可遇不可求
Embrace the serendipitous nature of life, as truly precious things and opportunities are often beyond our control, arriving only when fate allows.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Describes rare, valuable things or opportunities that cannot be sought intentionally.
- Emphasizes serendipity and the impossibility of forcing such encounters.
- Used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in written language.
- Common mistake: using it for negative events or easily obtainable items.
- Reflects Chinese cultural value of cherishing fate and appreciating unexpected blessings.
概述 — 含义、细微之处、情感分量
“可遇不可求”是一个充满哲理与感叹的中文成语,其字面意思清晰明了:可以遇到,但无法刻意追求。它精准地捕捉了生活中那些具有高度稀有性、珍贵性,且其出现带有强烈偶然性的事物。这个成语的核心在于“不可求”,它并非指事物完全无法获得,而是强调获取的难度和非主动性,即便是你渴望至极,也无法通过努力、计划或金钱等手段去“求”得。这种“不可求”赋予了事物一种超脱于世俗的神秘感和宿命论色彩。
在情感分量上,“可遇不可求”通常带有积极或略带伤感的珍视之情。当它描述美好的事物时,表达的是一种对偶然所得的庆幸与珍惜,比如“人生得一知己,可遇不可求”;当描述遗憾时,则可能是一种对失去或未曾拥有的美好事物的惋惜,暗示其一旦错过便难以再得。它传递了一种顺其自然、随缘而遇的生活态度,也提醒人们要珍惜那些不期而至的幸运与美好。这个成语的魅力在于其深邃的内涵,它不仅描述了一种客观状态,更蕴含了中国人对生命、缘分和机遇的独特理解。
使用模式 — 正式/非正式、书面/口语、地域使用
“可遇不可求”在中文语境中属于一个较为通用的成语,既可在正式场合使用,也可在日常口语交流中出现,且在书面语中尤为常见,为文章增添深度和文采。在正式语境中,它常用于描述一些抽象概念,如历史机遇、文化遗产、科学突破等,强调其来之不易与独特性。在非正式场合,人们则更常用于描述个人情感、人际关系或生活体验,如“真爱可遇不可求”、“这样的美食真是可遇不可求”。
该成语在书面语中出现频率很高,无论是文学作品、新闻评论、学术论文还是散文随笔,都能找到它的身影。它能简洁而有力地表达一种复杂的情感和认知。在口语中,它的使用频率相对略低,因为成语本身具有一定的文言色彩,但在表达深层感受或进行总结时,仍是有效的表达方式。在地域使用上,“可遇不可求”是一个全国通用的成语,没有明显的地域差异,在中国大陆、港澳台地区以及海外华人社区都被广泛理解和使用。
常见语境 — 工作、旅行、媒体、文学、社交媒体
- 工作语境:在职业生涯中,指那些难得的晋升机会、理想的合作搭档或突破性的项目。“能遇到一个真正懂你的领导,真是可遇不可求。”或“这样的创新灵感,常常是可遇不可求的。”
- 旅行语境:描述旅途中意想不到的美景、独特的文化体验或投缘的旅伴。“那片未经开发的沙滩,景色美得可遇不可求。”或“旅行中遇到志同道合的朋友,是可遇不可求的缘分。”
- 媒体语境:新闻报道或评论中,用于形容罕见的社会现象、杰出的人才或独特的文化事件。“像他这样既有才华又有人品的演员,在当今娱乐圈可谓可遇不可求。”
- 文学语境:在诗歌、小说、散文中,常用来渲染某种氛围,表达人物的内心感受,或强调某种情感的稀有与珍贵。“真正的爱情,如同昙花一现,可遇不可求。”或“世间知己,寥若星辰,可遇不可求也。”
- 社交媒体语境:年轻人也常用此成语来表达对美好事物的向往和对偶然所得的珍视,尤其是在分享美食、美景、情感或个人感悟时。“今天吃到一家超好吃的私房菜,味道简直可遇不可求!”或“终于找到一个可以一起吐槽的朋友,可遇不可求!”
