百家争鸣

bǎi jiā zhēng míngidiom
a hundred schools of thought contend

中国历史上曾出现过百家争鸣的局面。

China has experienced a period where a hundred schools of thought contended.


What It Really Means
A period of intellectual and cultural flourishing where diverse schools of thought compete and debate openly.
Literal Meaning
A hundred schools contend and debate.
Literal Breakdown
百家a hundred schools+争鸣to contend and debate
Mental Image
A vibrant intellectual landscape where different philosophical and cultural perspectives compete and interact.
When to Use
Discussing the cultural and intellectual history of China, particularly the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods.
Cultural Note
This idiom reflects the value of intellectual diversity and open debate in Chinese history, particularly during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods.
formal

A cultural and intellectual phenomenon where diverse schools of thought compete and flourish, promoting free and open debate.

春秋战国时期是中国历史上百家争鸣的黄金时代。

The Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods were the golden age of a hundred schools of thought in Chinese history.

This idiom reflects the value of intellectual diversity and open discussion in Chinese culture.

Collocations

百家争鸣局面a scene of a hundred schools of thought contending

Related Phrases

百花齐放idiom
a hundred flowers bloom

Pro Tip

Cultural Significance

This idiom highlights the importance of intellectual freedom and diversity in Chinese history.

Gold Rule

Usage Context

Use this idiom when referring to periods of intellectual or cultural flourishing.

Word Origin

Originates from the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods in Chinese history, when various philosophical schools competed and debated openly.

Usage Notes

This idiom is often used to describe periods of intellectual freedom and diversity, particularly in historical or cultural contexts.

Word Breakdown

百家
a hundred schools
root
+
争鸣
to contend and debate
root
汉英词典