集思广益
集思广益 (jí sī guǎng yì) literally means “gather thoughts wide benefit” and expresses “gather wisdom from many”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving wisdom and learning.
Also searched as: ji si guang yi, ji si guang yi,集思广益 meaning, 集思广益 in english
Gather wisdom from many
Pronunciation: jí sī guǎng yì Literal meaning: Gather thoughts wide benefit
Origin & Usage
Emerging from the Eastern Han Dynasty's governmental practices, this idiom advocates gathering (集) thoughts (思) to broaden (广) benefits (益). It was institutionalized during the Tang Dynasty through the imperial court's practice of soliciting diverse opinions before making major decisions. The phrase gained renewed significance during the Song Dynasty's revival of collective scholarship. Contemporary usage emphasizes the value of collaborative thinking and diverse perspectives in problem-solving, from corporate strategy to public policy development.
Examples
English: "The team brainstormed together to find innovative solutions"
Chinese: 团队集思广益找到创新解决方案
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about wisdom & learning
融会贯通
róng huì guàn tōng
Master something completely
Learn more →
学海无涯
xué hǎi wú yá
Learning is limitless
Learn more →
知行合一
zhī xíng hé yī
Practice what you know
Learn more →
举一反三
jǔ yī fǎn sān
Learn many from one example
Learn more →
温故知新
wēn gù zhī xīn
Learn new through studying old
Learn more →
画龙点睛
huà lóng diǎn jīng
Add crucial finishing touch
Learn more →
读万卷书
dú wàn juǎn shū
Read extensively for knowledge
Learn more →
抛砖引玉
pāo zhuān yǐn yù
Offer modest view to inspire better
Learn more →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 集思广益 mean in English?
集思广益 (jí sī guǎng yì) literally translates to “Gather thoughts wide benefit” and is used to express “Gather wisdom from many”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Wisdom & Learning category.
When is 集思广益 used?
Situation: The team brainstormed together to find innovative solutions
What is the pinyin for 集思广益?
The pinyin pronunciation for 集思广益 is “jí sī guǎng yì”.
Curated Lists Featuring 集思广益
8 Respectful Chinese Idioms for Condolences & Sympathy
Appropriate Chinese idioms for expressing condolences, sympathy, and respect during difficult times.
8 Reflective Chinese Idioms for Qingming Festival
Thoughtful Chinese idioms for Qingming (Tomb Sweeping Day), honoring ancestors and reflecting on life.
10 Chinese Idioms About Wisdom & Intelligence
Profound Chinese idioms about wisdom, cleverness, and intellectual insight - ancient Chinese perspectives on intelligence.