Skip to content
Stroke order, etymology and audio for every word.Start learning
古今中外 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
古今中外gǔjīnzhōngwàiat all times and in all places (idiom)HSK 7, unknown, 18 strokes, Very Hard
gǔjīnzhōngwài(gu3jin1zhong1wai4)gu jin zhong wai T3
  1. 1at all times and in all places (idiom)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

古今中外gǔjīnzhōngwài(gu3jin1zhong1wai4)

The idiom '古今中外' means 'throughout history and across the world.' It emphasizes the timeless and universal nature of certain principles or phenomena. This phrase is often used to highlight the relevance of ideas or values that transcend cultural and temporal boundaries.

Strokes18DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, the concept of time is often cyclic, and history is viewed as a continuous narrative. The phrase '古今中外' reflects this perspective, showing that lessons from the past remain significant in understanding the present and future.

Memory tip

Picture a wise old sage (古) who has seen all the eras (今) and traveled the globe (中外). Imagine him sharing stories that connect past civilizations to modern societies, illustrating that some truths are eternal and applicable everywhere.

Meanings of 古今中外

gǔjīnzhōngwài(gu3jin1zhong1wai4)
1at all times and in all places (idiom)
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 古今中外 means.

About 古今中外

古今中外Simplified
18Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 古今中外

JasonAmy

Podcast: 古今中外

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI study notes for 古今中外

Usage Notes

This idiom is typically used in formal or literary contexts. Avoid using it in casual conversations, as it may come off as overly grandiose. A common mistake is to confuse it with simpler expressions denoting 'everywhere,' which lack the historical depth.

HSK Study Tips

While '古今中外' is not an HSK vocabulary word, it can help learners understand the use of time and space in idiomatic expressions. Focus on recognizing how idioms like this one enrich language and convey complex ideas succinctly, which is a skill valuable for HSK level 4 and above.

Common Mistakes

Learners often misuse this idiom by applying it in informal contexts or replacing it with simpler phrases. For example, saying '古今中外' in a casual chat about weekend plans would be incorrect; use it in discussions of significant topics instead.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 古今中外

Premium — Locked

Tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 古今中外, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsPitch drawing+5 XP
Get Pro to unlock

Jason Explains 古今中外 to you

Let me explain 古今中外 for you

Make it yours

Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 古今中外 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.

How well do you know 古今中外?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 古今中外 is seven skills, not one.

Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.

  • MeaningFree
  • CharacterFree
  • PinyinFree
  • TonePro
  • ListeningPro
  • SpeakingPro
  • WritingPro
See the Learning Lab Three facets free · no card needed

Component characters

古gǔancient
HSK 55 strokes口
View full entry
今jīntoday
HSK 14 strokes人
View full entry
中zhōngmiddle
HSK 34 strokes丨
View full entry
外wàioutside
HSK 15 strokes夕
View full entry

How to say at all times and in all places (idiom) in Chinese

“at all times and in all places (idiom)” in Chinese is古今中外gǔjīnzhōngwài

The idiom '古今中外' means 'throughout history and across the world.' It emphasizes the timeless and universal nature of certain principles or phenomena. This phrase is often used to highlight the relevance of ideas or values that transcend cultural and temporal boundaries.

When to use 古今中外

This idiom is typically used in formal or literary contexts. Avoid using it in casual conversations, as it may come off as overly grandiose. A common mistake is to confuse it with simpler expressions denoting 'everywhere,' which lack the historical depth.

What learners get wrong

Learners often misuse this idiom by applying it in informal contexts or replacing it with simpler phrases. For example, saying '古今中外' in a casual chat about weekend plans would be incorrect; use it in discussions of significant topics instead.

Write 古今中外

古
今
中
外

Practice writing 古今中外 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Ask Jason

Have a question about 古今中外?

Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.

Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.

Frequently asked questions about 古今中外

It's better suited for formal writing or speeches rather than casual chats.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 古今中外?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.

A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.

See the Learning Lab