叹为观止 breathtaking
Explanation
形容对所见到的事物感到极其赞赏，好到极点。
Describes the amazement and admiration for something extraordinary, so good that one has seen nothing better.
Origin Story
春秋时期，吴国公子季札出使到鲁国。鲁国为了表示友好，演奏了盛大的歌舞表演。季札观赏歌舞，看到一半，便说道：‘《韶》乐到此为止，我就不再观看了。’鲁国人很惊讶，不知为何。季札解释说，他精通音律，早已知道《韶》乐的精妙之处，此时已经到达了最高境界，再看下去也不会比现在更好，所以不必再看了。后人便用“叹为观止”来形容看到的事物好到了极致。
During the Spring and Autumn period, Prince Ji Zha of Wu went on a diplomatic mission to Lu. To show their friendship, Lu hosted a grand musical and dance performance. While watching the performance, Ji Zha stopped halfway and said, ‘The music of Shao ends here. I will watch no further.’ The people of Lu were surprised and asked why. Ji Zha explained that being an expert in music, he had recognized the peak of Shao’s magnificence. Watching further would add no value to what he had already experienced, hence he decided to stop. Later generations use the phrase “tàn wéi guān zhǐ” to describe something reaching its peak.
Usage
用于赞美事物好到了极点，表示极度赞赏。
Used to praise something that is so good that it reaches the peak.
Examples
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这场演出精彩绝伦，真是叹为观止！
zhè chǎng yǎnchū jīngcǎi juélún, zhēnshi tàn wéi guān zhǐ!
The performance was breathtaking, simply amazing!
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他收藏的古董叹为观止，令人惊叹不已！
tā shōucáng de gǔdǒng tàn wéi guān zhǐ, lìng rén jīngtàn bù yǐ!
His antique collection is overwhelming, simply breathtaking!