# 才高八斗

cái gāo bā dǒu

Possess exceptional literary talent

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Talent measures eight large units

**Register:** Admiring · literary

[Perspective](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/perspective)

## When to use it

Praise outstanding ability, especially in writing.

Literary praise, not a literal measurement.

## Understanding the expression

A large measure gives talent an exaggerated quantity, making exceptional ability seem something that could be weighed or counted. Modern use is elevated praise for a writer, scholar, or person with impressive verbal skill. It belongs more naturally to literature and learning than to every kind of practical expertise. The number is figurative. A convincing compliment still benefits from examples of the person's work rather than treating the idiom as evidence by itself.

## Examples

这位诗人被赞为才高八斗。

### Traditional Chinese

這位詩人被贊為才高八斗。

zhè wèi shī rén bèi zàn wèi cái gāo bā dǒu 。

This poet is praised for exceptional talent.

他才高八斗，写作却很谨慎。

### Traditional Chinese

他才高八斗，寫作卻很謹慎。

tā cái gāo bā dǒu ， xiě zuò què hěn jǐn shèn 。

He is highly talented but writes carefully.

她敬佩那位才高八斗的作家。

tā jìng pèi nà wèi cái gāo bā dǒu de zuò jiā 。

She admires that exceptionally gifted writer.

才高八斗也需要不断练习。

### Traditional Chinese

才高八斗也需要不斷練習。

cái gāo bā dǒu yě xū yào bú duàn liàn xí 。

Even great talent needs continued practice.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E6%89%8D%E9%AB%98%E5%85%AB%E6%96%97)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=318&webMd=1&la=0)

## Keep exploring

- [沧海一粟 cāng hǎi yī sù A tiny part of an immense whole ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/cang-hai-yi-su)

- [沧海遗珠 cāng hǎi yí zhū Valuable talent or work remains overlooked ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/cang-hai-yi-zhu)

- [参差不齐 cēn cī bù qí Uneven or varying in level ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/cen-ci-bu-qi)

- [差强人意 chā qiáng rén yì Be barely satisfactory ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/cha-qiang-ren-yi)

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