急功近利
急功近利 (jí gōng jìn lì) literally means “rush achievement near profit” and expresses “seek quick success and immediate benefit”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving relationships and character. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
Also searched as: ji gong jin li, ji gong jin li,急功近利 meaning, 急功近利 in english
Seek quick success and immediate benefit
Pronunciation: jí gōng jìn lì Literal meaning: Rush achievement near profit
Origin & Usage
Tang Dynasty court critics first used this phrase to condemn officials rushing achievements (急功) for immediate benefits (近利). Song Dynasty Neo-Confucian philosophers expanded it into a broader warning about the dangers of prioritizing speed over proper development. The spatial metaphor of 'near' (近) benefits perfectly captured the shortsightedness of sacrificing lasting value for quick gains. Modern business ethics still wrestles with these same tensions.
When to Use
Situation: The hasty development project prioritized quick returns over quality and sustainability
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Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about relationships & character
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bù yuǎn qiān lǐ
Willingly travel far; make great efforts
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朝思暮想
zhāo sī mù xiǎng
Think about constantly; yearn for
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Yearn day and night
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恋恋不舍
liàn liàn bù shě
Be deeply reluctant to leave
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依依不舍
yī yī bù shě
Be reluctant to part
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nán fēn nán shě
Be inseparable; hate to part
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海枯石烂
hǎi kū shí làn
Until the end of time; eternal love
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yī jiàn zhōng qíng
Love at first sight
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 急功近利 mean in English?
急功近利 (jí gōng jìn lì) literally translates to “Rush achievement near profit” and is used to express “Seek quick success and immediate benefit”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 急功近利 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving seek quick success and immediate benefit.
What is the pinyin for 急功近利?
The pinyin pronunciation for 急功近利 is “jí gōng jìn lì”.