徒弟青出于蓝，师傅很高兴。
The disciple surpassed the master — the teacher is proud.
Daily Chengyu
青出于蓝
The student surpasses the teacher.
Literal Meaning: Blue comes from indigo but surpasses it.
青blue
出come from
于from
蓝indigo
Today's Situation
Your student speaks Mandarin more naturally than you after years of practice.
Perfect Chengyu: 青出于蓝
Actual Meaning
Often shortened from 青出于蓝而胜于蓝 — praise when a pupil outgrows their mentor through learning.
Emotional toneAdmiring
Usage feelOften positive or admiring
FormalityFormal
English Equivalent
- The student surpasses the master.
- Outshine your teacher.
- Stand on shoulders of giants.
English equivalents capture the general idea, but they may not fit every context exactly.
Modern Usage Example
She 青出于蓝 — learned from you but now teaches advanced tones.
Chinese Example Sentences
青出于蓝而胜于蓝。
Blue from indigo, yet bluer than indigo.
Origin Story
Dye from indigo plants produces a blue deeper than the plant itself — a metaphor for education elevating the learner beyond the teacher.
When Natives Use It
Good fit
- Education
- Mentorship
- Art and sports training
Avoid
Compliment to both teacher and student.
- Common in speech
- Common in writing
- Sounds natural today
- Possible but uncommon in casual chat
- More common in writing or commentary
- Use with care — can sound critical
Similar and Opposite Chengyu
Daily Quiz
Which best matches 青出于蓝?
Share and Save
Save, share, and visual export actions are coming soon. Interfaces are ready for the next release.
Explore More
More from the same category
