Definition
This is a four-character idiom (成语) that literally means 'just came out of the thatched cottage' — a reference to Zhuge Liang leaving his humble home to serve as Liu Bei's strategist. It describes someone who is at the very beginning of their career, young and inexperienced, but often with a hint of potential. You can use it to talk about a new graduate, a rookie at work, or anyone who is just starting out in a field.
f.e.
at the beginning of one's careeryoung and inexperienced
Examples
- 初出茅庐，。Tā suīrán chū chū máo lú, dàn gōngzuò fēicháng nǔlì.Although he is new to the field, he works very hard.
- 初出茅庐，。Zuòwéi yí gè chū chū máo lú de zuòjiā, tā de zuòpǐn yǐjīng yǐnqǐ le guānzhù.As a fledgling writer, his work has already attracted attention.
- ，初出茅庐，。Bié xiǎokàn tā, tā suī chū chū máo lú, dàn hěn yǒu cáihuá.Don't underestimate him — he may be a rookie, but he's very talented.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.