Meanings of 锦上添花
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Podcast: 锦上添花
Podcast: 锦上添花
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AI study notes for 锦上添花
美中不足 (měi zhōng bù zú) - use this entry when describing something that is beautiful but has flaws, as opposed to enhancing something already perfect.
This idiom is generally used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is essential to use it when discussing improvements that may be superfluous. A common mistake is to use it interchangeably with praise, while it often carries a hint of critique. Be careful with the tone, as it can sound sarcastic if misapplied.
As an HSK 6 idiom, 锦上添花 connects well with other advanced phrases that deal with nuances of meaning and cultural subtleties. Students should focus on understanding the contexts in which this idiom is used, especially in literature or discussions about art and aesthetics.
Learners sometimes misuse this idiom as a general compliment, saying it when they mean to praise something fully. For example, saying '他的画真是锦上添花' (His painting is really adding flowers to brocade) would be incorrect if they mean to simply compliment the painting.
Pronunciation of 锦上添花
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Idiom spotlight: 锦上添花
Component characters
How to say lit. on brocade, add flowers (idiom); to decorate sth already perfect in Chinese
“lit. on brocade, add flowers (idiom); to decorate sth already perfect” in Chinese is锦上添花
锦上添花 (jǐn shàng tiān huā) is an idiom that literally translates to 'add flowers to brocade.' It is used to describe the act of enhancing something that is already excellent or perfect, often implying that the additional embellishment may be unnecessary. This phrase is commonly used in contexts where people critique excessive enhancements or unnecessary improvements.
When to use 锦上添花
This idiom is generally used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is essential to use it when discussing improvements that may be superfluous. A common mistake is to use it interchangeably with praise, while it often carries a hint of critique. Be careful with the tone, as it can sound sarcastic if misapplied.
锦上添花 or something close to it
美中不足 (měi zhōng bù zú) - use this entry when describing something that is beautiful but has flaws, as opposed to enhancing something already perfect.
What learners get wrong
Learners sometimes misuse this idiom as a general compliment, saying it when they mean to praise something fully. For example, saying '他的画真是锦上添花' (His painting is really adding flowers to brocade) would be incorrect if they mean to simply compliment the painting.
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Grammar patterns of 锦上添花
锦上添花 functions as a four-character idiom (成语). Treat it as a fixed unit; it usually plays the role of a single adjective, adverb, or noun phrase inside the larger sentence. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
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Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
第三粒进球是____。
The third goal was the icing on the cake.
Example sentences for 锦上添花 (1)
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Frequently asked questions about 锦上添花
While it can be used in a positive context, it often implies that the enhancement is unnecessary or excessive.
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