物尽其用
物尽其用 (wù jìn qí yòng) literally means “use things to the full” and expresses “maximize resource use”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving relationships and character.
Also searched as: wu jin qi yong, wu jin qi yong,物尽其用 meaning, 物尽其用 in english
Maximize resource use
Pronunciation: wù jìn qí yòng Literal meaning: Use things to the full
Origin & Usage
Let each thing (物) exhaust (尽) its (其) usefulness (用). It is the companion of 人尽其才 and comes from the same modern formulation of them, Sun Yat-sen's programme that people should fulfil their talents, land its yield, things their use, and goods their circulation. The four clauses were a description of a functioning economy. On its own the phrase has narrowed considerably and now belongs to thrift and recycling — the argument for repairing rather than replacing, and for finding the leftover a job.
Examples
English: "In a successful team, everyone should contribute their strengths to maximize results."
Chinese: 在一个成功的团队中，每个人都应该发挥自己的优势，物尽其用。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about relationships & character
人尽其才
rén jìn qí cái
Maximize individual potential
Learn more →
物极必反
wù jí bì fǎn
Push far enough and it turns
Learn more →
楚材晋用
chǔ cái jìn yòng
Recruit talent from rival organization
Learn more →
大材小用
dà cái xiǎo yòng
Waste talent on menial tasks
Learn more →
物以类聚
wù yǐ lèi jù
Like attracts like
Learn more →
学以致用
xué yǐ zhì yòng
Practical application
Learn more →
格物致知
gé wù zhì zhī
Pursue understanding
Learn more →
鞠躬尽瘁
jū gōng jìn cuì
Devote oneself completely; work until exhausted
Learn more →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 物尽其用 mean in English?
物尽其用 (wù jìn qí yòng) literally translates to “Use things to the full” and is used to express “Maximize resource use”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 物尽其用 used?
Situation: In a successful team, everyone should contribute their strengths to maximize results.
What is the pinyin for 物尽其用?
The pinyin pronunciation for 物尽其用 is “wù jìn qí yòng”.