精雕细刻
精雕细刻 (jīng diāo xì kè) literally means “meticulous carving” and expresses “attention to detail”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving wisdom and learning.
Also searched as: jing diao xi ke, jing diao xi ke,精雕细刻 meaning, 精雕细刻 in english
Attention to detail
Pronunciation: jīng diāo xì kè Literal meaning: Meticulous carving
Origin & Usage
Fine (精) carving (雕) and detailed (细) cutting (刻) — the vocabulary of the workshop, jade and wood and seal-stone, where the material permits no correction and the whole quality of the piece is in the patience. Applied to other work it keeps that implication: not merely careful but slow by necessity, with the finish inseparable from the time taken. It is genuine praise for craft, and it turns faintly critical only when the object plainly did not deserve the hours.
Examples
English: "Her attention to detail in the project was nothing short of exquisite."
Chinese: 她在这个项目中的细致入微，真是精雕细刻。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about wisdom & learning
精打细算
jīng dǎ xì suàn
Calculate carefully; be frugal and precise
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刻舟求剑
kè zhōu qiú jiàn
Using outdated methods foolishly
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一箭双雕
yī jiàn shuāng diāo
Two aims with one act
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刻骨铭心
kè gǔ míng xīn
Deeply and permanently affected
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胆大心细
dǎn dà xīn xì
Courage balanced with careful attention
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雕虫小技
diāo chóng xiǎo jì
Trivial skill
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精卫填海
jīng wèi tián hǎi
Persist despite impossibility
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精益求精
jīng yì qiú jīng
Constantly improve
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 精雕细刻 mean in English?
精雕细刻 (jīng diāo xì kè) literally translates to “Meticulous carving” and is used to express “Attention to detail”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Wisdom & Learning category.
When is 精雕细刻 used?
Situation: Her attention to detail in the project was nothing short of exquisite.
What is the pinyin for 精雕细刻?
The pinyin pronunciation for 精雕细刻 is “jīng diāo xì kè”.