一石二鸟
一石二鸟 (yī shí èr niǎo) literally means “one stone two birds” and expresses “two goals with one action”. 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: yi shi er niao, yi shi er niao,一石二鸟 meaning, 一石二鸟 in english
Two goals with one action
Pronunciation: yī shí èr niǎo
Literal meaning: One stone two birds
Origin & Usage
A fascinating example of cross-cultural linguistic exchange, emerged during China's period of modernization in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a direct translation of the English phrase 'killing two birds with one stone.' While sharing similar words - one (一) stone (石) two (二) birds (鸟) - it represents a broader pattern of Western concept adoption during this era of increasing global contact. The traditional Chinese equivalent, '一箭双雕' (one arrow, two eagles), better reflects indigenous hunting imagery. Despite its foreign origins, the idiom has been fully embraced in modern Chinese, frequently appearing in business, academic, and everyday contexts to describe efficient solutions that solve multiple problems simultaneously. It serves as a linguistic reminder of how Chinese language and culture have dynamically integrated foreign influences while maintaining their own rich idiomatic traditions.
Examples
English: "By cycling to work, she saved money and got exercise"
Chinese: 骑自行车上班，她既省钱又锻炼身体
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 一石二鸟 mean in English?
一石二鸟 (yī shí èr niǎo) literally translates to “One stone two birds” and is used to express “Two goals with one action”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Wisdom & Learning category.
When is 一石二鸟 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving two goals with one action.
What is the pinyin for 一石二鸟?
The pinyin pronunciation for 一石二鸟 is “yī shí èr niǎo”.