大相径庭(大相徑庭)
大相径庭 (dà xiāng jìng tíng) literally means “greatly different like paths and courtyards”and expresses “vastly different; poles apart”.This idiom is used when describing situations involving life philosophy.
Also searched as: da xiang jing ting, da xiang jing ting,大相径庭 meaning, 大相径庭 in english
Pronunciation: dà xiāng jìng tíng Literal meaning: Greatly different like paths and courtyards
Origin & Usage
This idiom describes things as different as paths (径) and courtyards (庭) - completely (大相) dissimilar. The phrase comes from 'Zhuangzi,' where it described the vast difference between the Dao and ordinary understanding. Paths lead away while courtyards are enclosed spaces - fundamentally different in nature and direction. Modern usage describes opinions, approaches, or outcomes that differ substantially, emphasizing significant rather than minor differences.
When to Use
Situation: Their views on the matter are completely different.
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Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about life philosophy
千里迢迢
qiān lǐ tiáo tiáo
Travel a great distance
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民富国强
mín fù guó qiáng
Prosperous people and powerful nation
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国泰民安
guó tài mín ān
National peace and public security
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太平盛世
tài píng shèng shì
Golden age of peace and prosperity
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四海升平
sì hǎi shēng píng
Peace everywhere; universal harmony
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安土重迁
ān tǔ zhòng qiān
Prefer stability; reluctant to relocate
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故土难离
gù tǔ nán lí
Hard to leave one's homeland
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落叶归根
luò yè guī gēn
Return to one's roots; go back home
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 大相径庭 mean in English?
大相径庭 (dà xiāng jìng tíng) literally translates to “Greatly different like paths and courtyards”and is used to express “Vastly different; poles apart”. This Chinese idiom belongs to theLife Philosophy category..
When is 大相径庭 used?
Situation: Their views on the matter are completely different.
What is the pinyin for 大相径庭?
The pinyin pronunciation for 大相径庭 is “dà xiāng jìng tíng”.