南辕北辙
南辕北辙 (nán yuán běi zhé) literally means “driving south while heading north” and expresses “actions contrary to one's goals”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving wisdom and learning. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
Also searched as: nan yuan bei zhe, nan yuan bei zhe,南辕北辙 meaning, 南辕北辙 in english
Actions contrary to one's goals
Pronunciation: nán yuán běi zhé Literal meaning: Driving south while heading north
Origin & Usage
This idiom comes from 'Strategies of the Warring States' (战国策). A man wanted to travel to the southern state of Chu but drove his carriage north. When asked why, he boasted of his fast horses, skilled driver, and ample provisions, failing to realize that these advantages would only take him further from his destination. The story illustrates how having resources means nothing if one's direction is fundamentally wrong. Modern usage describes actions that are counterproductive to stated intentions or methods that contradict desired outcomes.
When to Use
Situation: His business strategy was completely counterproductive to his stated goals.
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Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about wisdom & learning
得心应手
dé xīn yìng shǒu
Work with great ease; have complete mastery
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驾轻就熟
jià qīng jiù shú
Be very familiar with; handle with expertise
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Be experienced; find something easy due to familiarity
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游刃有余
yóu rèn yǒu yú
Handle with ease; have skill to spare
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成竹在胸
chéng zhú zài xiōng
Have a well-thought-out plan; be confident
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恰如其分
qià rú qí fèn
Perfectly appropriate; fitting exactly
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恰到好处
qià dào hǎo chù
Just right; perfectly appropriate
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适可而止
shì kě ér zhǐ
Stop at the right point; practice moderation
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 南辕北辙 mean in English?
南辕北辙 (nán yuán běi zhé) literally translates to “Driving south while heading north” and is used to express “Actions contrary to one's goals”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Wisdom & Learning category.
When is 南辕北辙 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving actions contrary to one's goals.
What is the pinyin for 南辕北辙?
The pinyin pronunciation for 南辕北辙 is “nán yuán běi zhé”.