承前启后

承前啟後

chéngqiánqǐhòu

idiom #92,124

Meanings

1 to inherit the past and inspire the future
2 to form a bridge between earlier and later stages

Characters

to inherit; carry on

to open; initiate

Examples

这一代人承前启后，责任重大。

Zhè yī dài rén chéngqiánqǐhòu, zérèn zhòngdà.

This generation bridges past and future — its responsibility is great.

这部作品在文学史上承前启后。

Zhè bù zuòpǐn zài wénxué shǐ shàng chéngqiánqǐhòu.

This work serves as a pivot in literary history.

他在团队中起到承前启后的作用。

Tā zài tuánduì zhōng qǐ dào chéngqiánqǐhòu de zuòyòng.

He plays a bridging role in the team.

Tips

usage

Often used for transitional figures, works, or eras — someone/something that both inherits a tradition (承前) and launches the next phase (启后). Common in history, art, and corporate-succession contexts.

Stroke Order

承 chéng

前 qián

启 qǐ

后 hòu