首屈一指
Second to none
حرفيًا: First (首) bend (屈) one (一) finger (指)
Use this to describe the undisputed #1 person or thing in any professional or creative field.
في 15 ثانية
- The absolute best in a specific field or category.
- Refers to the thumb being the first finger counted.
- A high-level compliment for masters and top-tier entities.
المعنى
Imagine you're counting things on your fingers. This phrase means someone or something is so outstanding that they are the very first finger you'd count—the absolute best of the best.
أمثلة رئيسية
3 من 6Praising a local restaurant
这家店的小笼包在上海可是首屈一指的。
This shop's soup dumplings are second to none in Shanghai.
Discussing a top company in a meeting
他们在人工智能领域的技术是首屈一指的。
Their technology in the AI field is top-tier.
Texting a friend about a famous singer
他的唱功在圈子里绝对是首屈一指。
His singing ability is definitely the best in the industry.
خلفية ثقافية
The phrase originates from the traditional way of counting on one's fingers, where the thumb is always the first to be bent. In Chinese culture, the thumb (大拇指) is a universal symbol for 'excellent' or 'top tier.' This expression has been used in literature for centuries to denote undisputed mastery in arts, politics, and craftsmanship.
The Thumb Rule
If you forget the meaning, just look at your thumb. It's the first finger you count, and it's what you use to give a 'thumbs up'—that's exactly what this phrase represents!
Don't be a Bragger
In Chinese culture, calling yourself `首屈一指` is seen as very boastful. Always use it to praise others to keep your social credit high.
في 15 ثانية
- The absolute best in a specific field or category.
- Refers to the thumb being the first finger counted.
- A high-level compliment for masters and top-tier entities.
What It Means
Think of the most impressive person you know. In Chinese, when we want to say someone is the undisputed champion, we use 首屈一指. It literally describes the act of bending your thumb first when you start counting. Since the thumb is the 'leader' of the fingers, being 首屈一指 means you are at the top of the list. It’s not just about being 'good.' It’s about being the gold standard in a specific field.
How To Use It
You usually place this phrase after a noun or as a predicate. You might say, 'His coding skills are 首屈一指.' It functions like a high-level adjective. You don't need many extra words. Just name the person or thing, then drop this phrase to show your respect. It’s a heavy-hitting compliment, so use it when you really mean it.
When To Use It
Use this when you are genuinely impressed. It works perfectly when discussing a master chef's signature dish. Use it in a business meeting to describe a market leader. It’s great for texting a friend about a legendary movie director. If you're talking about a world-class athlete, this is your go-to expression. It adds a touch of sophistication to your praise.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this for yourself unless you want to sound incredibly arrogant. Chinese culture values humility, so calling yourself 首屈一指 might get some eye-rolls. Also, don't use it for trivial things. Saying your ability to eat spicy chips is 首屈一指 is funny, but technically an overkill. Save it for things that truly deserve a trophy.
Cultural Background
This phrase reflects how people in ancient China counted. When you make a fist to count, the thumb is the first to go down. The thumb represents the 'big brother' of the hand. In many Asian cultures, the thumb is a symbol of 'Number One.' This expression has been around for centuries to rank excellence. It’s deeply embedded in the idea of social and professional hierarchy.
Common Variations
You might also hear 数一数二 (shǔ yī shǔ èr). That means 'counting as one or two.' It’s very similar but slightly less 'grand' than 首屈一指. While 数一数二 means you're in the top two, 首屈一指 insists you are the definitive number one. It’s the difference between a silver medal and a solid gold one.
ملاحظات الاستخدام
This is a high-register idiom that fits well in both formal speeches and enthusiastic casual praise. It carries a sense of authority and definitive judgment.
The Thumb Rule
If you forget the meaning, just look at your thumb. It's the first finger you count, and it's what you use to give a 'thumbs up'—that's exactly what this phrase represents!
Don't be a Bragger
In Chinese culture, calling yourself `首屈一指` is seen as very boastful. Always use it to praise others to keep your social credit high.
Counting Habits
Did you know? While Westerners often start counting with the index finger, many Chinese people start by bending the thumb inward toward the palm. That's why the thumb is 'first'!
أمثلة
6这家店的小笼包在上海可是首屈一指的。
This shop's soup dumplings are second to none in Shanghai.
Used here to highlight a specific dish's local dominance.
他们在人工智能领域的技术是首屈一指的。
Their technology in the AI field is top-tier.
Professional usage to describe industry leadership.
他的唱功在圈子里绝对是首屈一指。
His singing ability is definitely the best in the industry.
Informal but high praise for a celebrity.
说到偷懒，你真是首屈一指的大师！
When it comes to being lazy, you are truly a world-class master!
Using a grand phrase for a silly trait creates a funny contrast.
王教授在考古学界的地位是首屈一指的。
Professor Wang's status in the world of archaeology is second to none.
Shows high respect for an academic authority.
他在当时的文坛上是首屈一指的人物。
He was a leading figure in the literary world at that time.
Used to describe historical significance.
اختبر نفسك
Choose the correct phrase to describe a world-champion athlete.
作为奥运金牌得主，他的实力在国家队中是___的。
Since the person is an Olympic gold medalist, '首屈一指' (second to none) is the only appropriate choice to describe their top-tier strength.
Complete the sentence about a famous landmark.
长城在中国名胜古迹中，地位自然是___的。
The Great Wall is the most famous landmark, so its status is '首屈一指' (the very first/best).
🎉 النتيجة: /2
وسائل تعلم بصرية
Formality & Context Spectrum
Joking with friends about being the 'best' at something silly.
You're the best at sleeping!
Discussing famous people, movies, or restaurants.
This chef is the best in town.
Business reports, academic praise, or official speeches.
Our company is the industry leader.
Where to use 首屈一指
Fine Dining
Best steak in the city
Tech Industry
Leading innovation
Art & Music
A master pianist
Sports
The MVP of the league
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةTechnically yes, but it sounds a bit dramatic. 首屈一指 is usually reserved for things with high status or great skill, like a 首屈一指 of world-class restaurants.
It's more elegant than just saying 'Number One' (第一). It implies a ranking among many peers where this one stands out specifically as the leader.
It refers to the thumb. In the traditional Chinese way of counting by bending fingers into a fist, the thumb is the first one you bend.
Not at all! While it is a 'Chengyu' (idiom), it's very common in daily conversation when you want to give someone a big compliment.
Yes! You can say a city is 首屈一指 in terms of its economy or a park is 首屈一指 for its beauty.
数一数二 means 'one of the best' (top 1 or 2), while 首屈一指 is more definitive about being the absolute best.
No, it is almost exclusively positive. You wouldn't use it to describe the 'best' at being bad, unless you are being sarcastic.
Yes, it's perfect for professional writing. It shows you have a high level of Chinese and respect the subject you're discussing.
Absolutely. You can use it for a 首屈一指 of smartphones or any high-quality product.
Focus on the third tone of 首 (shǒu) and the third tone of 指 (zhǐ). It should sound rhythmic: Shǒu-qū-yī-zhǐ.
عبارات ذات صلة
数一数二 (One of the best)
名列前茅 (Among the best/top of the list)
独占鳌头 (To be the champion/take the lead)
出类拔萃 (Stand out from the crowd)
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