取长补短
取长补短 (qǔ cháng bǔ duǎn) literally means “take strengths fix weaknesses” and expresses “combine strengths to overcome weaknesses”. 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: qu chang bu duan, qu chang bu duan,取长补短 meaning, 取长补短 in english
Combine strengths to overcome weaknesses
Pronunciation: qǔ cháng bǔ duǎn
Literal meaning: Take strengths fix weaknesses
Origin & Usage
This balanced approach advocates taking (取) strengths (长) to supplement (补) weaknesses (短), first appearing in Han Dynasty governance texts. The concept gained practical application during the Tang Dynasty's civil service reforms, where officials were paired to complement each other's abilities. Historical records show how Emperor Taizong deliberately combined ministers with different talents to strengthen his administration. The principle influenced Chinese military strategy, where generals were taught to leverage their armies' strengths against enemy weaknesses. Modern applications span from business partnerships to education, emphasizing how complementary collaboration often achieves what individual effort cannot. Unlike simple copying, it suggests thoughtful integration of diverse strengths to create balanced systems.
Examples
English: "The international team combined German engineering with Italian design"
Chinese: 这个国际团队结合了德国工程和意大利设计
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 取长补短 mean in English?
取长补短 (qǔ cháng bǔ duǎn) literally translates to “Take strengths fix weaknesses” and is used to express “Combine strengths to overcome weaknesses”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Wisdom & Learning category.
When is 取长补短 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving combine strengths to overcome weaknesses.
What is the pinyin for 取长补短?
The pinyin pronunciation for 取长补短 is “qǔ cháng bǔ duǎn”.