杯中物

bēizhōngwù

noun

Meanings

HSK 4

他最喜爱的还是杯中物。

Tā zuì xǐ'ài de háishì bēizhōngwù.

What he loves best is still what's in the cup.

HSK 6

他为杯中物误了不少事。

Tā wèi bēizhōngwù wù le bùshǎo shì.

Drink has cost him more than a few opportunities.

HSK 7-9

人生难得几回醉，且尽杯中物。

Rénshēng nándé jǐ huí zuì, qiě jìn bēizhōngwù.

A life offers few real drunken nights - so drain the cup while you can.

history

Popularized by Tao Yuanming's poem 《责子》: 天运苟如此，且进杯中物 - if fate is what it is, might as well drink. A euphemism wine-lovers have cited ever since.

Literary, a little arch. Modern speech uses 酒; 杯中物 shows up in writing, song lyrics, and knowing winks.

杯 bēi

中 zhōng

物 wù