美轮美奂
měi lún měi huàn
magnificent (of buildings); splendid, sumptuous
Character by character
美měi
beautiful
beautiful
轮lún
lofty
lofty
美měi
beautiful
beautiful
奂huàn
splendid
splendid
Example
新修的大剧院美轮美奂，成了这座城市的新名片。
The newly built grand theatre is magnificent and has become the city’s new calling card.
Tone: positive (praise).
Usage and origin
From 《礼记·檀弓下》, words of praise for a new hall: 轮 is lofty and 奂 is splendid. Strictly it describes buildings and interiors; it is now stretched to stage sets and scenery, but careful writers do not use it for people or for writing.
Learn this in Lesson 236 · HSK 9+: 敦煌 (Dunhuang: the Mogao Caves)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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