Idiom: 伯仲之間 (bó zhòng zhī jiān)
Literal Meaning: “Between the eldest and the second brother.”
Explanation: 伯仲之間 (bó zhòng zhī jiān) Refers to two people or things being nearly equal in ability, status, or quality, with only slight differences.
Chinese Idiom Stories
The idiom 伯仲之間 originated from the historical text The Records of the Grand Historian (史記, Shǐjì), written by Sima Qian. The phrase was used to describe people whose talents or achievements were so close that it was difficult to determine who was superior.
One famous use is in the context of the Three Kingdoms period. Scholars debated the comparative merits of Zhuge Liang, a brilliant strategist of Shu, and Zhou Yu, a skilled commander of Wu. Many considered them to be 伯仲之間, acknowledging their comparable talents in military strategy and leadership.
This idiom is now used to describe situations where two parties are almost equally matched in skill, competence, or quality.
Idiom Example Sentences
- 這兩位候選人的實力不相上下，可以說是伯仲之間。
- The abilities of these two candidates are almost equal; you could say they are neck and neck.
- Zhè liǎng wèi hòuxuǎnrén de shílì bù xiāng shàngxià, kěyǐ shuō shì bó zhòng zhī jiān.
- 他們的成績差不多，完全是伯仲之間。
- Their grades are almost the same; they are evenly matched.
- Tāmen de chéngjì chà bù duō, wánquán shì bó zhòng zhī jiān.
Practice Exercise
- What does 伯仲之間 mean when comparing two competitors?
- Name a historical period or event where this idiom could be applied.
- Use 伯仲之間 in a sentence to describe a close competition or comparison in your daily life.
Multiple Choice Questions
Which situation best describes 伯仲之間?
A) Two students with identical exam scores.
B) A teacher and student in a classroom.
C) Two sports teams with a huge skill gap.
D) A CEO and an intern.
(Answer: A)
