不择手段(不擇手段)
不择手段 (bú zé shǒu duàn) literally means “not choose methods”and expresses “use any means regardless of ethics”.This idiom is used when describing situations involving relationships & character.
Also searched as: bu ze shou duan, bu ze shou duan,不择手段 meaning, 不择手段 in english
Pronunciation: bú zé shǒu duàn Literal meaning: Not choose methods
Origin & Usage
Tang Dynasty historians first used this phrase to criticize those who refuse to discriminate (不择) between different means (手段) in pursuing their goals. Song Dynasty Confucian scholars developed it into a broader ethical principle about ends never justifying means. The selective metaphor powerfully suggests that choosing between available methods represents a moral duty, making its abandonment particularly reprehensible.
When to Use
Situation: The politician secured votes through intimidation, bribery, and misinformation campaigns
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 不择手段 mean in English?
不择手段 (bú zé shǒu duàn) literally translates to “Not choose methods”and is used to express “Use any means regardless of ethics”. This Chinese idiom belongs to theRelationships & Character category..
When is 不择手段 used?
Situation: The politician secured votes through intimidation, bribery, and misinformation campaigns
What is the pinyin for 不择手段?
The pinyin pronunciation for 不择手段 is “bú zé shǒu duàn”.