西施 (Xīshī): Xi Shi (legendary beauty of ancient China)

Meanings

1 Xi Shi (legendary beauty of ancient China)
2 a term for an extremely beautiful woman

Characters

西

Examples

西施是中国古代四大美女之首。

Xīshī shì Zhōngguó gǔdài sì dà měinǚ zhī shǒu.

Xi Shi is considered the foremost of China's four legendary ancient beauties.

情人眼里出西施。

Qíngrén yǎn lǐ chū Xīshī.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. (Lit. A lover's eyes produce Xi Shi.)

Tips

history

Xi Shi (c. 450 BC) was sent by King Goujian of Yue as a concubine to the King of Wu as a strategic ploy, ultimately contributing to Wu's downfall. Her story is a classic tale of beauty used in political intrigue.

usage

情人眼里出西施 is a very common Chinese proverb equivalent to 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder.' 西施 alone can be used to praise any very beautiful woman.