神工鬼斧

shéngōng-guǐfǔ

idiom

Meanings

1 uncanny workmanship
2 supernaturally fine craft
3 exceeding human skill

Characters

work; craftsmanship

Examples

HSK 7-9

这座石窟雕像真是神工鬼斧。

Zhè zuò shíkū diāoxiàng zhēnshì shéngōng-guǐfǔ.

The carvings in this grotto are truly the work of gods.

HSK 7-9

黄山的奇峰怪石神工鬼斧。

Huángshān de qífēng guàishí shéngōng-guǐfǔ.

Huangshan's strange peaks and stones are nature's masterwork.

HSK 7-9

他的微雕技艺神工鬼斧，令人叹服。

Tā de wēidiāo jìyì shéngōng-guǐfǔ, lìngrén tànfú.

His micro-carving skill is uncanny - astonishing to watch.

Tips

history

From 《庄子·达生》, where carpenter 梓庆 carves a bell stand so lifelike that viewers think it's the work of gods or spirits. The variant 鬼斧神工 is more common in modern usage; meaning is identical.

Stroke Order

神 shén

工 gōng

鬼 guǐ

斧 fǔ