循序渐进(循序漸進)
循序渐进 (xún xù jiàn jìn) literally means “follow order and advance gradually”and expresses “progress step by step”.This idiom is used when describing situations involving wisdom & learning.
Also searched as: xun xu jian jin, xun xu jian jin,循序渐进 meaning, 循序渐进 in english
Pronunciation: xún xù jiàn jìn Literal meaning: Follow order and advance gradually
Origin & Usage
This idiom appears in 'The Analects of Confucius' and was elaborated upon by Zhu Xi, the great Song Dynasty Neo-Confucian scholar. It emphasizes following (循) a proper sequence (序) while advancing (进) gradually (渐). The phrase reflects the Confucian educational philosophy that learning must proceed systematically, building upon foundations before advancing to complex concepts. It counters the temptation to skip steps or rush progress. Modern usage extends to any field requiring methodical advancement, from education to career development to skill acquisition.
When to Use
Situation: Learning a language requires a step-by-step approach.
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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 循序渐进 mean in English?
循序渐进 (xún xù jiàn jìn) literally translates to “Follow order and advance gradually”and is used to express “Progress step by step”. This Chinese idiom belongs to theWisdom & Learning category..
When is 循序渐进 used?
Situation: Learning a language requires a step-by-step approach.
What is the pinyin for 循序渐进?
The pinyin pronunciation for 循序渐进 is “xún xù jiàn jìn”.
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