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

这位历史学家博古通今，什么都能谈。

Zhèwèi lìshǐxuéjiā bógǔtōngjīn, shénme dōu néng tán.

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

她博古通今，同事们都愿意向她请教。

Tā bógǔtōngjīn, 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