急功近利
急功近利 (jí gōng jìn lì) literally means “rush achievement near profit”and expresses “seek quick success and immediate benefit”.This idiom is used when describing situations involving relationships & character.
Also searched as: ji gong jin li, ji gong jin li,急功近利 meaning, 急功近利 in english
Pronunciation: jí gōng jìn lì Literal meaning: Rush achievement near profit
Origin & Usage
Tang Dynasty court critics first used this phrase to condemn officials rushing achievements (急功) for immediate benefits (近利). Song Dynasty Neo-Confucian philosophers expanded it into a broader warning about the dangers of prioritizing speed over proper development. The spatial metaphor of 'near' (近) benefits perfectly captured the shortsightedness of sacrificing lasting value for quick gains. Modern business ethics still wrestles with these same tensions.
When to Use
Situation: The hasty development project prioritized quick returns over quality and sustainability
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Think about constantly; yearn for
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Until the end of time; eternal love
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Grow old together; lifelong partnership
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 急功近利 mean in English?
急功近利 (jí gōng jìn lì) literally translates to “Rush achievement near profit”and is used to express “Seek quick success and immediate benefit”. This Chinese idiom belongs to theRelationships & Character category..
When is 急功近利 used?
Situation: The hasty development project prioritized quick returns over quality and sustainability
What is the pinyin for 急功近利?
The pinyin pronunciation for 急功近利 is “jí gōng jìn lì”.