CHENGYU
七步成诗(qī bù chéng shī)meaning, story and origin
- Register:
- literary
- Source:
- 南朝宋·刘义庆《世说新语·文学》
MEANING
- Literal
- to compose a poem within seven steps
- Figurative meaning
- extraordinary literary talent under pressure
ORIGIN STORY
The jealous Emperor Cao Pi ordered his brother Cao Zhi to compose a poem within seven paces or die. Cao Zhi answered with the famous "Boiling Beans" poem, which shamed the emperor with its plea for brotherly love.
NATURAL EQUIVALENT
“a genius with words”
EXAMPLES
他写文章又快又好，真有七步成诗的本事。Tā xiě wénzhāng yòu kuài yòu hǎo, zhēn yǒu qī bù chéng shī de běnshi.HSK6
He writes fast and well — a real talent for composing in seven steps.
考试作文时间紧，不可能人人七步成诗。Kǎoshì zuòwén shíjiān jǐn, bù kěnéng rénrén qī bù chéng shī.HSK6
Exam essays give little time; not everyone can compose in seven steps.
COMMON MISTAKE
Watch out: It describes rare speed and brilliance, not merely writing quickly.
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
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TRUST & SOURCES
- Reviewed by
- AI-assisted editorial review
- Last reviewed
- 2026-08-15
- CC-CEDICT 2026-01-01