure during the early Han Dynasty, renowned for his exceptional military and leadership skills. His extraordinary capabilities were crucial in the downfall of the Qin Dynasty, which had ruled China with an iron fist.
In 209 BC, during the first major peasant uprising in Chinese history, Xiang Yu, with his unparalleled talent and charisma, managed to overthrow the mighty Qin Empire in just three years. Unlike his predecessors in the rebellion, Xiang Yu demonstrated qualities that set him apart from others.
The early rebel leader Chen Sheng, after capturing Chen County, chose to stay there, claiming kingship and indulging in the corrupt lifestyle of the nobility. His shortsighted approach, sending subordinates to expand his power, led to his defeat when Qin forces arrived. Wu Guang, who rebelled alongside Chen Sheng, was unable to command effectively, became arrogant, and was eventually killed by his own subordinates.
Xiang Liang, Xiang Yu’s uncle and a notable leader after Chen Sheng and Wu Guang, initially had successes but fell into arrogance and was ultimately defeated and killed by Qin forces in Dingtao (now Dingtao District, Heze, Shandong). After Xiang Liang’s death, Song Yi took command, but his unrealistic strategy of sacrificing the state of Zhao to weaken the Qin forces led to prolonged inaction and failure.
Xiang Yu’s remarkable abilities were evident when he, alongside his uncle Xiang Liang, attended the grand procession of the first Emperor Qin Shi Huang. When Xiang Yu expressed his belief that he could replace the Emperor, Xiang Liang quickly silenced him, fearing the repercussions of such bold talk. Despite this, Xiang Yu earned his uncle’s respect for his boldness and exceptional qualities. Standing over eight feet tall and possessing immense strength, his talents and charisma were indeed extraordinary compared to his contemporaries.
In Shiji · Xiang Yu Benji (《史记·项羽本纪》), Sima Qian described Xiang Yu’s exceptional abilities and commanding presence, which inspired awe and respect from his peers. This portrayal of Xiang Yu’s extraordinary talent and leadership led to the idiom “才气过人”, meaning someone with outstanding talent and exceptional qualities beyond the ordinary.
