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波瀾萬丈

파란만장 波瀾萬丈

A state where a person's life or a particular process is extremely complex, marked by severe ups and downs and dramatic changes.

Chinese Idiom 4-character idiom Learn with Music
Quick Answer

파란만장 (波瀾萬丈) means "A state where a person's life or a particular process is extremely complex, marked by severe ups and downs and dramatic changes.". The idiom is composed of the characters for 'Wave' (波), 'Billow' (瀾), 'Ten Thousand' (萬), and 'Measu

1 Meaning

파란만장 (波瀾萬丈) means “A state where a person's life or a particular process is extremely complex, marked by severe ups and downs and dramatic changes.”.

Paran-manjang (波瀾萬丈) literally means 'ten thousand waves of billows,' serving as a metaphor for a life or situation filled with extreme fluctuations and hardships. It symbolizes a dynamic journey where trials and triumphs constantly intersect.

2 Examples

1

An entrepreneur who faced multiple business failures and was on the brink of bankruptcy.

Analyzed the causes of failure and refused to give up, eventually making a comeback with an innovative service.

2

An athlete who faced a career-ending injury but underwent a long, grueling rehabilitation.

Endured moments of despair and pushed through painful daily training to eventually win a gold medal.

3

An artist who pursued their dream despite years of obscurity and financial struggle.

Persisted in creating their unique art world despite criticism and economic hardship.

Which situation fits this idiom?

Pick the everyday scene where “파란만장” fits best.

3 Origin

The idiom is composed of the characters for 'Wave' (波), 'Billow' (瀾), 'Ten Thousand' (萬), and 'Measure of Length' (丈). The 'jang' (丈) represents a significant height, painting a vivid picture of towering waves reaching ten thousand measures high, crashing relentlessly. Originally used to describe the violent surges of the ocean, this expression evolved to depict human destiny or social conditions that are far from smooth, characterized by dramatic twists of fate. In modern contexts, it resonates with the idea that 'highs and lows collide,' emphasizing a resilient attitude that doesn't just endure life's volatility but finds strength within it.

4 Key Lessons

1

Accept that life's peaks and valleys are essential components of the growth process.

2

Maintain inner composure and stay your course even when faced with unexpected storms.

3

Have the courage to ride the waves of a changing life rather than fearing the turbulence.

5 English Expression

English Vocabulary

Fast lane

추월 차선, 아주 바쁘고 활기찬 생활 방식

"Living in the fast lane can be exhausting but exciting."

Collide

충돌하다, 부딪히다

"The two different cultures collide in this big city."

Highs and lows

인생의 우여곡절, 좋을 때와 나쁠 때

"Every relationship has its highs and lows."

Wild ride

거친 질주, 파란만장한 경험

"Starting my own company was a wild ride."

6 Learn with Music

파란만장 track image

파란만장 Track

Wild Ride Tonight (波瀾萬丈)

파란만장처럼 오르락내리락 사건이 끊이지 않는 삶의 굴곡을 “wild ride”로 받아들이며 끝까지 빛나겠다는 태도를 담아낸다.

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