大同小异(大同小異)
大同小异 (dà tóng xiǎo yì) literally means “largely same, slightly different”and expresses “essentially the same with minor differences”.This idiom is used when describing situations involving life philosophy.
Also searched as: da tong xiao yi, da tong xiao yi,大同小异 meaning, 大同小异 in english
Pronunciation: dà tóng xiǎo yì Literal meaning: Largely same, slightly different
Origin & Usage
This idiom has roots in the Confucian concept of 'datong' (大同), meaning 'great unity' or 'grand harmony,' which described an ideal society. The phrase acknowledges that while things may appear different on the surface, they share fundamental similarities. The contrast between 'large' (大) sameness (同) and 'small' (小) differences (异) suggests that what unites is more significant than what divides. Modern usage describes things that are essentially alike despite superficial variations, often used when comparing products, ideas, or approaches.
When to Use
Situation: Most smartphones today are largely similar with only minor differences.
Discover a new Chinese idiom every day with our iOS app.
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about life philosophy
千里迢迢
qiān lǐ tiáo tiáo
Travel a great distance
Learn more →
民富国强
mín fù guó qiáng
Prosperous people and powerful nation
Learn more →
国泰民安
guó tài mín ān
National peace and public security
Learn more →
太平盛世
tài píng shèng shì
Golden age of peace and prosperity
Learn more →
四海升平
sì hǎi shēng píng
Peace everywhere; universal harmony
Learn more →
安土重迁
ān tǔ zhòng qiān
Prefer stability; reluctant to relocate
Learn more →
故土难离
gù tǔ nán lí
Hard to leave one's homeland
Learn more →
落叶归根
luò yè guī gēn
Return to one's roots; go back home
Learn more →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 大同小异 mean in English?
大同小异 (dà tóng xiǎo yì) literally translates to “Largely same, slightly different”and is used to express “Essentially the same with minor differences”. This Chinese idiom belongs to theLife Philosophy category..
When is 大同小异 used?
Situation: Most smartphones today are largely similar with only minor differences.
What is the pinyin for 大同小异?
The pinyin pronunciation for 大同小异 is “dà tóng xiǎo yì”.