推陈出新
推陈出新 (tuī chén chū xīn) literally means “push old produce new” and expresses “create new from old”. 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: tui chen chu xin, tui chen chu xin,推陈出新 meaning, 推陈出新 in english
Create new from old
Pronunciation: tuī chén chū xīn
Literal meaning: Push old produce new
Origin & Usage
Originating in the Classic of Changes (I Ching), this phrase combines the actions of pushing away (推) the old or stale (陈) to bring forth (出) the new (新). During the Spring and Autumn period, it became a principle of scholarly innovation - respecting traditional knowledge while advancing new interpretations. The concept gained particular significance during the Tang Dynasty's intellectual renaissance, where scholars reinterpreted classical texts for contemporary relevance. In modern contexts, it's often invoked in discussions of innovation in technology, arts, and business strategy, emphasizing that true innovation builds upon rather than dismisses tradition.
Examples
English: "The designer combined traditional elements with modern technology"
Chinese: 设计师将传统元素与现代技术相结合
Discover a new Chinese idiom every day with our iOS app.
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about wisdom & learning
得心应手
dé xīn yìng shǒu
Work with great ease; have complete mastery
Learn more →
驾轻就熟
jià qīng jiù shú
Be very familiar with; handle with expertise
Learn more →
轻车熟路
qīng chē shú lù
Be experienced; find something easy due to familiarity
Learn more →
游刃有余
yóu rèn yǒu yú
Handle with ease; have skill to spare
Learn more →
成竹在胸
chéng zhú zài xiōng
Have a well-thought-out plan; be confident
Learn more →
恰如其分
qià rú qí fèn
Perfectly appropriate; fitting exactly
Learn more →
恰到好处
qià dào hǎo chù
Just right; perfectly appropriate
Learn more →
适可而止
shì kě ér zhǐ
Stop at the right point; practice moderation
Learn more →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 推陈出新 mean in English?
推陈出新 (tuī chén chū xīn) literally translates to “Push old produce new” and is used to express “Create new from old”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Wisdom & Learning category.
When is 推陈出新 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving create new from old.
What is the pinyin for 推陈出新?
The pinyin pronunciation for 推陈出新 is “tuī chén chū xīn”.