# 鹤立鸡群

hè lì jī qún

Stand out conspicuously among others

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** A crane stands among chickens

**Traditional Chinese:** 鶴立雞群

**Register:** Appreciative · literary

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

## When to use it

Praise exceptional distinction or describe unusual height.

Can sound dismissive of the surrounding group.

## Understanding the expression

A crane is taller and has a different bearing from the chickens around it, so it is immediately visible. Modern use compares that striking difference to unusual ability, appearance, or stature within a group. The phrase is usually admiring toward the person who stands out. It can imply that others are lesser, however. Naming the specific distinction makes the comparison fairer than claiming broad superiority in every aspect of life.

## Examples

她的作品在展览中鹤立鸡群。

### Traditional Chinese

她的作品在展覽中鶴立雞群。

tā de zuò pǐn zài zhǎn lǎn zhōng hè lì jī qún 。

Her work stands out in the exhibition.

高个子男孩在人群中鹤立鸡群。

### Traditional Chinese

高個子男孩在人群中鶴立雞群。

gāo gè zi nán hái zài rén qún zhōng hè lì jī qún 。

The tall boy stands conspicuously in the crowd.

他的口才让他鹤立鸡群。

### Traditional Chinese

他的口才讓他鶴立雞群。

tā de kǒu cái ràng tā hè lì jī qún 。

His speaking ability makes him stand out.

这位新人在比赛中鹤立鸡群。

### Traditional Chinese

這位新人在比賽中鶴立雞群。

zhè wèi xīn rén zài bǐ sài zhōng hè lì jī qún 。

The newcomer stands out in the competition.

## 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=%E9%B6%B4%E7%AB%8B%E9%9B%9E%E7%BE%A4)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=217&webMd=1&la=0)

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