与相似词的比较 — 它与近义词的区别
- 难得 (nándé):意为“不容易得到或遇到”,强调的是获得或遇到的难度。它与“可遇不可求”有相似之处,但“难得”的事物通常仍可通过努力或等待来争取,只是过程艰难;而“可遇不可求”则更强调“无法主动寻求”,即便是努力也未必能求得,带有更强的偶然性和非人力可控性。例如,一份“难得”的工作机会可能需要你付出很多努力去争取,但“可遇不可求”的知己则是缘分使然。
- 稀有 (xīyǒu):意为“很少有,不常见”,强调的是数量上的稀少。稀有的事物可能很珍贵,但也可能通过购买或特定途径获得,不一定具备“不可求”的属性。例如,稀有金属可以通过开采获得,但“可遇不可求”的灵感则无法主动捕捉。
- 独一无二 (dúyīwú'èr):意为“只有一个,没有第二个”,强调的是事物的独特性和唯一性。独一无二的事物固然珍贵,但它不一定意味着“不可求”。例如,一件定制的艺术品是独一无二的,但它是可以被“求”得的,而“可遇不可求”则更侧重于其出现的偶然性和非主动性。
语域与语调 — 何时恰当,何时避免
“可遇不可求”的语域偏中性略带文学色彩,适用于多数情境,尤其是在表达对某种美好、稀有、且带有偶然性事物的感叹或珍视时。其语调通常是感慨、欣赏、惋惜或带有哲思的。在描述人生哲理、情感体验、机遇挑战等深层次话题时使用最为恰当,能有效提升表达的深度和感染力。
应避免在以下情境中使用:
- 描述负面或贬义事物:这个成语通常用于形容正面或至少是中性的、令人向往的事物,不适用于描述坏事或灾难,如不能说“这样的厄运真是可遇不可求”。
- 描述可通过努力轻易获得的事物:如果某件事物只要努力就能得到,或者数量很多、随处可见,那么使用“可遇不可求”就不恰当,会显得夸大其词或不准确。
- 过于口语化或随意的情境:尽管口语中也可使用,但在极度随意、轻松的日常对话中,如果不需要强调其珍贵性和偶然性,则有更简洁的表达方式。
搭配语境 — 常用词语搭配解释
“可遇不可求”作为一个成语,本身结构完整,通常作为谓语或定语修饰其他名词。它最常见的搭配是与各种美好的、抽象的或具体的名词结合,来强调这些事物的稀有性和偶然性。
- (名词)是可遇不可求的。 (e.g., 真爱是可遇不可求的。) — 这是最常见的用法,将“可遇不可求”作为句子的谓语,直接描述主语的属性。强调主语的珍贵和偶然性。
- 可遇不可求的(名词)。 (e.g., 可遇不可求的知己。) — 作为定语修饰名词,形容该名词所指代的事物具有“可遇不可求”的特质。强调该事物的稀有性。
- (机遇/缘分/人才等)可遇不可求。 (e.g., 这样的机缘可遇不可求。) — 直接用作谓语,省略“是”或“的”,使表达更加简洁有力,常用于感叹句中。
- 人生中可遇不可求的(美好)。 (e.g., 人生中可遇不可求的美好。) — 在更广阔的人生背景下,强调某些美好事物的稀有和偶然。通常指那些不期而至的幸福、感动或顿悟。
- 这样(形容词)的(名词),可遇不可求。 (e.g., 这样纯粹的友谊,可遇不可求。) — 通过前置形容词进一步强调事物的特质,再用“可遇不可求”来升华其珍贵性。这是一种强调语气。
这些搭配都围绕着“可遇不可求”的核心含义,即强调事物的珍贵、稀有和偶然性,表达一种对命运、缘分或机遇的深刻理解和感叹。
Examples
真正的知己,在人生的旅途中是可遇不可求的,一旦拥有,便应倍加珍惜。
everydayA true confidant is hard to come by on life's journey; once you have one, you should cherish them even more.
在历史的长河中,像这样能改变时代进程的机遇,可谓可遇不可求。
formalIn the long river of history, an opportunity like this, capable of changing the course of an era, is truly hard to come by.
哇,今天这顿饭太好吃了,味道简直可遇不可求!
informalWow, this meal today was so delicious, the taste is simply one of a kind!
