JLPT N2Four-character idioms
天衣無縫
- Meaning
- 天人の衣のように縫い目がなく自然で飾り気のないこと
- Explanation
- "天衣無縫" originates from the legend that the robes of celestial beings have no seams, expressing being natural and perfect with no trace of artifice, and also an unaffected, innocent and carefree character. It is used when praising the quality of poetry and prose or an innocent personality. Choice c2 "excellent sewing skill" is the opposite interpretation in that it evaluates the technique.
Original Japanese explanation
「天衣無縫」は、天人の衣には縫い目がないという伝説に由来し、技巧の跡がなく自然で完璧なこと、また飾り気がなく天真爛漫な人柄を表します。詩文の出来栄えや無邪気な性格をほめる場面で使います。c2の「縫う技術が優れている」は技巧を評価する点で逆向きの解釈です。
Quick check
Choose the most appropriate meaning of "天衣無縫".
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