fèng máo lín jiǎo: 凤毛麟角 - Extremely Rare, A Rare Find

• Keywords: 凤毛麟角, fengmaolinjiao, Chinese idiom for rare, what does feng mao lin jiao mean, phoenix feather qilin horn, extremely rare Chinese, precious and rare, rare talent in Chinese, Chinese Chengyu
• Summary: 凤毛麟角 (fèng máo lín jiǎo) is a Chinese idiom (Chengyu) that literally translates to “phoenix feathers and qilin horns.” Since these are mythical creatures, the phrase is a vivid metaphor for anything or anyone that is exceptionally rare and precious. Understanding this idiom offers insight into Chinese mythology and the cultural value placed on unique talents and objects. This page will break down the meaning, cultural significance, and practical usage of `凤毛麟角`, helping you master this beautiful and descriptive term.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): fèng máo lín jiǎo
• Part of Speech: Idiom (成语); can function as a noun or adjective.
• HSK Level: N/A (Advanced / Chengyu)
• Concise Definition: A metaphor describing something or someone as extremely rare and precious.
• In a Nutshell: Imagine trying to find a feather from a phoenix or a horn from a Qilin (a Chinese unicorn). It's impossible because they are mythical creatures. That's the feeling of `凤毛麟角`. It's used to describe people, objects, or opportunities that are not just uncommon, but also incredibly valuable and special, like a true treasure.

• 凤 (fèng): The Chinese Phoenix, a mythical bird symbolizing good fortune, virtue, and grace.
• 毛 (máo): Feather, fur, or hair.
• 麟 (lín): The Qilin, a mythical hooved creature, sometimes called a “Chinese unicorn,” that is said to appear only during the reign of a benevolent and wise ruler. It is a symbol of peace, prosperity, and good luck.
• 角 (jiǎo): Horn.

The characters combine to create a powerful image: “phoenix feathers and Qilin horns.” These are components of two of the most auspicious and revered mythical beasts in Chinese culture. Since these creatures don't exist, their parts are the ultimate symbol of rarity and preciousness.

The idiom `凤毛麟角` is deeply rooted in Chinese mythology and the value system it represents. The Phoenix (凤) and the Qilin (麟) are not just fantasy monsters; they are powerful symbols of cosmic and social harmony. Their appearance was believed to be a sign from heaven that the emperor was ruling justly and the kingdom was at peace. Therefore, `凤毛麟角` is not just about scarcity. It's about a type of scarcity that is inherently positive, virtuous, and valuable. It implies that the person or thing being described is not only rare but also a force for good.

• Comparison to a Western Concept: In English, we might say something is “as rare as hen's teeth.” This conveys rarity and impossibility, but it lacks the positive and almost sacred connotation of `凤毛麟角`. “Hen's teeth” is a folksy, slightly humorous phrase. `凤毛麟角` is a classic, literary idiom that carries a sense of reverence and admiration. While “a diamond in the rough” describes rare potential, `凤毛麟角` describes something that is already a polished, precious gem.

`凤毛麟角` is a formal and literary idiom. While understood by everyone, it's not something you'd use in very casual, everyday slang. It's most appropriate in writing, formal speeches, or conversations where you want to express a high degree of praise or emphasize extreme scarcity and value.

• Praising a Person: It's often used to describe someone with extraordinary talent, impeccable moral character, or a unique skill set.
  • “In today's fast-paced world, a craftsman like him is truly a `凤毛麟角`.”
• Describing an Object: It can be used for rare antiques, limited-edition items, or natural wonders.
  • “This type of flawless jade is `凤毛麟角` and fetches a high price at auction.”
• Referring to Opportunities: It can describe a golden opportunity or a perfect job that is very hard to come by.
  • “An opportunity to study under that professor is `凤毛麟角`.”

The connotation is always positive and full of admiration.

