# 一字千金

yī zì qiān jīn

Have exceptionally valuable wording

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** One character is worth a thousand gold pieces

**Register:** Admiring · literary

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

## When to use it

Praise concise, excellent writing or calligraphy.

Figurative value, not normally a literal price.

## Understanding the expression

Placing a huge value on one character makes the quality of language seem concentrated rather than measured by length. The expression praises writing whose words are exceptionally apt, influential, or artistically refined. It can also refer to admired calligraphy. The gold is an image of esteem rather than a quotation of market price. A short text may deserve high praise, but brevity alone does not establish the precision and quality implied.

## Examples

这段判词精炼，堪称一字千金。

### Traditional Chinese

這段判詞精煉，堪稱一字千金。

zhè duàn pàn cí jīng liàn ， kān chēng yī zì qiān jīn 。

The concise judgment is exceptionally well worded.

他的题字被赞为一字千金。

### Traditional Chinese

他的題字被贊為一字千金。

tā de tí zì bèi zàn wèi yī zì qiān jīn 。

His inscription is praised as highly valuable calligraphy.

文章结尾一字千金，耐人寻味。

### Traditional Chinese

文章結尾一字千金，耐人尋味。

wén zhāng jié wěi yī zì qiān jīn ， nài rén xún wèi 。

The ending's excellent wording rewards reflection.

她反复修改，力求一字千金。

### Traditional Chinese

她反覆修改，力求一字千金。

tā fǎn fù xiū gǎi ， lì qiú yī zì qiān jīn 。

She revised repeatedly to make every word valuable.

## 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=%E4%B8%80%E5%AD%97%E5%8D%83%E9%87%91)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=520&webMd=1&la=0)

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