求同存异

Pronunciation: qiú tóng cún yì Literal meaning: Seek commonality, preserve differences

Origin & Usage

The idiom 求同存异 (qiú tóng cún yì) is commonly used in classical Chinese literature and does not have a specific origin story tied to a historical text. The phrase is composed of four characters: 求 (qiú, seek), 同 (tóng, commonality), 存 (cún, preserve), and 异 (yì, differences). It conveys the idea of seeking common ground while respecting and preserving differences. This idiom is often applied in diplomatic contexts and discussions where collaboration is needed despite differing opinions or backgrounds. It encourages open-mindedness and the wisdom to focus on shared goals while acknowledging diversity.

Examples

English: "In negotiations, they aimed to find shared interests while respecting each other's unique perspectives."

Chinese: 在谈判中，他们旨在寻找共同利益，同时尊重彼此的独特观点。