神工鬼斧

shéngōng-guǐfǔ
idiom

Meanings

  1. 1 uncanny workmanship
  2. 2 supernaturally fine craft
  3. 3 exceeding human skill

Examples

HSK 7-9
Zhè zuò shíkū diāoxiàng zhēnshì shéngōng-guǐfǔ.
The carvings in this grotto are truly the work of gods.
HSK 7-9
黄山奇峰怪石神工鬼斧
Huángshān de qífēng guàishí shéngōng-guǐfǔ.
Huangshan's strange peaks and stones are nature's masterwork.
HSK 7-9
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

shén
gōng
guǐ