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事半功倍. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
事半功倍, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
事半功倍 in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
事半功倍 you have here. The definition of the word
事半功倍 will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
事半功倍, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
Chinese
Etymology
From Mencius (《孟子·公孫丑上》):
當今之時，萬乘之國行仁政，民之悅之，猶解倒懸也。故事半古之人，功必倍之，惟此時為然。 [Classical Chinese, trad.]
当今之时，万乘之国行仁政，民之悦之，犹解倒悬也。故事半古之人，功必倍之，惟此时为然。 [Classical Chinese, simp.]- From: Mencius, c. 4th century BCE, translated based on James Legge's version
- Dāngjīn zhī shí, wànshèng zhī guó xíng rénzhèng, mín zhī yuè zhī, yóu jiě dàoxuán yě. Gù shì bàn gǔ zhī rén, gōng bì bèi zhī, wéi cǐshí wéi rán.
- At the present time, in a country of ten thousand chariots, let benevolent government be put in practice, and the people will be delighted with it, as if they were relieved from hanging by the heels. With half the merit of the ancients, double their achievements is sure to be realized. It is only at this time that such could be the case.
Pronunciation
Idiom
事半功倍
- to yield twice the result with half the effort
Antonyms