空中楼阁

kōng zhōng lóu gé

  • Meaning

    Literal

    Buildings hanging in the air

    Usage

    Refers to unrealistic plans or ideas, as well as imaginary or fictional things

  • Connotation

    Negative

  • Usage Examples

    想法简直就是空中楼阁,不可能实现的 | Xiǎngfǎ jiǎnzhí jiùshì kōngzhōnglóugé, bù kěnéng shíxiàn de
    This idea is completely impractical
    [Source]

    人或人类的自由并不是空中楼阁 | Rén huò rénlèi de zìyóu bìng bùshì kōngzhōnglóugé
    Freedoms of individuals or the humankind are not an illusion
    [Source]

  • Equivalents

    English

    None

    Chinese

    None

  • Entry Notes

    None

  • Origin

    《史记》(Shǐ Jì), or the famous work "Records of the Grand Historian" by 司马迁 (Sī Mǎ Qiān).

  • Story

    A long time ago there was a wealthy man who was exceptionally ignorant. Once, he went to visit a fellow wealthy person who had just had a new house constructed. The three-story house was very grand, and the ignorant man immediately grew envious. He said to himself, "I have just as much money as this fellow. Why have I never thought to construct such a structure like this?" He immediately called over a carpenter and asked him whether he could construct a similar house.

    "I constructed that very house myself," replied the carpenter.

    "Then make me a house immediately!" said the wealthy man.

    Soon, the carpenter began to work. When the wealthy man saw him laying bricks, though, he grew suspicious, and he asked the carpenter what he was doing.

    "I'm building your three-story home," replied the worker.

    "I don't want the first two floors. Just make the third floor first."

    "What? How could I possibly do that!?" responded the builder.

    The rich man obstinately persisted, "But I don't want the two lower floors. You need to make just the top floor for me!"

    When other people heard of his demands, they all roared with laughter.

  • Citations and Helpful Resources

    • 汉语成语小词典 (hànyǔ chéngyǔ xiǎo cídiǎn)
    • 现代汉语规范词典 (xiàndài hànyǔ guīfàn cídiǎn)
    • 多功能成语词典 (duō gōngnéng chéngyǔ cídiǎn)
    • 汉语大词典 (hànyǔ dà cídiǎn)
    • ABC Chinese-English Comprehensive Dictionary
    • Pleco Basic Chinese-English Dictionary
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