# 大器晚成

dà qì wǎn chéng

Great ability may mature late

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** A great vessel takes time to complete

**Register:** Encouraging · literary

[Effort & growth](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/effort)

## When to use it

Encourage patience about later achievement.

Not a guarantee that every delay ends in greatness.

## Understanding the expression

A large, well made vessel requires more time than a small simple one. The expression uses that scale to reassure people whose ability or career develops later than expected. Modern speakers often apply it after someone achieves success following years of preparation. It can also encourage a struggling learner. The phrase values patient growth, but should not replace honest feedback or imply that time alone produces exceptional ability.

## Examples

他五十岁才成名，算是大器晚成。

### Traditional Chinese

他五十歲才成名，算是大器晚成。

tā wǔ shí suì cái chéng míng ， suàn shì dà qì wǎn chéng 。

He became famous at fifty, a late bloomer.

她相信自己大器晚成，继续练习。

### Traditional Chinese

她相信自己大器晚成，繼續練習。

tā xiāng xìn zì jǐ dà qì wǎn chéng ， jì xù liàn xí 。

She believes her talent will mature late and keeps practicing.

这位作家大器晚成。

### Traditional Chinese

這位作家大器晚成。

zhè wèi zuò jiā dà qì wǎn chéng 。

This writer found success later in life.

别急着比较，有人确实大器晚成。

### Traditional Chinese

別急著比較，有人確實大器晚成。

bié jí zhe bǐ jiào ， yǒu rén què shí dà qì wǎn chéng 。

Do not compare too quickly; some people develop late.

## 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=%E5%A4%A7%E5%99%A8%E6%99%9A%E6%88%90)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=155&webMd=1&la=0)

## Keep exploring

- [得过且过 dé guò qiě guò Get by without making an effort to improve ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/de-guo-qie-guo)

- [得心应手 dé xīn yìng shǒu Perform skillfully and with ease ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/de-xin-ying-shou)

- [登峰造极 dēng fēng zào jí Reach the highest level of mastery ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/deng-feng-zao-ji)

- [登堂入室 dēng táng rù shì Reach a deeper level of understanding or skill ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/deng-tang-ru-shi)

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