独树一帜
独树一帜 (dú shù yī zhì) literally means “alone raise one banner” and expresses “be unique; have distinctive style”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving success and perseverance.
Also searched as: du shu yi zhi, du shu yi zhi,独树一帜 meaning, 独树一帜 in english
Be unique; have distinctive style
Pronunciation: dú shù yī zhì Literal meaning: Alone raise one banner
Origin & Usage
To plant (树) a banner (帜) of one's own (独一). 树 is the verb, to set up, and a banner in this context is what a faction or a school gathers under — so what is described is not merely being different but declaring a position and inviting others to it. That is a stronger claim than distinctiveness. Artists and schools of thought, with the implication that the person did not merely depart from the orthodoxy but proposed something to replace it.
Examples
English: "His unique artistic style set him apart from all others."
Chinese: 他独特的艺术风格独树一帜。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about success & perseverance
独当一面
dú dāng yī miàn
Capable of taking charge independently
Learn more →
无独有偶
wú dú yǒu ǒu
Unexpected similarity
Learn more →
树上开花
shù shàng kāi huā
Create favorable illusion
Learn more →
单枪匹马
dān qiāng pǐ mǎ
Acting single-handed, without help
Learn more →
独一无二
dú yī wú èr
One of a kind; unique
Learn more →
祸不单行
huò bù dān xíng
Misfortunes come together
Learn more →
得天独厚
dé tiān dú hòu
Uniquely blessed with natural advantages
Learn more →
独占鳌头
dú zhàn áo tóu
Come first; win top honors
Learn more →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 独树一帜 mean in English?
独树一帜 (dú shù yī zhì) literally translates to “Alone raise one banner” and is used to express “Be unique; have distinctive style”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Success & Perseverance category.
When is 独树一帜 used?
Situation: His unique artistic style set him apart from all others.
What is the pinyin for 独树一帜?
The pinyin pronunciation for 独树一帜 is “dú shù yī zhì”.