取长补短
取长补短 (qǔ cháng bǔ duǎn) literally means “take strengths fix weaknesses” and expresses “combine strengths to overcome weaknesses”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving wisdom and learning.
Also searched as: qu chang bu duan, qu chang bu duan,取长补短 meaning, 取长补短 in english
Combine strengths to overcome weaknesses
Pronunciation: qǔ cháng bǔ duǎn Literal meaning: Take strengths fix weaknesses
Origin & Usage
This one comes from the Mencius, which describes a small state as one that would measure some fifty li if you cut off the long side to supplement the short — 绝长补短. Taking (取) what is long (长) to make up (补) what is short (短) is presented as ordinary practical reckoning. Applied to people it assumes that no one has the full set, and that the sensible response is exchange rather than envy. Learning from others where you are weak is the sense, and it carries no suggestion that the borrowing costs you anything.
Examples
English: "The international team combined German engineering with Italian design"
Chinese: 这个国际团队结合了德国工程和意大利设计
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about wisdom & learning
长话短说
cháng huà duǎn shuō
Make a long story short
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拔苗助长
bá miáo zhù zhǎng
Ruin through impatient intervention
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揠苗助长
yà miáo zhù zhǎng
Harmful interference ruins growth
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扬长避短
yáng cháng bì duǎn
Play to one's strengths
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亡羊补牢
wáng yáng bǔ láo
Never too late to fix
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天长地久
tiān cháng dì jiǔ
Everlasting; eternal
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断章取义
duàn zhāng qǔ yì
Out of context
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明察秋毫
míng chá qiū háo
Perceive tiny details
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 取长补短 mean in English?
取长补短 (qǔ cháng bǔ duǎn) literally translates to “Take strengths fix weaknesses” and is used to express “Combine strengths to overcome weaknesses”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Wisdom & Learning category.
When is 取长补短 used?
Situation: The international team combined German engineering with Italian design
What is the pinyin for 取长补短?
The pinyin pronunciation for 取长补短 is “qǔ cháng bǔ duǎn”.