小荷才露尖尖角

xiǎo hé cái lù jiānjiān jiǎo
quotation

Meanings

  1. 1 the young lotus has just shown its pointed tip
  2. 2 a nascent talent is just beginning to emerge
  3. 3 line by Song poet Yang Wanli celebrating new beginnings

Examples

HSK 6
Gōngsī lǐ tā xiǎohécáilùjiānjiānjiǎo, qiánlì wúxiàn.
In the company he's just beginning to show his promise, with limitless potential.
HSK 7-9
Zhè wèi niánqīng shèjìshī xiǎohécáilùjiānjiānjiǎo, jiù yǐjīng yíngdé le guójì jiǎngxiàng.
This young designer has just emerged - the fresh lotus tip is already showing - and has already won international awards.

Tips

history
From the Southern Song poet 杨万里's 《小池》: the new lotus has just shown its pointed tip and a dragonfly already perches on top. It paints a fresh early-summer scene and is commonly used to describe a newcomer just starting to make a name.
usage
Usually paired with the next line 早有蜻蜓立上头, together suggesting a rising talent that draws attention the moment it appears.

Stroke Order

xiǎo
cái
jiān
jiǎo