按部就班
按部就班 (àn bù jiù bān) literally means “follow departments and classes” and expresses “follow established procedures; step by step”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving strategy and action.
Also searched as: an bu jiu ban, an bu jiu ban,按部就班 meaning, 按部就班 in english
Follow established procedures; step by step
Pronunciation: àn bù jiù bān Literal meaning: Follow departments and classes
Origin & Usage
This idiom describes following (按就) proper departments (部) and classes or sequences (班). It emphasizes methodical procedure following established order. The phrase originated in bureaucratic contexts describing proper administrative process. It values systematic approach over improvisation. Modern usage describes doing things step by step according to established procedures, sometimes positively (thorough) and sometimes negatively (inflexible or slow).
Examples
English: "The project proceeded methodically through each phase."
Chinese: 项目按部就班地进行每个阶段。
Related Chinese Idioms
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入乡随俗
rù xiāng suí sú
Follow local customs
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胸有成竹
xiōng yǒu chéng zhú
Have clear plan beforehand
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顺藤摸瓜
shùn téng mō guā
Follow clues to solution
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步步为营
bù bù wéi yíng
Advance methodically with caution
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退避三舍
tuì bì sān shè
Make concessions to avoid conflict
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旁敲侧击
páng qiāo cè jī
Approach indirectly to achieve goal
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暗度陈仓
àn dù chén cāng
Achieve secretly through misdirection
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 按部就班 mean in English?
按部就班 (àn bù jiù bān) literally translates to “Follow departments and classes” and is used to express “Follow established procedures; step by step”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Strategy & Action category.
When is 按部就班 used?
Situation: The project proceeded methodically through each phase.
What is the pinyin for 按部就班?
The pinyin pronunciation for 按部就班 is “àn bù jiù bān”.