Chinese Idiom: 短褐穿结 (Duan He Chuan Jie)
English Translation: Short Rags with Frayed Edges
pīn yīn: duǎn hè chuān jié
Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes tattered and shabby clothing.
Historical Source: From The Biography of Mr. Wuliu (《五柳先生传》) by Tao Qian (also known as Tao Yuanming).
Idiom Story:
At the age of forty-one, Tao Qian left his position in Pengze County, resigning from official duties to live a reclusive life, adopting the title of “Mr. Wuliu” (五柳先生). He wrote The Biography of Mr. Wuliu when he was fifty-six, intending to narrate his life experiences and aspirations.
In this work, while describing his impoverished life after retirement, Tao Qian wrote:
“The walls of my home are bare and desolate, offering no shelter from the wind and sun. I wear a short ragged cloth garment with frayed edges, and my containers are often empty. Yet, I find solace in writing, which reflects my true aspirations. I forget about the gains and losses, living my life in this way.”
This passage illustrates that Mr. Wuliu lived in a house with bare walls, lacking any furnishings and in a state of disrepair, unable to block the wind or sunlight. He wore a short, tattered garment made of rough fabric, and his food containers were often empty. Despite these hardships, he frequently sought pleasure in writing, which showcased his ideals. He did not concern himself with personal gains or losses and preferred to spend his life in this manner.
Over time, the phrase “短褐穿结” has evolved to symbolize not only tattered clothing but also a humble lifestyle, reflecting a spirit of contentment and detachment from material concerns.