• Example 1:
  • 在我们这个行业，像他这样有经验又有创意的人才真是凤毛麟角。
  • Pinyin: Zài wǒmen zhège hángyè, xiàng tā zhèyàng yǒu jīngyàn yòu yǒu chuàngyì de réncái zhēnshi fèng máo lín jiǎo.
  • English: In our industry, a talent like him, who is both experienced and creative, is truly a rare find.
  • Analysis: This sentence uses the idiom to praise a colleague or professional. It highlights that the combination of experience and creativity is extremely uncommon and valuable.
• Example 2:
  • 如今，能静下心来读完一整本经典著作的年轻人已经是凤毛麟角了。
  • Pinyin: Rújīn, néng jìng xiàxīn lái dú wán yī zhěng běn jīngdiǎn zhùzuò de niánqīngrén yǐjīng shì fèng máo lín jiǎo le.
  • English: Nowadays, young people who can calm down and read a whole classic book are already as rare as phoenix feathers and qilin horns.
  • Analysis: This is a social commentary, using the idiom to express that a certain valuable habit or trait has become extremely uncommon in modern society.
• Example 3:
  • 这种古代瓷器存世量极少，每一件都可以说是凤毛麟角。
  • Pinyin: Zhè zhǒng gǔdài cíqì cúnshì liàng jí shǎo, měi yī jiàn dōu kěyǐ shuō shì fèng máo lín jiǎo.
  • English: Very few of these ancient ceramics still exist; every single piece can be called a rare treasure.
  • Analysis: Here, the idiom is used to describe the rarity and value of physical objects, specifically antiques.
• Example 4:
  • 在这个浮躁的社会里，一份真诚的友谊简直是凤毛麟角。
  • Pinyin: Zài zhège fúzào de shèhuì lǐ, yī fèn zhēnchéng de yǒuyì jiǎnzhí shì fèng máo lín jiǎo.
  • English: In this impetuous society, a sincere friendship is simply a rare gem.
  • Analysis: This example applies the idiom to an abstract concept—friendship—emphasizing its preciousness and scarcity.
• Example 5:
  • 公司正在寻找的顶尖程序员是凤毛麟角，我们面试了上百人还没找到。
  • Pinyin: Gōngsī zhèngzài xúnzhǎo de dǐngjiān chéngxùyuán shì fèng máo lín jiǎo, wǒmen miànshìle shàng bǎi rén hái méi zhǎodào.
  • English: The top-tier programmer the company is looking for is one in a million; we've interviewed hundreds of people and still haven't found one.
  • Analysis: A common business context. It shows the difficulty of finding a candidate with a very specific, high-level skill set.
• Example 6:
  • 能得到这位大师的亲自指导，这样的机会真是凤毛麟角，你一定要珍惜。
  • Pinyin: Néng dédào zhè wèi dàshī de qīnzì zhǐdǎo, zhèyàng de jīhuì zhēnshi fèng máo lín jiǎo, nǐ yīdìng yào zhēnxī.
  • English: To be able to get personal guidance from this master, such an opportunity is extremely rare, you must cherish it.
  • Analysis: This highlights using the idiom for rare opportunities, not just people or things.
• Example 7:
  • 像他那样不为名利、一心一意做学问的学者，现在已经是凤毛麟角了。
  • Pinyin: Xiàng tā nàyàng bù wéi mínglì, yīxīnyīyì zuò xuéwèn de xuézhě, xiànzài yǐjīng shì fèng máo lín jiǎo le.
  • English: Scholars like him, who are dedicated to research without seeking fame or fortune, are now few and far between.
  • Analysis: This praises a person's noble character and dedication, framing it as a rare and valuable trait.
• Example 8:
  • 在沙漠里，水源如同凤毛麟角一般珍贵。
  • Pinyin: Zài shāmò lǐ, shuǐyuán rútóng fèng máo lín jiǎo yībān zhēnguì.
  • English: In the desert, water sources are as precious as phoenix feathers and qilin horns.
  • Analysis: The structure `如同…一般 (rútóng…yībān)` means “just like…” or “as if…” This sentence demonstrates a common pattern for using the idiom in a simile.
• Example 9:
  • 那个年代的彩色照片是凤毛麟角，每一张都记录着宝贵的历史。
  • Pinyin: Nàge niándài de cǎisè zhàopiàn shì fèng máo lín jiǎo, měi yī zhāng dōu jìlùzhe bǎoguì de lìshǐ.
  • English: Color photographs from that era are exceedingly rare, and each one records precious history.
  • Analysis: A straightforward use for a scarce historical artifact.
• Example 10:
  • 虽然大城市里有很多医生，但能真正称得上是神医的，却是凤毛麟角。
  • Pinyin: Suīrán dà chéngshì lǐ yǒu hěnduō yīshēng, dàn néng zhēnzhèng chēng dé shàng shì shényī de, quèshì fèng máo lín jiǎo.
  • English: Although there are many doctors in the big city, those who can truly be called 'miracle-working doctors' are few and far between.
  • Analysis: This sentence creates a contrast, showing that even within a large group, true excellence is exceptionally rare.

