叹为观止

嘆為觀止
tànwéiguānzhǐ
idiom #19,627

Meanings

  1. 1 to gasp in amazement
  2. 2 to acclaim as the peak of perfection
  3. 3 breathtaking

Examples

Zhè chǎng biǎoyǎn lìng rén tànwéiguānzhǐ.
This performance was breathtaking.
Gùgōng de jiànzhù lìng rén tànwéiguānzhǐ.
The architecture of the Forbidden City is awe-inspiring.

Tips

history
From the Zuozhuan (): when a nobleman saw the greatest ritual dance, he sighed () that it was the ultimate sight to see (), and there was nothing more to watch.
memory
(sigh in awe) + (consider it) + (the best thing to see) — sighing that this is the pinnacle of what can be seen.

Stroke Order

tàn
wèi
guān
zhǐ