不择手段
不择手段 (bú zé shǒu duàn) literally means “not choose methods” and expresses “use any means regardless of ethics”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving relationships and character.
Also searched as: bu ze shou duan, bu ze shou duan,不择手段 meaning, 不择手段 in english
Use any means regardless of ethics
Pronunciation: bú zé shǒu duàn Literal meaning: Not choose methods
Origin & Usage
Tang Dynasty historians first used this phrase to criticize those who refuse to discriminate (不择) between different means (手段) in pursuing their goals. Song Dynasty Confucian scholars developed it into a broader ethical principle about ends never justifying means. The selective metaphor powerfully suggests that choosing between available methods represents a moral duty, making its abandonment particularly reprehensible.
Examples
English: "The politician secured votes through intimidation, bribery, and misinformation campaigns"
Chinese: 这位政治家通过恐吓、贿赂和虚假信息活动来获取选票
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about relationships & character
Learn more →
一模一样
yī mú yī yàng
Exactly identical
Learn more →
以心换心
yǐ xīn huàn xīn
Treat others as yourself
Learn more →
海纳百川
hǎi nà bǎi chuān
Accept all with open mind
Learn more →
以和为贵
yǐ hé wéi guì
Value harmony above all
Learn more →
同舟共济
tóng zhōu gòng jì
Face challenges together
Learn more →
风雨同舟
fēng yǔ tóng zhōu
Share hardships together
Learn more →
春风化雨
chūn fēng huà yǔ
Gentle, nurturing influence
Learn more →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 不择手段 mean in English?
不择手段 (bú zé shǒu duàn) literally translates to “Not choose methods” and is used to express “Use any means regardless of ethics”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 不择手段 used?
Situation: The politician secured votes through intimidation, bribery, and misinformation campaigns
What is the pinyin for 不择手段?
The pinyin pronunciation for 不择手段 is “bú zé shǒu duàn”.