科研领域的突破性创新,往往并非刻意追求的产物,而是可遇不可求的灵感闪现。
academicBreakthrough innovations in scientific research are often not the result of deliberate pursuit, but rather flashes of inspiration that are hard to come by.
寻觅到一位能深刻理解公司愿景并具备卓越执行力的合伙人,对于创业者而言,无疑是可遇不可求的。
businessFor an entrepreneur, finding a partner who deeply understands the company's vision and possesses excellent execution skills is undoubtedly hard to come by.
世间万物,皆有其定数,真正的缘分,更是可遇不可求,强求不得。
literaryAll things in the world have their destiny; true serendipity is even harder to come by and cannot be forced.
能在繁忙的都市生活中,找到一片属于自己的宁静角落,真是可遇不可求的幸福。
everydayTo find a quiet corner of your own in a bustling city life is a kind of happiness that is hard to come by.
一位真正能够指引你方向、激发你潜能的导师,是人生中可遇不可求的宝贵财富。
formalA mentor who can truly guide your direction and unleash your potential is a precious asset in life that is hard to come by.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
This idiom is generally neutral to slightly literary, often used in reflective or appreciative contexts. It's suitable for both written and spoken Chinese across various regions, without significant differences. While acceptable in social media, it tends to be used for more profound or genuinely rare observations rather than trivial ones. Avoid using it for negative events or things that can be easily acquired through effort, as it conveys a sense of preciousness and serendipity.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is applying '可遇不可求' to negative situations or easily attainable goals, which contradicts its inherent positive or wistful connotation. For example, saying '坏运气是可遇不可求的' is incorrect. Another error is confusing it with '难得' (hard to get), overlooking the '不可求' (cannot be sought) aspect, which implies a stronger sense of fate. Also, learners might overuse it for merely 'rare' items, rather than those that are rare *and* cannot be actively pursued. Ensure the context truly reflects the idea of serendipity and unattainability through effort.
Tips
Cherish Serendipitous Encounters
This idiom highlights the value of things that come into your life by chance, not by force. Use it to express appreciation for unexpected blessings like a true friend, a perfect opportunity, or a beautiful moment. For example, '遇到一个懂我的灵魂伴侣,真是可遇不可求。' (Meeting a soulmate who understands me is truly hard to come by.)
Avoid for Negative Events
Never use '可遇不可求' to describe negative or undesirable events, as it carries a positive or wistful connotation. It's meant for rare, good things. For instance, do not say '这样的灾难真是可遇不可求' (Such a disaster is hard to come by), as this would be highly inappropriate and misunderstood.
Reflects '顺其自然' Philosophy
The idiom embodies the Chinese philosophy of '顺其自然' (let nature take its course) and '缘分' (fate/serendipity). It suggests that some of life's greatest treasures cannot be forced but must be allowed to unfold naturally. This reflects a cultural appreciation for destiny and the acceptance of what cannot be controlled, like '真正的幸福,往往是可遇不可求的。' (True happiness is often hard to come by.)
Nuance with '难得'
While '难得' (hard to get) implies difficulty, '可遇不可求' adds a layer of impossibility in active seeking. '难得' items might be achieved with great effort, but '可遇不可求' items depend more on chance or fate. Consider '这份工作机会很难得' (This job opportunity is rare) vs. '这样完美的合作搭档是可遇不可求的' (Such a perfect collaboration partner is hard to come by, implying fate).
Word Origin
The idiom '可遇不可求' is a classic four-character Chinese idiom (成语 chéngyǔ). It is composed of two contrasting phrases: '可遇' (can be encountered) and '不可求' (cannot be sought/forced). It doesn't have a single root word but is a descriptive phrase that likely evolved from observations about life's unpredictable nature. Its origins are not tied to a specific historical period or text but reflect a long-standing philosophical outlook in Chinese culture about fate and serendipity, emphasizing the preciousness of things that arrive by chance.
