Chinese Idiom: 桃花潭水 (Tao Hua Tan Shui)
English Translation: Peach Blossom Pool Water
pīn yīn: táo huā tán shuǐ
Idiom Meaning: This idiom metaphorically expresses deep friendship and affection.
Historical Source: The idiom originates from the poem “赠汪伦” (A Gift to Wang Lun) by the Tang dynasty poet Li Bai.
Idiom Story:
During his travels, Li Bai arrived at Peach Blossom Pool (桃花潭) in present-day Jingxian, Anhui Province. The local villager Wang Lun warmly welcomed him and even brewed wine for his hospitality. When it was time for Li Bai to depart, Wang Lun accompanied him with heartfelt songs, tapping his feet to keep the rhythm.
Li Bai was deeply moved by this gesture and wrote the following poem to express his profound friendship with Wang Lun:
李白乘舟将欲行，
忽闻岸上踏歌声。
桃花潭水深千尺，
不及汪伦送我情。
Translation:
Li Bai, about to sail away,
Suddenly hears the song from the shore.
Though the Peach Blossom Pool is a thousand feet deep,
It cannot compare to the affection Wang Lun shows me.
In this poem, Li Bai describes how he is about to leave on a boat when he hears the joyful singing from the shore. He emphasizes that even the depth of the Peach Blossom Pool, said to be a thousand feet deep, pales in comparison to the depth of Wang Lun’s friendship and kindness.
The poem is characterized by its simplicity and emotional resonance, containing just twenty-eight characters, without any difficult or exaggerated language. Its straightforwardness allows readers to easily understand and feel the heartfelt emotions conveyed. This ability to connect with readers on an emotional level is what makes the poem so memorable.
Over time, the phrase “桃花潭水” has become synonymous with deep and enduring friendship, reflecting the bond expressed in Li Bai’s tribute to Wang Lun.
