各有所长(各有所長)
各有所长 (gè yǒu suǒ cháng) literally means “each has their strengths”and expresses “everyone has their own strengths”.This idiom is used when describing situations involving wisdom & learning.
Also searched as: ge you suo chang, ge you suo chang,各有所长 meaning, 各有所长 in english
Pronunciation: gè yǒu suǒ cháng Literal meaning: Each has their strengths
Origin & Usage
This idiom states that each person (各) has (有) their own (所) strengths (长). It acknowledges that different individuals excel in different areas, promoting appreciation for diversity of talents. The phrase appeared in Confucian texts discussing how wise rulers recognize and employ varied talents. It counters the tendency to rank people hierarchically. Modern usage encourages recognizing everyone's unique contributions and building teams that leverage complementary strengths.
When to Use
Situation: Both candidates bring different but valuable skills to the position.
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Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about wisdom & learning
得心应手
dé xīn yìng shǒu
Work with great ease; have complete mastery
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驾轻就熟
jià qīng jiù shú
Be very familiar with; handle with expertise
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轻车熟路
qīng chē shú lù
Be experienced; find something easy due to familiarity
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游刃有余
yóu rèn yǒu yú
Handle with ease; have skill to spare
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成竹在胸
chéng zhú zài xiōng
Have a well-thought-out plan; be confident
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适可而止
shì kě ér zhǐ
Stop at the right point; practice moderation
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见好就收
jiàn hǎo jiù shōu
Quit while ahead; take profits
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急流勇退
jí liú yǒng tuì
Retire at the peak; know when to quit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 各有所长 mean in English?
各有所长 (gè yǒu suǒ cháng) literally translates to “Each has their strengths”and is used to express “Everyone has their own strengths”. This Chinese idiom belongs to theWisdom & Learning category..
When is 各有所长 used?
Situation: Both candidates bring different but valuable skills to the position.
What is the pinyin for 各有所长?
The pinyin pronunciation for 各有所长 is “gè yǒu suǒ cháng”.