鹤立鸡群
Stand out like a crane among chickens
Literalmente: Crane stands chicken group
Use this phrase to highlight someone whose talent or appearance makes everyone else look ordinary.
En 15 segundos
- Used to describe someone who stands out from a crowd.
- Compares an exceptional person to a crane among common chickens.
- Highlights superior talent, beauty, or a commanding physical presence.
Significado
Imagine a tall, elegant crane standing in a crowd of noisy, short chickens. This phrase describes someone who is obviously superior, more talented, or more beautiful than everyone else around them.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Admiring a friend's performance
他在舞台上真是鹤立鸡群，演技比别人好太多了。
He really stood out like a crane among chickens on stage; his acting was much better.
Professional recommendation
在这么多应聘者中，她的资历简直是鹤立鸡群。
Among so many applicants, her qualifications really stand out.
Texting about a party
昨晚你穿那件红裙子，真是鹤立鸡群！
You were like a crane among chickens in that red dress last night!
Contexto cultural
The crane is a highly revered bird in Chinese culture, symbolizing longevity, elegance, and high moral character. By contrast, chickens are seen as domestic and mundane. This phrase reflects the traditional Chinese value of recognizing exceptional individuals who rise above the common masses through virtue or talent.
Watch the 'Chickens'
Remember that by calling one person a 'crane,' you are implicitly calling everyone else 'chickens.' Avoid using this if the 'chickens' are people you don't want to offend, like your other friends or coworkers!
Height Matters
While it usually refers to talent, this is one of the few idioms frequently used literally for height. If someone is 190cm in a room of 170cm people, they are definitely `鹤立鸡群`.
En 15 segundos
- Used to describe someone who stands out from a crowd.
- Compares an exceptional person to a crane among common chickens.
- Highlights superior talent, beauty, or a commanding physical presence.
What It Means
Think about the last time you saw someone who just had 'it.' Maybe they were taller, better dressed, or just radiated a different energy. That is 鹤立鸡群. It describes a person whose talent or appearance makes everyone else look ordinary. You are not just 'good.' You are on a completely different level. It is the ultimate compliment for someone who naturally shines.
How To Use It
You usually place this phrase after a person's name or a pronoun. You can say someone 鹤立鸡群 to describe their physical height. However, it is more often used for their skills or aura. It functions like an adjective in English. You do not need many extra words. Just point out the person and use the phrase. It is punchy and very descriptive.
When To Use It
Use it when you are genuinely impressed. Maybe you are at a networking event and one speaker is brilliant. Or perhaps you are looking at a group photo where your friend looks like a movie star. It is great for job recommendations too. Use it to tell a boss that a candidate is the best. It works well in both professional and social settings.
When NOT To Use It
Be careful with the 'chicken' part of the metaphor. If you say someone is 鹤立鸡群, you are technically calling everyone else 'chickens.' Do not use this if you are trying to be humble about a group. It can sound a bit arrogant if you are the 'crane.' Also, avoid using it for inanimate objects. It is almost always about people and their unique presence.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from the 'Book of Jin.' It was first used to describe a man named Ji Shao. Someone saw him in a crowd and said he looked like a crane among chickens. His father was a famous philosopher, and Ji Shao inherited that grace. Since then, the crane has been a symbol of nobility in China. Chickens, meanwhile, represent the common or the average.
Common Variations
You might hear 卓尔不群. This means 'standing out from the crowd' but is much more formal. If you want to be more modern, people just say 气场强大. That means someone has a 'strong aura.' But 鹤立鸡群 remains the most visual and classic way to say it. It is a staple of the Chinese language.
Notas de uso
This phrase is a neutral-to-formal idiom. It is highly visual and carries a strong complimentary tone, but be mindful that it implicitly devalues the surrounding group.
Watch the 'Chickens'
Remember that by calling one person a 'crane,' you are implicitly calling everyone else 'chickens.' Avoid using this if the 'chickens' are people you don't want to offend, like your other friends or coworkers!
Height Matters
While it usually refers to talent, this is one of the few idioms frequently used literally for height. If someone is 190cm in a room of 170cm people, they are definitely `鹤立鸡群`.
The Noble Crane
In ancient China, officials' robes often featured cranes to denote high rank. Using this phrase isn't just about being 'different'; it's about being 'classy' and 'noble'.
Ejemplos
6他在舞台上真是鹤立鸡群，演技比别人好太多了。
He really stood out like a crane among chickens on stage; his acting was much better.
Focuses on talent and skill level compared to peers.
在这么多应聘者中，她的资历简直是鹤立鸡群。
Among so many applicants, her qualifications really stand out.
Used here to emphasize professional superiority.
昨晚你穿那件红裙子，真是鹤立鸡群！
You were like a crane among chickens in that red dress last night!
A high-energy compliment about physical appearance.
姚明站在我们中间，那真是鹤立鸡群啊。
Yao Ming standing among us is truly like a crane among chickens.
A literal use referring to height, used for a lighthearted effect.
在那样的乱世中，他那高尚的人格可谓鹤立鸡群。
In such chaotic times, his noble character truly stood out.
Refers to moral character rather than physical appearance.
那个高个子的模特在人群中总是鹤立鸡群。
That tall model always stands out in a crowd.
A standard observation of physical presence.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the correct phrase to describe someone who is much better than their peers.
他的才华在同龄人中可谓___。
`鹤立鸡群` is the only option that describes standing out. `马马虎虎` means so-so, and `井底之蛙` means someone with a narrow perspective.
Complete the sentence to compliment a friend's style.
你今天的打扮在派对上真是___，大家都看着你。
`鹤立鸡群` fits the context of being noticed by everyone for looking great. `乱七八糟` means a mess, and `平平无奇` means ordinary.
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Ayudas visuales
Formality of 'Standing Out'
Using slang like 'C位' (Center position).
他自带C位光环。
Standard idiom used in daily life and writing.
他在人群中鹤立鸡群。
Literary terms for exceptional character.
卓尔不群，气宇轩昂。
When to say 鹤立鸡群
Job Interview
Reviewing a top-tier candidate.
Fashion
Complimenting a friend's outfit.
Sports
Describing a star player on the field.
Art Gallery
One painting that outshines the rest.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt is better not to. In Chinese culture, humility is key. Saying 我鹤立鸡群 (I stand out like a crane) sounds very conceited.
Mostly yes. While you might occasionally see it for a building or an object, it's almost always used to describe a person's appearance, height, or talent.
It can be. It implies the others are 'ordinary' or 'common.' Use it carefully if the 'chickens' are present and might feel slighted.
A good opposite would be 平平无奇 (píng píng wú qí), which means totally ordinary and unremarkable.
Yes, it is perfectly acceptable in professional writing to describe a standout performer or a market-leading product.
No, it often refers to intelligence or skill. For example, 他的数学成绩在班里鹤立鸡群 means his math grades are way ahead of the class.
Not at all. Even though it's an ancient Chengyu, it's used daily in modern conversations, news, and social media.
You can say 很突出 (hěn tū chū) for 'very prominent' or 'outstanding.' It's less poetic but very common.
Usually, no. It has a positive connotation of being superior or elegant. You wouldn't use it for someone standing out because they are doing something wrong.
Yes, 与众不同 (yǔ zhòng bù tóng) means 'different from the crowd.' It's more neutral and doesn't imply the others are 'chickens.'
Frases relacionadas
与众不同
Different from the crowd; unique.
卓尔不群
Outstanding and standing alone; very formal.
出类拔萃
To rise above one's peers; to be pre-eminent.
一枝独秀
To be the only flower blooming; to outshine all others.
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