南辕北辙
南辕北辙 (nán yuán běi zhé) literally means “driving south while heading north” and expresses “actions contrary to one's goals”. 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: nan yuan bei zhe, nan yuan bei zhe,南辕北辙 meaning, 南辕北辙 in english
Actions contrary to one's goals
Pronunciation: nán yuán běi zhé Literal meaning: Driving south while heading north
Origin & Usage
This idiom comes from 'Strategies of the Warring States' (战国策). A man wanted to travel to the southern state of Chu but drove his carriage north. When asked why, he boasted of his fast horses, skilled driver, and ample provisions, failing to realize that these advantages would only take him further from his destination. The story illustrates how having resources means nothing if one's direction is fundamentally wrong. Modern usage describes actions that are counterproductive to stated intentions or methods that contradict desired outcomes.
When to Use
Situation: His business strategy was completely counterproductive to his stated goals.
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Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about wisdom & learning
耳目一新
ěr mù yī xīn
A refreshing new experience
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循序渐进
xún xù jiàn jìn
Progress step by step
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恍然大悟
huǎng rán dà wù
Sudden complete understanding after confusion
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邯郸学步
hán dān xué bù
Lose abilities through misguided imitation
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归根到底
guī gēn dào dǐ
Fundamentally or in the final analysis
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瓜田李下
guā tián lǐ xià
Avoid situations that invite suspicion
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得不偿失
dé bù cháng shī
Gains not worth the cost or sacrifice
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道听途说
dào tīng tú shuō
Unreliable information from casual hearsay
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 南辕北辙 mean in English?
南辕北辙 (nán yuán běi zhé) literally translates to “Driving south while heading north” and is used to express “Actions contrary to one's goals”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Wisdom & Learning category.
When is 南辕北辙 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving actions contrary to one's goals.
What is the pinyin for 南辕北辙?
The pinyin pronunciation for 南辕北辙 is “nán yuán běi zhé”.