触类旁通
触类旁通 (chù lèi páng tōng) literally means “touch category connect others” and expresses “apply knowledge broadly”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving wisdom and learning.
Also searched as: chu lei pang tong, chu lei pang tong,触类旁通 meaning, 触类旁通 in english
Apply knowledge broadly
Pronunciation: chù lèi páng tōng Literal meaning: Touch category connect others
Origin & Usage
The idiom 触类旁通 (chù lèi páng tōng) finds its roots in the ancient Chinese text 《周易》 (Zhōu Yì), attributed to Zhou Wen Wang (周文王). The concept is derived from the idea of understanding one category of things and being able to extend that understanding to other related categories. In the text, it is suggested that by grasping the principles of one thing, one can infer the principles of similar things, thus mastering a wide array of knowledge. The characters 触 (chù) mean 'to touch' or 'to contact,' 类 (lèi) mean 'category' or 'type,' 旁 (páng) mean 'beside' or 'side,' and 通 (tōng) mean 'to connect' or 'to understand.' In modern usage, this idiom is often applied to learning and problem-solving, emphasizing the ability to draw connections and apply knowledge across different contexts.
Examples
English: "He often uses analogies to explain complex concepts, making them easier to grasp."
Chinese: 他常用类比来解释复杂的概念，帮助理解。
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 触类旁通 mean in English?
触类旁通 (chù lèi páng tōng) literally translates to “Touch category connect others” and is used to express “Apply knowledge broadly”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Wisdom & Learning category.
When is 触类旁通 used?
Situation: He often uses analogies to explain complex concepts, making them easier to grasp.
What is the pinyin for 触类旁通?
The pinyin pronunciation for 触类旁通 is “chù lèi páng tōng”.