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来龙去脉 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
来龙去脉láilóngqùmàithe rise and fall of the terrain (idiom)HSK 7, unknown, 26 strokes, rank #15449, Very Hard
来龙去脉láilóngqùmài(fig.) the whole sequence of eventsHSK 7, unknown, 26 strokes, rank #15449, Very Hard
来龙去脉láilóngqùmàicauses and effectsHSK 7, unknown, 26 strokes, rank #15449, Very Hard
láilóngqùmài(lai2long2qu4mai4)lai long qu mai T2
  1. 1the rise and fall of the terrain (idiom)
  2. 2(fig.) the whole sequence of events
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March 24, 2026

来龙去脉(來龍去脈)láilóngqùmài(lai2long2qu4mai4)

来龙去脉 is an idiom that refers to the entire sequence of events, including the causes and effects. It is often used to describe the background and context of a situation, helping to clarify how things came to be. This phrase emphasizes the importance of understanding the full story behind any occurrence.

Strokes26Frequency#15449DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

The concept of tracing the origins and developments of events is deeply rooted in Chinese philosophy, particularly in historical narratives and storytelling. Understanding the 来龙去脉 of events is crucial in Chinese society, where context is often as important as the events themselves.

Memory tip

Imagine a dragon (龙) that flies through the mountains (来) and then flows away (去), symbolizing the origins and outcomes of events. The imagery of a dragon, which is powerful and significant in Chinese culture, can help you remember the phrase as it embodies the idea of tracing back to the source and following through to the end.

Meanings of 来龙去脉

láilóngqùmài(lai2long2qu4mai4)
1the rise and fall of the terrain (idiom)
2(fig.) the whole sequence of events
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About 来龙去脉

来龙去脉Simplified
來龍去脈Traditional
26Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

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AI study notes for 来龙去脉

Usage Notes

This idiom is typically used in formal contexts, such as academic writing or discussions about history and situations. A common mistake is using it in casual conversations where simpler terms would suffice. Be careful with the tones: 来 (lái) and 龙 (lóng) both have the second tone, which can be confusing.

HSK Study Tips

While 来龙去脉 is not an HSK vocabulary word, understanding idioms at this level will enhance your comprehension of Chinese discourse. Focus on recognizing the individual characters and their meanings, as this will help you grasp the idiom's overall significance.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 来龙去脉 with simpler phrases like 背景 (background), using it in inappropriate contexts. For example, saying '我想知道这个事情的来龙去脉' (I want to know the background of this matter) is correct, but overusing it in everyday conversation can sound overly formal.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 来龙去脉

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Component characters

来láito come
HSK 17 strokes木
View full entry
龙lóngdragon
HSK 55 strokes龙
View full entry
去qùto go
HSK 15 strokes厶
View full entry
脉màiarteries and veins
HSK 69 strokes⺼
View full entry

How to say the rise and fall of the terrain (idiom) in Chinese

“the rise and fall of the terrain (idiom)” in Chinese is来龙去脉láilóngqùmài

来龙去脉 is an idiom that refers to the entire sequence of events, including the causes and effects. It is often used to describe the background and context of a situation, helping to clarify how things came to be. This phrase emphasizes the importance of understanding the full story behind any occurrence.

When to use 来龙去脉

This idiom is typically used in formal contexts, such as academic writing or discussions about history and situations. A common mistake is using it in casual conversations where simpler terms would suffice. Be careful with the tones: 来 (lái) and 龙 (lóng) both have the second tone, which can be confusing.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 来龙去脉 with simpler phrases like 背景 (background), using it in inappropriate contexts. For example, saying '我想知道这个事情的来龙去脉' (I want to know the background of this matter) is correct, but overusing it in everyday conversation can sound overly formal.

Write 来龙去脉

来
龙
去
脉

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Cultural Notes for 来龙去脉

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

In Western cultures, the idea of providing background information or context is important, but it may not be as emphasized in everyday conversations as in Chinese culture, where understanding the full narrative is often seen as essential.

Frequently asked questions about 来龙去脉

It's better suited for formal contexts, as it conveys a deeper understanding of events.

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