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
得心应手
dé xīn yìng shǒu
Work with great ease; have complete mastery
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驾轻就熟
jià qīng jiù shú
Be very familiar with; handle with expertise
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轻车熟路
qīng chē shú lù
Be experienced; find something easy due to familiarity
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游刃有余
yóu rèn yǒu yú
Handle with ease; have skill to spare
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成竹在胸
chéng zhú zài xiōng
Have a well-thought-out plan; be confident
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恰如其分
qià rú qí fèn
Perfectly appropriate; fitting exactly
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恰到好处
qià dào hǎo chù
Just right; perfectly appropriate
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适可而止
shì kě ér zhǐ
Stop at the right point; practice moderation
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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”.