Cultural Context
The idiom '可遇不可求' deeply reflects Chinese cultural values, particularly the emphasis on '缘分' (yuánfèn – fate or serendipity) and '顺其自然' (shùnqízìrán – let nature take its course). It highlights a philosophical acceptance that some of life's most precious things—like true love, deep friendship, or unique opportunities—are not results of effort or planning, but rather blessings that arrive by chance. Modern usage, including on social media, often applies it to everyday marvels like a perfect meal or a beautiful sunset, showing a continued appreciation for unexpected joys. It underscores a collective wisdom that encourages cherishing what comes by chance, rather than relentlessly pursuing what cannot be forced.
Memory Tip
Imagine a rare, beautiful shooting star (流星). You can *see* it (可遇), but you can't *catch* it or make it appear on demand (不可求). It's a fleeting moment of wonder, a precious sight that comes only by chance. This image captures the essence: something beautiful, rare, and beyond your control to summon.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions这个成语主要用来形容那些美好的、积极的、令人向往的事物或机会。例如,真挚的爱情、难得的友情、千载难逢的机遇、独特的艺术品、甚至是某种灵感或顿悟。它强调这些事物因其稀有和偶然性而显得格外珍贵,无法通过刻意努力或强求而获得。
“可遇不可求”通常带有褒义或积极的中性色彩。它表达的是一种对美好事物的珍视、感叹和对偶然所得的庆幸。虽然有时也可能带有一丝遗憾,但这种遗憾是基于对美好事物难以强求的理解,而非负面评价。因此,它绝不会用来形容负面或贬义的事物。
在语法上,“可遇不可求”主要用作谓语或定语。作为谓语时,它直接描述主语的属性,例如“真正的爱情是可遇不可求的”。作为定语时,它修饰名词,例如“可遇不可求的机遇”。它也可以单独使用,作为一种感叹或总结。
“难得”强调的是事物获取或遇到的难度,但通常仍可以通过努力或等待来争取。而“可遇不可求”则更侧重于“无法主动寻求”,即便是努力也未必能求得,带有更强的偶然性和非人力可控性。可以说,“可遇不可求”比“难得”的程度更深,更强调缘分和不可强求。
“可遇不可求”的语域偏中性略带文学色彩,既可在正式场合使用,也可在日常口语交流中出现,尤其在书面语中尤为常见。它能为表达增添深度和文采,因此在文学作品、新闻评论、个人感悟等语境中都非常适用。它不是口语化的俚语,也不是过于生僻的文言词汇。
是的,完全可以。当用来形容人时,它通常指那些在生命中遇到的、特别投缘、能力出众或品格高尚,且难以再遇到的知己、导师、合作伙伴或伴侣。例如,“人生得一知己,可遇不可求”就是非常经典的用法,表达了对这种特殊人际关系的珍视。
“可遇不可求”是一个全国通用的成语,在中国大陆、港澳台地区以及海外华人社区都被广泛理解和使用,没有明显的地域性差异。它作为汉语文化的一部分,其含义和用法在不同地区之间保持高度一致性。因此,无论在何处使用,其表达的意义都是清晰明确的。
使用时需注意其适用范围,它不适用于描述负面事物或可通过努力轻易获得的事物。此外,虽然口语中可以使用,但在过于随意或不需要强调其珍贵性和偶然性的场合,可能有更简洁的表达。准确把握其“珍贵、稀有、偶然、不可强求”的核心内涵是关键。
“可遇不可求”的正确读音是 kě yù bù kě qiú。需要注意的是,“不”在“可”之前时,其声调会发生变化,由第四声变为第二声。因此,正确的读法是 kě yù bú kě qiú。掌握正确的声调对于地道发音至关重要。
“不可求”并非指完全无法获得,而是强调无法通过主动的、刻意的、强硬的手段去争取。它暗示了事物的出现依赖于机缘、缘分或某种不可控的外部因素。理解这一点,有助于体会成语背后顺其自然、随缘而遇的哲学思想,以及对偶然所得的珍视态度。
Test Yourself
人生中,真正的知己是____。
知己是稀有且珍贵的,无法刻意寻找,只能偶然遇到,所以“可遇不可求”最符合语境。其他选项均不符合知己的特性。
请找出不恰当的用法:
“可遇不可求”通常用于形容美好的、积极的事物。选项C形容“恶劣的天气”,是负面事物,因此使用不当。其他选项均符合其褒义或中性的用法。
造句:
这个句子描述了旅行中偶然遇到的美好而独特的经历,强调了其珍贵性和非计划性,完美契合“可遇不可求”的含义。它体现了旅行中的意外之喜。
错误句子:只要努力,金钱是可遇不可求的。
金钱可以通过努力工作、投资等方式获得,并非完全无法主动寻求。因此,用“可遇不可求”来形容金钱是不恰当的。应改为更准确的表达。
Score: /4
Summary
Embrace the serendipitous nature of life, as truly precious things and opportunities are often beyond our control, arriving only when fate allows.
