Chinese Idiom: 文质彬彬 (Wen Zhi Bin Bin)
English Translation: Elegant and Poised
pīn yīn: wén zhì bīn bīn
Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes someone who is both cultured and refined, displaying grace and elegance in both demeanor and behavior. It emphasizes the harmonious balance between intellectual achievements and personal qualities.
Historical Source: The Analects of Confucius (《论语·雍也篇》)
Idiom Story
In The Analects, Confucius discussed the qualities of a “gentleman” (君子) with his disciples. He said, “If a person’s character is merely plain and unadorned, it will be crude; if their demeanor is merely refined without substance, it will be superficial. A true gentleman must embody a balance of both substance and refinement.”
Confucius used this principle to illustrate that a person should not only possess a sincere and genuine character (质) but also demonstrate scholarly elegance (文). The term “文质彬彬” reflects this ideal balance: someone who is cultured yet maintains a solid and respectable character. This harmony ensures that one is both knowledgeable and gracious, approaching tasks with composure and maintaining an impeccable presence.
Thus, the idiom “文质彬彬” underscores the importance of both scholarly achievement and refined manners in achieving true gentlemanly qualities, suggesting that elegance should be paired with substance to avoid being either crude or superficial.
