博古通今

bógǔ-tōngjīn

idiom

Meanings

1 versed in the past and the present
2 erudite about both history and current affairs
3 deeply learned

Characters

broad / extensive

Examples

HSK 4

这位历史学家博古通今，什么都能谈。

Zhè wèi lìshǐxuéjiā bógǔ-tōngjīn, shénme dōu néng tán.

This historian is versed in past and present - he can discuss anything.

HSK 5

她博古通今，同事们都愿意向她请教。

Tā bógǔ-tōngjīn, tóngshì men dōu yuànyì xiàng tā qǐngjiào.

She's erudite about both history and modern affairs, so colleagues love asking her advice.

Tips

history

From 《孔子家语·观周》: Confucius says 吾闻老聃博古知今 - 'I hear that Lao Dan (Laozi) is versed in antiquity and understands the present.' A Confucian compliment originally aimed at Laozi.

Stroke Order

博 bó

古 gǔ

通 tōng

今 jīn