Chinese Idiom: 奄奄一息 (Yan Yan Yi Xi)
English Translation: Only a faint breath remains
pīn yīn: yǎn yǎn yī xī
Idiom Meaning: This phrase describes a state where someone is barely alive, hanging by a thread, or in their final moments. It conveys the idea of being on the brink of death or in a feeble condition.
Historical Source: Chen Qing Biao (《陈情表》) by Li Mi from the Jin Dynasty.
Idiom Story:
Li Mi was a talented and respected figure during the Jin Dynasty, known for his literary skills. After the fall of the Shu Han, he was recommended for various official positions but declined them due to the responsibility of caring for his elderly grandmother, who had raised him.
In his famous Chen Qing Biao, he eloquently described his difficult life, emphasizing the frailty of his grandmother. He wrote:
“My grandmother is now old and has been ill for a long time, bedridden and gasping for breath, like the setting sun in the West. Her breath is faint, and her life is short; she is uncertain to last until evening.”
This poignant metaphor of his grandmother’s state, “奄奄一息,” illustrates not only her physical condition but also his deep emotional connection and responsibility toward her. He expresses that without her nurturing, he wouldn’t have achieved his current standing, and with her nearing the end of her life, he wishes to care for her in her remaining days.
Li Mi’s heartfelt appeal ultimately moved the emperor, and he was granted permission to care for his grandmother. It was only after her passing that he accepted an official post, eventually becoming the governor of Han Zhong.
The idiom “奄奄一息” has since been used to describe situations where life hangs by a thread, often invoking deep empathy for those who are suffering or nearing death.
