博学多才
Erudite and talented
Literalmente: Broadly learned (博学) and many talents (多才)
Use this to sincerely praise someone's impressive intellectual depth and diverse practical skills.
En 15 segundos
- Describes someone with vast knowledge and multiple impressive skills.
- A high-level compliment for intellectuals, professors, or mentors.
- Combines 'wide learning' with 'abundant talent' in one phrase.
Significado
This phrase describes someone who is a walking encyclopedia with a massive brain. It’s for that person who knows everything about history, science, and art, while also being incredibly skilled and talented in practice.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Praising a mentor
王教授博学多才，深受学生们的爱戴。
Professor Wang is erudite and talented, and is deeply loved by his students.
Introducing a guest speaker
今天我们请到了一位博学多才的嘉宾。
Today we have invited an erudite and talented guest.
Chatting about a multi-talented friend
真羡慕他，不仅懂得多，还博学多才。
I really envy him; he knows so much and is so multi-talented.
Contexto cultural
The phrase embodies the 'Junzi' (gentleman) ideal from Confucianism, where a person must possess both vast knowledge and artistic skill. It became a standard way to praise scholars during the Tang and Song dynasties. Today, it remains the highest praise for professors, authors, and public intellectuals in Chinese society.
The 'Modifier' Trick
Add `的` (de) after the phrase to turn it into an adjective for a person, like `博学多才的老师`.
Don't Humble-Brag
In Chinese culture, calling yourself `博学多才` is a major social faux pas. Always use it for others!
En 15 segundos
- Describes someone with vast knowledge and multiple impressive skills.
- A high-level compliment for intellectuals, professors, or mentors.
- Combines 'wide learning' with 'abundant talent' in one phrase.
What It Means
Imagine your friend who wins every trivia night. They also play three instruments and speak four languages. That is 博学多才. It combines deep knowledge with practical skill. It is the ultimate compliment for an intellectual. You are saying they are both a scholar and a creator.
How To Use It
You usually use it to describe someone else. It functions like an adjective in English. You can say 他博学多才 (He is erudite and talented). You can also use it as a modifier before a noun. For example, 一位博学多才的教授 (An erudite and talented professor). It feels heavy and respectful. Use it when you are genuinely impressed by someone's range.
When To Use It
Use this in professional or academic settings. It is perfect for a recommendation letter. It works great when introducing a guest speaker. You can also use it during a deep conversation with friends. If someone explains a complex topic perfectly, drop this phrase. It shows you appreciate their intellect. It’s the 'gold star' of compliments for smart people.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for basic skills. If your friend can boil an egg, they aren't 博学多才. Avoid using it for yourself unless you want to sound incredibly arrogant. It is too formal for a rowdy bar setting. If you use it for a toddler, people will think you are being sarcastic. Keep it for people who have actually put in the years of study.
Cultural Background
This phrase has deep roots in Confucian ideals. In ancient China, a 'perfect gentleman' had to master many arts. This included calligraphy, music, and philosophy. Being a specialist wasn't enough; you had to be a generalist. Today, it reflects the high value Chinese culture places on education. It’s the hallmark of a true 'literatus' or modern intellectual.
Common Variations
You might hear 才华横溢 (cáihuá héngyì). That one focuses more on 'overflowing talent' and creativity. There is also 见多识广 (jiànduō shíguǎng). This means someone has seen a lot and has wide experience. While similar, 博学多才 is the most academic and prestigious of the bunch. It implies a formal education and disciplined study.
Notas de uso
This is a high-register Chengyu (idiom). While it is formal, it is widely understood and used in daily life to show deep respect. Avoid self-reference to maintain humility.
The 'Modifier' Trick
Add `的` (de) after the phrase to turn it into an adjective for a person, like `博学多才的老师`.
Don't Humble-Brag
In Chinese culture, calling yourself `博学多才` is a major social faux pas. Always use it for others!
The Scholar Ideal
This phrase is the ultimate goal of the 'Zhuangyuan' (top scholar) culture. It implies you haven't just memorized books, but can actually apply the knowledge.
Ejemplos
6王教授博学多才，深受学生们的爱戴。
Professor Wang is erudite and talented, and is deeply loved by his students.
A standard, respectful way to describe an academic figure.
今天我们请到了一位博学多才的嘉宾。
Today we have invited an erudite and talented guest.
Sets a high expectations and shows great respect to the speaker.
真羡慕他，不仅懂得多，还博学多才。
I really envy him; he knows so much and is so multi-talented.
Using it in a friendly way to express genuine admiration.
你真是博学多才，什么都难不倒你！
You are truly a polymath; nothing can defeat you!
A slightly hyperbolic but warm compliment via text.
哎哟，我们的博学多才先生又在发表高见了。
Oh look, our 'Mr. Erudite' is sharing his brilliant insights again.
Can be used sarcastically with the right tone to tease a friend.
他是一位博学多才的艺术家，作品充满了智慧。
He is a multi-talented artist whose works are full of wisdom.
Focuses on the combination of knowledge and artistic skill.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the best phrase to describe a world-renowned scientist who also writes poetry.
这位科学家不仅在物理学上有成就，还写得一手好诗，真是___。
The context describes someone with both scientific knowledge and artistic skill, which fits '博学多才' perfectly.
Which word completes this formal introduction?
让我们欢迎___的张医生为我们做讲座。
In a formal introduction for a professional speaker, '博学多才' is the appropriate respectful adjective.
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Ayudas visuales
Formality Spectrum of 博学多才
Used sarcastically with close friends.
You're such a know-it-all!
Describing a talented acquaintance.
He's very knowledgeable.
Standard use in speeches or books.
An erudite scholar.
Official commendations or eulogies.
A man of vast learning.
Where to use 博学多才
University Lecture
Praising a professor's lecture.
Job Interview
Describing a former mentor's influence.
Art Gallery
Discussing a versatile artist.
Book Review
Writing about a brilliant author.
Trivia Night
Complimenting the winning friend.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt’s a bit heavy for a child. Use 聪明 (cōngmíng) instead, unless the kid is literally a child prodigy who plays chess and quotes Shakespeare.
Yes, 'smart' is 聪明. 博学多才 specifically implies you have studied a lot and possess many specific skills.
It is common in educated circles or when talking about someone's professional reputation. It's not 'slang' but it's very useful.
Absolutely! It is gender-neutral. You can use it for any person you respect intellectually.
A common opposite is 胸无点墨 (xiōng wú diǎn mò), which literally means 'having no ink in one's chest' (being uneducated).
No, it only describes people. For a book, you would say it is 内容丰富 (content-rich).
Yes, it’s a very professional way to compliment a partner or a superior in a formal letter.
Not at all. It sounds sophisticated and respectful. It’s a timeless idiom used in modern news and literature.
Flow through the four characters: bó-xué-duō-cái. Don't pause too long between the first two and last two.
You can use 学富五车 (xué fù wǔ chē), which means someone's knowledge could fill five carts of books.
Frases relacionadas
才华横溢
Overflowing with talent (usually creative/artistic).
见多识广
Experienced and knowledgeable from seeing the world.
学富五车
Extremely wealthy in knowledge (literary).
多才多艺
Multi-talented (focuses more on skills/hobbies than deep study).
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