异曲同工
异曲同工 (yì qǔ tóng gōng) literally means “different tune same effect” and expresses “different methods, equally good results”. 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 qu tong gong, yi qu tong gong,异曲同工 meaning, 异曲同工 in english
Different methods, equally good results
Pronunciation: yì qǔ tóng gōng
Literal meaning: Different tune same effect
Origin & Usage
This musical metaphor describes different (异) melodies (曲) achieving the same (同) artistic effect (工), first appearing in Tang Dynasty music criticism. It originated from evaluations of how regional folk tunes could evoke similar emotional responses despite using different musical structures. The concept gained broader application during the Song Dynasty, when scholars recognized how different philosophical approaches could reach similar ethical conclusions. The specific reference to 'gong' (工) - craftsmanship or effect - emphasized results over methods. Modern usage celebrates the validity of diverse approaches to shared goals, particularly valuable in multicultural contexts or interdisciplinary projects where different methodologies can produce equally valid outcomes.
Examples
English: "The two companies used different methods but achieved equally excellent results"
Chinese: 这两家公司采用不同的方法，但取得了同样出色的结果
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Related Chinese Idioms
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 异曲同工 mean in English?
异曲同工 (yì qǔ tóng gōng) literally translates to “Different tune same effect” and is used to express “Different methods, equally good results”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Wisdom & Learning category.
When is 异曲同工 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving different methods, equally good results.
What is the pinyin for 异曲同工?
The pinyin pronunciation for 异曲同工 is “yì qǔ tóng gōng”.