半壁河山 Half the River and Mountains
Explanation
指国家失去一部分领土后剩下的部分。常用于表达对国家失去领土的惋惜和对保全部分国土的庆幸。
Refers to the remaining part of a country after losing some territory. Often used to express regret for the loss of territory and gratitude for preserving part of it.
Origin Story
话说公元前207年，秦朝末年，陈胜吴广揭竿而起，天下大乱。秦军节节败退，最终秦朝灭亡，汉朝建立。汉朝初年，天下虽定，但各地豪强割据，叛乱不断，汉高祖刘邦励精图治，才逐步平定天下。在这期间，汉朝的疆土屡有损失，但经过多年的艰苦战争，刘邦最终保全了半壁河山，为汉朝的繁荣昌盛奠定了坚实的基础。这半壁河山，凝聚着无数英雄将士的鲜血与汗水，也承载着汉朝人民对和平与稳定的渴望。
In 207 BC, at the end of the Qin Dynasty, Chen Sheng and Wu Guang launched a rebellion, plunging the country into chaos. The Qin army suffered defeat after defeat, eventually leading to the fall of the Qin Dynasty and the establishment of the Han Dynasty. In the early years of the Han Dynasty, although peace had been restored, rebellions continued to erupt among various regional warlords. Emperor Gaozu Liu Bang diligently governed, gradually pacifying the land. During this period, the Han Dynasty suffered territorial losses. However, after years of arduous warfare, Liu Bang ultimately preserved half of the country, laying a solid foundation for the prosperity of the Han Dynasty. This half of the land embodies the blood and sweat of countless heroic soldiers and reflects the aspirations of the Han people for peace and stability.
Usage
多用于形容国家领土的损失和保存。也常用于比喻事业的挫折和坚持。
Mostly used to describe the loss and preservation of national territory. Can also be used metaphorically for setbacks and perseverance in an undertaking.
Examples
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如今的中国，早已不是半壁河山了，而是屹立于世界东方！
Rújīn de Zhōngguó, zǎoyǐ bùshì bàn bì hé shān le, ér shì yì lì yú shìjiè Dōngfāng!
China today is no longer half its former territory, but stands tall in the East!
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经过几代人的努力，我们保全了半壁河山，如今更是国泰民安。
Jīngguò jǐ dài rén de nǔlì, wǒmen bǎoquán le bàn bì hé shān, rújīn gèng shì guó Tài mín'ān
After the hard work of several generations, we have preserved half of our country, and now enjoy peace and prosperity.