精益求精

jing yì qiú jīng

  • Meaning

    Literal

    -

    Usage

    To strive to improve something that is already good. Often used in the context of studying or art.

  • Connotation

    Positive

  • Usage Examples

    在学习上，我们要精益求精 | Zài xuéxí shàng, wǒmen yào jīngyìqiújīng
    We must continually strive for excellence in our studies
    [Source]

    我无论做什么事都喜欢精益求精，不求最好，但求更好 | Wǒ wúlùn zuò shénme shì dōu xǐhuān jīngyìqiújīng, bù qiú zuì hǎo, dàn qiú gèng hǎo
    No matter what I'm doing, I like to strive for excellence. I don't seek to be the best, but I aim to be better.
    [Source]

  • Equivalents

    English

    None

    Chinese

    None

  • Entry Notes

    This is an HSK chengyu

  • Origin

    《论语》(Lún Yǔ), or the Analects of Confucius

  • Story

    This chengyu is from a line in the work listed in the "Origin" section above

  • Citations and Helpful Resources

    • 汉语成语小词典 (hànyǔ chéngyǔ xiǎo cídiǎn)
    • 现代汉语规范词典 (xiàndài hànyǔ guīfàn cídiǎn)
    • 多功能成语词典 (duō gōngnéng chéngyǔ cídiǎn)
    • 汉语大词典 (hànyǔ dà cídiǎn)
    • ABC Chinese-English Comprehensive Dictionary
    • Pleco Basic Chinese-English Dictionary
    • 百度百科[x]