Definition
西施 (Xī Shī) was a legendary beauty from the Spring and Autumn period, often called Xīzǐ. Her name is used in modern Chinese as a metonym for outstanding beauty, most famously in the idiom 东施效颦 ('Dongshi imitates Xishi's frown'), which means blind imitation with awkward results. As a noun, it refers either to the historical figure or to any woman of exceptional beauty.
n.
Xī Shīa famous beauty from ancient China(by extension) a woman of extraordinary beautya paragon of beauty
Examples
- ,西施。Zài gǔdài chuánshuō zhōng, Xī Shī shì měi de huàshēn.In ancient legends, Xī Shī is the embodiment of beauty.
- 西施,。Tā zhǎng de měi ruò Xī Shī, ràng rén yí jiàn nán wàng.She is as beautiful as Xī Shī, unforgettable at first sight.
- “颦”西施。Chéngyǔ “Dōngshī xiàopín” jiǎng de shì Dōngshī mófǎng Xī Shī zhòuméi de gùshi.The idiom 'Dōngshī xiàopín' tells the story of Dōngshī imitating Xī Shī's frown.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.