cat1 bou6 sing4 si1七步成詩七步成诗
Definition
To write a poem within the time it takes to walk seven paces, describing a person of exceptional literary talent.
How it's used
This idiom originates from the historical story of Cao Zhi, who was challenged by his brother to write a poem within the time it took to walk seven steps. It is used to describe someone with exceptional talent, wit, or the ability to produce high quality work under extreme time pressure. While it carries a sense of admiration, it is often used sarcastically to mock someone who is being overly arrogant about their own speed or intelligence.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a literal instruction or a common daily phrase, but it is a literary idiom that sounds quite formal or dramatic in casual conversation. Using it to describe someone simply finishing a task quickly is usually an exaggeration.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
