# 星罗棋布

xīng luó qí bù

Distributed densely across an area

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Arrayed like stars and a game board

**Traditional Chinese:** 星羅棋布

**Register:** General · spoken & written

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

## When to use it

Describe many objects spread throughout a space.

It suggests numerous scattered positions rather than a single pile.

## The image & its use

Looking at a clear night sky, a viewer sees points spread across a broad space. A board covered with playing pieces offers another picture of many positions. This expression brings those images together to describe a widespread distribution. It can fit islands, garden lights, libraries, or other things seen across an area. The items do not have to follow a perfect pattern. Use it when their number and spread are both worth noticing, rather than merely saying that several objects exist.

## Examples

湖面上的小岛星罗棋布。

### Traditional Chinese

湖面上的小島星羅棋布。

hú miàn shàng de xiǎo dǎo xīng luó qí bù 。

Small islands are scattered throughout the lake.

这座城市的阅读站星罗棋布，十分方便。

### Traditional Chinese

這座城市的閱讀站星羅棋布，十分方便。

zhè zuò chéng shì de yuè dú zhàn xīng luó qí bù ， shí fēn fāng biàn 。

Reading stations are distributed across the city, making access convenient.

花园里的小灯星罗棋布。

### Traditional Chinese

花園裡的小燈星羅棋布。

huā yuán lǐ de xiǎo dēng xīng luó qí bù 。

Small lights are scattered throughout the garden.

山间的村落星罗棋布，各有特色。

### Traditional Chinese

山間的村落星羅棋布，各有特色。

shān jiān de cūn luò xīng luó qí bù ， gè yǒu tè sè 。

Villages are scattered among the mountains, each with its own character.

## 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=1232&webMd=1&la=0)

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E6%98%9F%E7%BE%85%E6%A3%8B%E5%B8%83)

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