本末倒置
本末倒置 (běn mò dào zhì) literally means “root branch reversed position” and expresses “prioritize minor over fundamental matters”. 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: ben mo dao zhi, ben mo dao zhi,本末倒置 meaning, 本末倒置 in english
Prioritize minor over fundamental matters
Pronunciation: běn mò dào zhì
Literal meaning: Root branch reversed position
Origin & Usage
This organizational idiom criticizes reversing (倒置) the proper order of root/fundamental (本) and branch/peripheral matters (末), originating from Han Dynasty governance texts. It first appeared in discussions about administrative priorities, warning officials against focusing on secondary issues while neglecting primary ones. The botanical metaphor drew from agricultural wisdom that roots must be nourished before branches. During the Song Dynasty, it became a standard critique in policy debates about resource allocation. Unlike terms for simple disorder, it specifically addresses hierarchy and priority rather than mere sequence. Modern usage criticizes misplaced emphasis in any context - from business strategy to personal time management - where attention to minor details overshadows more consequential matters.
Examples
English: "The project focused on minor details while neglecting the core objectives"
Chinese: 项目专注于次要细节，而忽视了核心目标
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Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about wisdom & learning
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 本末倒置 mean in English?
本末倒置 (běn mò dào zhì) literally translates to “Root branch reversed position” and is used to express “Prioritize minor over fundamental matters”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Wisdom & Learning category.
When is 本末倒置 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving prioritize minor over fundamental matters.
What is the pinyin for 本末倒置?
The pinyin pronunciation for 本末倒置 is “běn mò dào zhì”.