可遇不可求

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Chinese

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can; may; able to
can; may; able to; certain(ly); to suit; (particle used for emphasis)
 
meet with cannot; should not; must not
to seek; to look for; to request
to seek; to look for; to request; to demand; to beseech
 
trad. (可遇不可求) 不可
simp. #(可遇不可求) 不可
alternative forms 可遇而不可求

Etymology

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From the Book of Han.

Pronunciation

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Phrase

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可遇不可求

  1. (of something good or fortunate) can only be come across serendipitously; good things may happen, but may not be sought; just have to let it happen, you can't force it