# 神通广大

shén tōng guǎng dà

Have remarkably broad abilities or resourcefulness

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Possess extensive wondrous powers

**Traditional Chinese:** 神通廣大

**Register:** General · spoken & written

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

## When to use it

Praise someone who seems able to handle many kinds of tasks.

In everyday use it is playful or figurative, not a claim of magic.

## The image & its use

The expression begins with an image of extraordinary powers, then extends to unusual practical resourcefulness. Modern speakers may use it affectionately about someone who can find a missing book, arrange a complicated trip, or repair several unrelated things. The range of ability matters as much as the success of one task. It is often deliberate exaggeration. Recognize the knowledge, preparation, and cooperation behind the result rather than suggesting that helpful people can solve every problem.

## Examples

你连这本旧书都找到了，真是神通广大。

### Traditional Chinese

你連這本舊書都找到了，真是神通廣大。

nǐ lián zhè běn jiù shū dōu zhǎo dào le ， zhēn shì shén tōng guǎng dà 。

Finding even this old book shows remarkable resourcefulness.

她神通广大，能解决各种小问题。

### Traditional Chinese

她神通廣大，能解決各種小問題。

tā shén tōng guǎng dà ， néng jiě jué gè zhǒng xiǎo wèn tí 。

She is wonderfully resourceful with many small problems.

大家笑称图书管理员神通广大。

### Traditional Chinese

大家笑稱圖書管理員神通廣大。

dà jiā xiào chēng tú shū guǎn lǐ yuán shén tōng guǎng dà 。

Everyone jokingly called the librarian remarkably capable.

再神通广大的人也需要合作。

### Traditional Chinese

再神通廣大的人也需要合作。

zài shén tōng guǎng dà de rén yě xū yào hé zuò 。

Even a highly resourceful person needs cooperation.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 7, 2026.

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=1116&webMd=1&la=0)

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E7%A5%9E%E9%80%9A%E5%BB%A3%E5%A4%A7)

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