千方百计
qiān fāng bǎi jì
Many ways and means · trad. 千方百計
Someone who employs 千方百计 (qiān fāng bǎi jì) is trying every possible method or strategy to achieve a goal. It describes going to great lengths and using all available resources to overcome a challenge or ensure success.
What does 千方百计 (qiān fāng bǎi jì) mean?
千方百计 (qiān fāng bǎi jì) means "many ways and means" in English. Word for word, it breaks down as "a thousand methods a hundred schemes."
Character by character
- 千 qiān thousand
- 方 fāng method, way
- 百 bǎi hundred
- 计 jì scheme, plan
When to use it
Chinese speakers use this when describing someone's persistent efforts to achieve a goal, often implying a resourceful and determined approach. It can apply to both positive endeavors, like a teacher helping students, and sometimes to more neutral or even negative contexts, such as someone scheming to get what they want.
Example
老师千方百计调动我们的学习积极性。
Lǎoshī qiān fāng bǎi jì diàodòng wǒmen de xuéxí jījíxìng.
Our teacher went to great lengths to boost our enthusiasm for learning.
Pro tip: The idiom emphasizes the sheer number and variety of methods attempted, rather than just the intensity of a single effort. It suggests exploring all avenues and not giving up easily.
Related idioms
迫不及待 · Extreme impatience千变万化 · Myriad transformations情不自禁 · Involuntary emotional reaction
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