举一反三
举一反三 (jǔ yī fǎn sān) literally means “raise one reflect three” and expresses “learn many from one example”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving wisdom and learning. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
Also searched as: ju yi fan san, ju yi fan san,举一反三 meaning, 举一反三 in english
Learn many from one example
Pronunciation: jǔ yī fǎn sān
Literal meaning: Raise one reflect three
Origin & Usage
This idiom stems from Confucius's teaching methodology, where he described the ideal student as one who could infer (反) three (三) things when taught one (举一). The concept appears in the Analects, where Confucius praised students who could extrapolate broader principles from specific examples. During the Han Dynasty, this approach became fundamental to scholarly education, emphasizing active learning over mere memorization. The metaphor suggests that knowledge, like light, can illuminate multiple areas from a single source. In modern education and business contexts, it describes the ability to grasp underlying principles and apply them creatively to new situations, particularly valued in fields requiring innovative problem-solving.
Examples
English: "After understanding this principle, she could solve similar problems easily"
Chinese: 理解了这个原理后，她能轻松解决类似的问题
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 举一反三 mean in English?
举一反三 (jǔ yī fǎn sān) literally translates to “Raise one reflect three” and is used to express “Learn many from one example”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Wisdom & Learning category.
When is 举一反三 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving learn many from one example.
What is the pinyin for 举一反三?
The pinyin pronunciation for 举一反三 is “jǔ yī fǎn sān”.