相提并论
相提并论 (xiāng tí bìng lùn) literally means “mention in the same breath” and expresses “treat unlike things as equivalent”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving life philosophy.
Also searched as: xiang ti bing lun, xiang ti bing lun,相提并论 meaning, 相提并论 in english
Treat unlike things as equivalent
Pronunciation: xiāng tí bìng lùn Literal meaning: Mention in the same breath
Origin & Usage
Dou Ying, having failed to protect the deposed crown prince, was advised that his conspicuous retirement into private pleasures would be read as a rebuke to the emperor — that the two matters would be raised together (相提) and discussed as one (并论). The Records of the Grand Historian keeps the warning. The phrase is now used almost entirely in the negative: 不能相提并论, these cannot be mentioned in the same breath, and it is the standard Chinese objection to a false equivalence.
Examples
English: "It's unfair to compare such different artists in the same discussion."
Chinese: 把这两位艺术家相提并论是不公平的。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about life philosophy
提心吊胆
tí xīn diào dǎn
Constant dread; unable to stop worrying
Learn more →
两虎相争
liǎng hǔ xiāng zhēng
Fierce competition between equals
Learn more →
兼收并蓄
jiān shōu bìng xù
Embrace diverse ideas inclusively
Learn more →
高谈阔论
gāo tán kuò lùn
Empty grandiose talk
Learn more →
争论不休
zhēng lùn bù xiū
Argue endlessly without resolution
Learn more →
夜郎自大
yè láng zì dà
Overestimate oneself
Learn more →
四海为家
sì hǎi wéi jiā
At home anywhere
Learn more →
指鹿为马
zhǐ lù wéi mǎ
Deliberately distort truth as power display
Learn more →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 相提并论 mean in English?
相提并论 (xiāng tí bìng lùn) literally translates to “Mention in the same breath” and is used to express “Treat unlike things as equivalent”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Life Philosophy category.
When is 相提并论 used?
Situation: It's unfair to compare such different artists in the same discussion.
What is the pinyin for 相提并论?
The pinyin pronunciation for 相提并论 is “xiāng tí bìng lùn”.