Chinese Idiom: 渐入佳境 (Jian Ru Jia JIng)
English Translation: Gradually entering a good situation
pīn yīn: jiàn rù jiā jìng
Idiom Meaning: Originally referred to the idea that the lower part of sugarcane is sweeter than the upper part, signifying that as one progresses, the situation improves or interest intensifies.
Historical Source: Book of Jin (晋书) – “Biography of Gu Kaizhi.”
Idiom Story:
Gu Kaizhi, a renowned painter of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, was celebrated for his talent, particularly in figure painting. However, he had a rather casual approach to life. One day, a friend gifted him a bundle of sugarcane. While immersed in enjoying the scenery, Gu Kaizhi started eating the sugarcane from its lower end. When his friend inquired about the taste, he remarked that it was getting sweeter. He explained that this was the proper way to enjoy sugarcane, as one should start from the bottom where it is the sweetest.
This story illustrates the idiom’s meaning that as one continues to engage in an activity or experience a situation, it tends to become more enjoyable and rewarding over time.
