1. Introduction:
As one of the most common idioms in the Chinese language, "破岩而出" (pronounced as pò yán ér chū) refers to a brave person who manages to break through difficulties and obstacles, just like water breaking through rocks. In this article, we will explore the pronunciation and meaning of this idiom in English.
2. Pronunciation:
In terms of pronunciation, "破岩而出" can be translated into "Breaking Through Rocks" or "Emerging from the Rocks" in English. The pronunciation of this idiom is a bit tricky, as it combines four different sounds that might not exist in English. Therefore, we will break down the pronunciation of each character in the idiom as follows:
Pò (破): pronounced as "poh", with a rising intonation to indicate the first tone in Mandarin.
Yán (岩): pronounced as "yen", with a steady tone to indicate the second tone.
Ér (而): pronounced as "air", with a falling-rising tone to indicate the third tone.
Chū (出): pronounced as "choo", with a steady-tone to indicate the fourth tone.
3. Meaning:
The literal meaning of "破岩而出" is "breaking through rocks and emerging". However, the idiom is often used figuratively to describe a person who overcomes difficulties and obstacles with great courage and determination. Just like water flowing through rocks, such a person manages to find a way out of difficult situations and make progress towards their goals.
4. Usage:
"破岩而出" is a widely used idiom in the Chinese language, especially in the context of personal growth, business, and education. For instance, it can be used to encourage someone who faces obstacles in their work or studies, or to describe a successful entrepreneur who manages to overcome challenging circumstances and succeed in their business ventures.
5. Conclusion:
In conclusion, "破岩而出" is a powerful idiom that represents the courage and determination of a person who overcomes obstacles and achieves success. Although the pronunciation of this idiom might be challenging for English speakers, its meaning is universal and can inspire people from all walks of life to strive for their goals with unwavering determination.