- Describes rare, valuable things or opportunities that cannot be sought intentionally.
- Emphasizes serendipity and the impossibility of forcing such encounters.
- Used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in written language.
- Common mistake: using it for negative events or easily obtainable items.
- Reflects Chinese cultural value of cherishing fate and appreciating unexpected blessings.
Cherish Serendipitous Encounters
This idiom highlights the value of things that come into your life by chance, not by force. Use it to express appreciation for unexpected blessings like a true friend, a perfect opportunity, or a beautiful moment. For example, '遇到一个懂我的灵魂伴侣,真是可遇不可求。' (Meeting a soulmate who understands me is truly hard to come by.)
Avoid for Negative Events
Never use '可遇不可求' to describe negative or undesirable events, as it carries a positive or wistful connotation. It's meant for rare, good things. For instance, do not say '这样的灾难真是可遇不可求' (Such a disaster is hard to come by), as this would be highly inappropriate and misunderstood.
Reflects '顺其自然' Philosophy
The idiom embodies the Chinese philosophy of '顺其自然' (let nature take its course) and '缘分' (fate/serendipity). It suggests that some of life's greatest treasures cannot be forced but must be allowed to unfold naturally. This reflects a cultural appreciation for destiny and the acceptance of what cannot be controlled, like '真正的幸福,往往是可遇不可求的。' (True happiness is often hard to come by.)
Nuance with '难得'
While '难得' (hard to get) implies difficulty, '可遇不可求' adds a layer of impossibility in active seeking. '难得' items might be achieved with great effort, but '可遇不可求' items depend more on chance or fate. Consider '这份工作机会很难得' (This job opportunity is rare) vs. '这样完美的合作搭档是可遇不可求的' (Such a perfect collaboration partner is hard to come by, implying fate).
Examples
6 of 8真正的知己,在人生的旅途中是可遇不可求的,一旦拥有,便应倍加珍惜。
A true confidant is hard to come by on life's journey; once you have one, you should cherish them even more.
在历史的长河中,像这样能改变时代进程的机遇,可谓可遇不可求。
In the long river of history, an opportunity like this, capable of changing the course of an era, is truly hard to come by.
哇,今天这顿饭太好吃了,味道简直可遇不可求!
Wow, this meal today was so delicious, the taste is simply one of a kind!
科研领域的突破性创新,往往并非刻意追求的产物,而是可遇不可求的灵感闪现。
Breakthrough innovations in scientific research are often not the result of deliberate pursuit, but rather flashes of inspiration that are hard to come by.
寻觅到一位能深刻理解公司愿景并具备卓越执行力的合伙人,对于创业者而言,无疑是可遇不可求的。
For an entrepreneur, finding a partner who deeply understands the company's vision and possesses excellent execution skills is undoubtedly hard to come by.
世间万物,皆有其定数,真正的缘分,更是可遇不可求,强求不得。
All things in the world have their destiny; true serendipity is even harder to come by and cannot be forced.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More daily_life words
朝九晚五
B2From nine to five; regular working hours.
废弃
B2To abandon; to discard; to cease to use.
恪守
B2To scrupulously observe; to strictly adhere to.
未免
B2Rather; a bit too; truly (implies something excessive).
反常
B2abnormal, unusual
充裕
B2Abundant; ample.
充沛
B2Abundant; plentiful; full of energy.
门禁卡
B2Access card; entry card.
门禁
B2Access control (system).
配件
B2Fittings; accessories; spare parts.