斑驳陆离

bān bó lù lí◆idiom

dazzlingly diverse and colorful

这座古城的墙壁斑驳陆离，记录着历史的沧桑。

The walls of this ancient city are mottled with colors, bearing the marks of history.

◆ What It Really Means

A metaphorical description of something that appears rich, complex, and visually striking due to its varied colors, textures, or historical layers.

¶ Literal Meaning

Mottled patterns and dazzling diversity.

Literal Breakdown

斑驳mottled or irregular patches of color+陆离radiant or diverse in appearance

◇ Mental Image

Imagine a weathered stone wall covered in moss and lichen, where patches of green, gray, and brown create a patchwork of colors. The irregularities and time-worn textures evoke a sense of history and complexity.

◈ When to Use

A traveler visits an ancient temple and describes its walls as '斑驳陆离,' highlighting the faded murals, cracks, and moss that tell stories of centuries past.

◉ Cultural Note

This idiom is deeply rooted in classical Chinese literature and art, where the appreciation of natural beauty and historical depth is highly valued. It reflects the Chinese aesthetic tradition of finding beauty in imperfection and complexity.

literary

Describing something with a striking, colorful, and varied appearance that evokes a sense of historical richness or complexity.

这幅画的斑驳陆离让人联想到岁月的流逝。

The dazzling diversity of this painting evokes the passage of time.

老城区的斑驳陆离建筑吸引了无数摄影爱好者。

The variegated buildings in the old district attract countless photography enthusiasts.

Often used to describe historical sites, art, or natural landscapes with complex, colorful textures.

Collocations

斑驳陆离的历史history marked by colorful events斑驳陆离的画面a dazzlingly diverse scene斑驳陆离的光影mottled light and shadow

Synonyms

五彩斑斓斑斓陆离光怪陆离

Antonyms

单调一成不变

Related Phrases

光怪陆离idiom

bizarre and diverse, often with a negative connotation of chaos

五光十色idiom

radiant with many colors, dazzling

Pro Tip

Avoid Literal Translation

Do not translate '斑驳陆离' word-for-word. Instead, focus on the figurative meaning of 'dazzlingly diverse' or 'colorfully complex.'

Gold Rule

Context Matters

This idiom is almost always used to describe visual scenes, such as art, architecture, or landscapes. Avoid using it for abstract or non-visual concepts.

Word Origin

The idiom originates from the classical Chinese text '楚辞·离骚' (Chǔ Cí · Lǐ Sāo) by Qu Yuan. '斑驳' refers to mottled or variegated patterns, while '陆离' describes something dazzling or diverse. Together, they evoke an image of colorful complexity.

Usage Notes

This idiom is typically used in literary or artistic contexts to describe visual richness. It is not used for abstract concepts like emotions or ideas.

Word Breakdown

斑驳

mottled, variegated, or irregular patterns

adjective

陆离

dazzling, diverse, or radiant

adjective

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