成就卓著
Outstanding achievements
Literally: Achievement (成就) + Eminent/Outstanding (卓著)
Use this to describe a 'legend' in their field during formal ceremonies or professional writing.
In 15 Seconds
- Used for high-level professional or academic success.
- Very formal and highly respectful tone.
- Describes a long-term, visible track record.
Meaning
This phrase describes someone who has reached the top of their game and achieved something truly remarkable. It’s the kind of praise you save for a career milestone or a legendary contribution to a field.
Key Examples
3 of 6Introducing a guest speaker
王教授在物理学领域成就卓著。
Professor Wang has outstanding achievements in the field of physics.
Writing a recommendation letter
他在过去十年的工作中成就卓著。
His achievements over the past ten years of work have been outstanding.
Award ceremony speech
这位艺术家在推广传统文化方面成就卓著。
This artist has made outstanding achievements in promoting traditional culture.
Cultural Background
This expression embodies the Confucian respect for mastery and societal contribution. It is frequently used in official state honors or academic citations in China to recognize individuals who have significantly advanced their field. It reflects a cultural preference for formal, four-character idioms (chengyu) to convey dignity and authority.
The 'Zhuo' Secret
The character `卓` (zhuó) literally means 'table' or 'high' in ancient scripts, implying someone standing on a platform above others. Use it when someone truly stands out.
Avoid Self-Praise
Never use this to describe yourself. It sounds incredibly arrogant. In Chinese culture, others must grant you this title; you don't claim it.
In 15 Seconds
- Used for high-level professional or academic success.
- Very formal and highly respectful tone.
- Describes a long-term, visible track record.
What It Means
Think of 成就卓著 (chéngjiù zhuózhuù) as the gold medal of compliments. It isn't just about doing a good job. It’s about having a track record that stands out like a skyscraper in a small town. The word 卓著 means 'eminent' or 'distinguished.' When you pair it with 成就 (achievement), you’re saying their success is visible to everyone. It’s polished, professional, and carries a lot of weight.
How To Use It
You usually place this phrase after a person’s name or a specific field of work. You can say someone is a 成就卓著 scientist or artist. It functions like a high-end adjective. In a sentence, you might say 'His work in medicine is 成就卓著.' It sounds very sophisticated. It’s like wearing a tuxedo to a gala—it’s meant to impress and show deep respect.
When To Use It
Use this when you are writing a formal recommendation letter. It’s perfect for a graduation speech or a retirement party. If you are introducing a keynote speaker, this phrase is your best friend. You can also use it in news reports or biographies. It signals that the person you are talking about is a 'big deal' in their industry. It’s the ultimate professional 'high-five.'
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for small wins. If your friend finally learned how to boil an egg, saying they are 成就卓著 will sound like a joke. Avoid it in very casual settings like a loud bar or a gaming chat. It’s too stiff for a first date unless you’re dating a Nobel Prize winner. Using it for mundane tasks makes you sound like a walking textbook. Keep it for the big moments.
Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, public praise is often formal and grand. There is a deep respect for lifelong dedication to a craft. This phrase reflects that value. It’s not just about luck; it’s about 'laborious achievement.' It has a slightly literary feel, rooted in classical Chinese roots where 'Zhuo' (卓) meant standing above the crowd. It’s about being the 'tallest poppy' in the best way possible.
Common Variations
You might hear 功勋卓著 (gōngxūn zhuózhuù) which is specifically for 'meritorious service' like in the military. Another one is 卓有成效 (zhuóyǒu chéngxiào) which means 'highly effective.' While they sound similar, 成就卓著 is the most common way to describe a person's overall career success. It’s the 'all-rounder' for high-level praise.
Usage Notes
This is a high-register idiom. It is best suited for written Chinese or formal speeches. Using it in casual slang-heavy conversation will likely be perceived as sarcasm or extreme exaggeration.
The 'Zhuo' Secret
The character `卓` (zhuó) literally means 'table' or 'high' in ancient scripts, implying someone standing on a platform above others. Use it when someone truly stands out.
Avoid Self-Praise
Never use this to describe yourself. It sounds incredibly arrogant. In Chinese culture, others must grant you this title; you don't claim it.
The Power of Four
Four-character idioms like this are the 'power suits' of the Chinese language. Using them correctly makes you sound educated and sophisticated.
Examples
6王教授在物理学领域成就卓著。
Professor Wang has outstanding achievements in the field of physics.
Sets a respectful tone for the introduction.
他在过去十年的工作中成就卓著。
His achievements over the past ten years of work have been outstanding.
Highlights a consistent track record.
这位艺术家在推广传统文化方面成就卓著。
This artist has made outstanding achievements in promoting traditional culture.
Focuses on the impact of the work.
祝贺老师荣休，您一生教育事业成就卓著！
Congrats on your retirement, teacher; your lifelong career in education is truly distinguished!
Warm but still maintains the student-teacher hierarchy.
你在外卖点单界可谓是成就卓著啊！
You could say your achievements in the world of food delivery are quite outstanding!
Using a formal phrase for a silly topic creates irony.
该项目在环保领域成就卓著，获得了国际认可。
The project has achieved outstanding success in environmental protection and gained international recognition.
Standard journalistic use.
Test Yourself
Choose the best phrase to describe a world-famous scientist.
这位科学家在医学研究方面___。
For a world-famous scientist, the most respectful and formal choice is '成就卓著'.
Which context is most appropriate for '成就卓著'?
在___中使用这个词最合适。
Formal award ceremonies match the high register of this phrase.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Level of Achievement Phrases
Casual praise among friends
挺厉害的 (Tǐng lìhai de)
Standard workplace feedback
表现不错 (Biǎoxiàn bùcuò)
Official recognition
成就卓著 (Chéngjiù zhuózhuù)
Where to use 成就卓著
Academic Journals
Describing a researcher
Retirement Parties
Honoring a long career
Biographies
Summarizing a life story
Business News
Reporting on a CEO
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsOnly if they have done something world-changing. For regular good grades, use 成绩优异 (chéngjì yōuyì) instead.
Yes, if it's a formal business email praising a partner or a senior colleague's work.
很成功 (hěn chénggōng) just means 'very successful' and is common in speech. 成就卓著 is much more formal and emphasizes the 'greatness' of the result.
It is almost always used for people or groups (like a team or an institution), not for inanimate objects like a phone or a car.
Both characters are in the second tone (rising) and fourth tone (falling). It sounds like 'jwo-joo'.
Unless your hobby has led to international awards, it's better to use 高手 (gāoshǒu) for a hobbyist.
Not at all. It is still the standard way to express high-level professional respect in modern China.
You would describe the director or the actor as 成就卓著, rather than the movie itself.
Using it for small, temporary successes. It implies a long-term, significant impact.
Not really. Idioms like this are fixed. Changing the length loses the formal 'punch' it carries.
Related Phrases
功勋卓著 (Distinguished service)
硕果累累 (Great achievements/rich fruits)
卓尔不群 (Standing out from the crowd)
出类拔萃 (Exemplary/top of the class)
Comments (0)
Login to CommentStart learning languages for free
Start Learning Free