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HSK 6
kōngemptyqiánbeforejuéseverhòuafter
Unprecedented and unrepeatable; the first and the last; unparalleled.

Literal meaning

empty (空) — before (前) — sever (绝) — after (后)

Origin

A classical four-character phrase indicating something is unique in history.

Examples

Zhèzhǎnlǎndeguīkōngqiánjuéhòu
The scale of this exhibition is unprecedented.
dechéngjiùkōngqiánjuéhòurénnéng
His achievements are unparalleled, and no one can match them.

Usage & nuances

Often used to describe something that is unique and unlikely to be repeated.

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