气食牛

氣食牛

qìshíniú

phrase

Meanings

1 the swaggering spirit of youth
2 vigor enough to swallow an ox whole

Characters

Examples

HSK 3

少年正是气食牛的年纪，敢想敢干。

Shàonián zhèngshì qìshíniú de niánjì, gǎn xiǎng gǎn gàn.

Youth is exactly the age of ox-swallowing spirit, ready to dream big and act boldly.

HSK 7-9

他虽年轻，却有气食牛的魄力。

Tā suī niánqīng, què yǒu qìshíniú de pòlì.

Though he's young, he has the bold, ox-swallowing vigor of a real doer.

Tips

history

From 尸子 (Shizi, Warring States text): 虎豹之驹，未成文而有食牛之气 - 'tiger and leopard cubs, before their markings come in, already have the spirit to devour an ox.' The phrase praises youthful boldness and raw ambition.

Stroke Order

气 qì

食 shí

牛 niú