• Mistake 1: Using it for things that are merely scarce, not valuable.
  • Incorrect: `这种软件的漏洞是凤毛麟角。(Zhè zhǒng ruǎnjiàn de lòudòng shì fèng máo lín jiǎo.)` - The bugs in this software are extremely rare.
  • Why it's wrong: Bugs and flaws are not precious or desirable. You wouldn't use a positive, admiring idiom to describe them. A more neutral term is needed.
  • Correct: `这种软件的漏洞很少见。(Zhè zhǒng ruǎnjiàn de lòudòng hěn shǎojiàn.)` - Bugs in this software are rarely seen.
• Mistake 2: Overusing it in casual contexts.
  • Awkward: `今天早上地铁不挤，座位简直是凤毛麟角！(Jīntiān zǎoshang dìtiě bù jǐ, zuòwèi jiǎnzhí shì fèng máo lín jiǎo!)` - The subway wasn't crowded this morning, an empty seat was a rare find!
  • Why it's wrong: While finding a seat can be great, it's a mundane, everyday occurrence. Using such a formal, grand idiom sounds overly dramatic and even sarcastic.
  • More Natural: `今天早上地铁竟然有空座，太难得了！(Jīntiān zǎoshang dìtiě jìngrán yǒu kōng zuò, tài nándé le!)` - There was actually an empty seat on the subway this morning, how rare!
• False Friend: Not the same as “unique” (独一无二).
  • `凤毛麟角` describes a category of things that is extremely rare (e.g., “Nobel prize winners are `凤毛麟角`”). There is more than one, but very few.
  • `独一无二 (dú yī wú èr)` means literally “one and only” or unique (e.g., “The Mona Lisa is `独一无二`”). It describes absolute singularity.

• 百里挑一 (bǎi lǐ tiāo yī) - “One chosen from a hundred.” Describes something or someone excellent and highly selective, but much less rare than `凤毛麟角`.
• 千里马 (qiān lǐ mǎ) - “A thousand-li horse.” A metaphor for a person of exceptional, often unrecognized, talent. It focuses on latent potential, while `凤毛麟角` refers to the rarity itself.
• 出类拔萃 (chū lèi bá cuì) - “To stand out from one's fellows.” Describes someone who is outstanding within a group. It implies comparison, whereas `凤毛麟角` implies a near-total lack of a group to compare to.
• 独一无二 (dú yī wú èr) - “Unique, one and only.” Emphasizes absolute singularity rather than just extreme rarity.
• 罕见 (hǎnjiàn) - A common word meaning “rarely seen” or “uncommon.” It is neutral and lacks the strong “precious” connotation of `凤毛麟角`.
• 稀少 (xīshǎo) - A common word meaning “scarce” or “few.” Like `罕见`, it is a neutral term for rarity.
• 九牛一毛 (jiǔ niú yī máo) - (Antonym) “One hair from nine oxen.” A metaphor for something utterly insignificant or a drop in the ocean. The direct opposite of `凤毛麟角`.
• 国宝 (guóbǎo) - “National treasure.” Can refer to a rare object (like an antique) or a highly-valued person (like a famous scientist or artist), often called a “national treasure.” A `国宝`-level person is a type of `凤毛麟角`.