泰斗

• Pinyin: tài dǒu
• Hanzi breakdown: 泰 = 氺 (water) + 大 + 廾; 斗 = pictograph of the Big Dipper constellation

Meaning

Leading authority; giant in a field; doyen. Someone of the highest standing in their field.

A respectful term for the most eminent person in a particular field, like a founding figure or undisputed master. Originally referred to Mount Tai and the Big Dipper, both symbols of paramount importance.

Examples

1. 季羡林先生是国学界公认的泰斗，他的去世是学术界的巨大损失。 Mr. Ji Xianlin was a recognized doyen in the field of Chinese studies — his passing was a tremendous loss to academia.
2. 她是时尚界的泰斗，几十年来引领着潮流方向。 She is a leading authority in the fashion world, having led trends for decades.
3. 作为计算机科学的泰斗，他的论文被引用了数万次。 As a giant in computer science, his papers have been cited tens of thousands of times.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, professional, obituaries

Tone: reverent

Do Say

• 他是这个领域的泰斗。(He is a giant in this field.)
• 一代泰斗陨落。(A leading authority of a generation has passed.)

Don't Say

• 用'泰斗'形容年轻人 (泰斗 implies decades of achievement — don't use it for young talents)

Origin & History

泰 refers to Mount Tai, 斗 refers to the Big Dipper — both represent the highest, most revered positions. Combined: an eminent authority.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal