Chinese word

泰斗

Pronunciation

Pinyintài dǒu

Meaning

  • nounleading authority

Example

他被公认为经济学的泰斗。tā bèi gōng rèn wéi jīng jì xué de tài dǒu

He is widely recognized as a leading authority in economics.

Illustration for 泰斗 (leading authority)

More examples

他长期致力于传统诗歌研究，是公认的文学泰斗。tā cháng qī zhì lì yú chuán tǒng shī gē yán jiū shì gōng rèn de wén xué tài dǒu

He has long devoted himself to traditional poetry research and is a widely recognized leading authority in literature.

Core concept

A widely recognized figure who stands at the top of a field and serves as a model for others.

Common phrases

  • 文学泰斗wén xué tài dǒu

    leading literary authority

  • 音乐泰斗yīn yuè tài dǒu

    leading musical authority

  • 学术泰斗xué shù tài dǒu

    leading academic authority

Similar words

权威quán wēi: A respected source of trustworthy judgments or standards within a particular field.
专家zhuān jiā: A specialist with strong knowledge or ability who researches problems and provides guidance.
大师dà shī: An admired master whose refined skill and years of experience influence work and teaching.
学者xué zhě: A scholar by profession who investigates knowledge, teaches, and publishes research papers.

Definition in Chinese

在某领域被公认为权威或领军人物，常被看作该领域的第一人选或楷模。zài mǒu lǐng yù bèi gōng rèn wéi quán wēi huò lǐng jūn rén wù cháng bèi kàn zuò gāi lǐng yù de dì yì rén xuǎn huò kǎi mó

Word origin

泰斗 (tàidǒu, "leading authority") is shortened from 泰山北斗 (Tàishān Běidǒu, "Mount Tai and the Big Dipper"), two objects traditionally admired for their greatness and prominence.

Usage tips

  • The noun has a high-register, admiring tone, so it fits profiles, lectures, and formal praise better than relaxed everyday conversation.

Other meanings

  • masternoun

Opposites

  • 小人物xiǎo rén wùminor figurenoun

Word lists with this word