与众不同
与众不同 (yǔ zhòng bù tóng) literally means “different from the crowd” and expresses “unique; distinctive”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving relationships and character. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
Also searched as: yu zhong bu tong, yu zhong bu tong,与众不同 meaning, 与众不同 in english
Unique; distinctive
Pronunciation: yǔ zhòng bù tóng
Literal meaning: Different from the crowd
Origin & Usage
This idiom describes being different (不同) from (与) the crowd (众). It can express either positive uniqueness or critical isolation, depending on context. The phrase appeared in texts discussing individuals who stood apart from conventional society. Chinese culture traditionally valued conformity, making standing out ambivalent. Modern usage often celebrates individuality and uniqueness, though it can still describe being out of step with peers.
Examples
English: "Her unique style sets her apart from other designers."
Chinese: 她独特的风格使她与众不同。
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Be unique; have distinctive style
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Willingly travel far; make great efforts
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Think about constantly; yearn for
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Be deeply reluctant to leave
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yī yī bù shě
Be reluctant to part
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Be inseparable; hate to part
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Until the end of time; eternal love
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 与众不同 mean in English?
与众不同 (yǔ zhòng bù tóng) literally translates to “Different from the crowd” and is used to express “Unique; distinctive”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 与众不同 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving unique; distinctive.
What is the pinyin for 与众不同?
The pinyin pronunciation for 与众不同 is “yǔ zhòng bù tóng”.