各有所长
各有所长 (gè yǒu suǒ cháng) literally means “each has their strengths” and expresses “everyone has their own strengths”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving wisdom and learning.
Also searched as: ge you suo chang, ge you suo chang,各有所长 meaning, 各有所长 in english
Everyone has their own strengths
Pronunciation: gè yǒu suǒ cháng Literal meaning: Each has their strengths
Origin & Usage
This idiom states that each person (各) has (有) their own (所) strengths (长). It acknowledges that different individuals excel in different areas, promoting appreciation for diversity of talents. The phrase appeared in Confucian texts discussing how wise rulers recognize and employ varied talents. It counters the tendency to rank people hierarchically. Modern usage encourages recognizing everyone's unique contributions and building teams that leverage complementary strengths.
Examples
English: "Both candidates bring different but valuable skills to the position."
Chinese: 两位候选人各有所长，都能为职位带来价值。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about wisdom & learning
融会贯通
róng huì guàn tōng
Master something completely
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学海无涯
xué hǎi wú yá
Learning is limitless
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知行合一
zhī xíng hé yī
Practice what you know
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举一反三
jǔ yī fǎn sān
Learn many from one example
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温故知新
wēn gù zhī xīn
Learn new through studying old
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画龙点睛
huà lóng diǎn jīng
Add crucial finishing touch
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读万卷书
dú wàn juǎn shū
Read extensively for knowledge
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抛砖引玉
pāo zhuān yǐn yù
Offer modest view to inspire better
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 各有所长 mean in English?
各有所长 (gè yǒu suǒ cháng) literally translates to “Each has their strengths” and is used to express “Everyone has their own strengths”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Wisdom & Learning category.
When is 各有所长 used?
Situation: Both candidates bring different but valuable skills to the position.
What is the pinyin for 各有所长?
The pinyin pronunciation for 各有所长 is “gè yǒu suǒ cháng”.