What Does 起死回生 Mean?

Pinyin: qǐ sǐ huí shēng
English Translation: bring the dead back to life

The Chinese idiom 起死回生 literally refers to extraordinary medical skills that can save someone on the brink of death. Metaphorically, it describes reviving a hopeless situation or turning a failing project around. This idiom is widely recognized in Chinese culture and literature, making it a great example for anyone learning Chinese idioms, practicing idiom study, or improving Chinese learning skills.

At RPL, we use Qi Si Hui Sheng stories to teach Chinese study and explore the cultural significance of Chinese idioms. Students can learn both the literal and figurative meanings, as well as historical context, which makes it a useful reference for understanding the idiom’s meaning and explanation.

The Story Behind 起死回生

During the Warring States period, the legendary doctor Bian Que visited the state of Guo. He learned that the crown prince had suddenly fallen ill and was reported dead in the morning. Bian Que requested to examine the prince personally.

Upon arriving at the prince’s bedside, Bian Que noticed that the inside of the prince’s thigh was still slightly warm and faint sounds could be heard in his ears. He immediately said, “The prince is only in a deep coma and can still be saved!” Using acupuncture and hot compresses, Bian Que gradually revived the prince. The ruler of Guo thanked him repeatedly, but Bian Que humbly replied, “I did not truly bring someone back from death; it is only because the prince was never truly dead that I could save him.”

This story is the origin of the idiom 起死回生 and is often cited in studies of its origin, cultural background, and historical significance.

Bian Que – The Legendary Doctor

Bian Que was a legendary physician from the Warring States period, famous for his extraordinary medical knowledge and miraculous cures. His name has become closely associated with the idiom 起死回生, representing the ability to bring hope and recovery where none seems possible.

Studying Bian Que and his story at RPL helps learners combine Chinese study with idiom study, enhancing Chinese learning skills. It also provides insight into the idiom’s cultural significance and serves as a reference for teaching Chinese idioms.

Using 起死回生 in Modern Contexts

The idiom 起死回生 is still used today to describe situations where something is revived from failure or near collapse. For example:

Chinese: 这次项目失败后，他的努力使公司起死回生。
Pinyin: Zhè cì xiàngmù shībài hòu, tā de nǔlì shǐ gōngsī qǐ sǐ huí shēng.
English: After the project failed, his efforts brought the company back from the brink of failure.

Studying idioms at RPL helps students understand expressions like 起死回生, use them naturally in writing and conversation, and explore the deeper meaning behind the story.

Moral Lesson and Cultural Significance

The idiom 起死回生 teaches a profound lesson: even in seemingly hopeless situations, knowledge, skill, and effort can bring revival. In Chinese culture, it symbolizes hope, resilience, and the power to turn failure into success. Exploring idioms like 起死回生 through RPL helps students deepen their Chinese study and learning skills while understanding the rich cultural context behind Chinese idioms. It also serves as a reference for the idiom’s moral lesson, cultural significance, and practical application in modern learning.