一蹴而就
yi cu ’ er jiu
Accomplish at one stroke
حرفيًا: One (一) kick (蹴) and (而) succeed (就)
في 15 ثانية
- Achieving a major goal in one single, easy step.
- Often used negatively to say success takes time and effort.
- Literally means 'to succeed with a single kick.'
- Perfect for discussing long-term projects or personal growth.
المعنى
This phrase describes finishing a massive task perfectly in just one single attempt. It is the idea of 'instant success' without any trial and error.
أمثلة رئيسية
3 من 6Encouraging a friend learning a language
学习汉语不能一蹴而就，需要坚持。
Learning Chinese can't be done overnight; it requires persistence.
In a business strategy meeting
我们的品牌建设并非一蹴而就。
Our brand building was not accomplished at one stroke.
Talking about fitness goals
减肥是一场持久战，不可能一蹴而就。
Losing weight is a long battle; it's not something that happens instantly.
خلفية ثقافية
Originating from the writings of Su Xun in the Song Dynasty, this idiom reflects a deep-seated Chinese philosophical skepticism toward 'overnight success.' It is frequently used in modern political and educational discourse to emphasize sustainable development and the importance of 'laying a solid foundation.'
The Power of 'Not'
90% of the time, you'll use this with '不' (bù) or '并非' (bìng fēi). It's much more common to say something is NOT '一蹴而就' than to say it is.
Don't Kick the Dog
Even though '蹴' means kick, this has nothing to do with sports or physical kicking anymore. Don't use it to describe a literal soccer goal!
في 15 ثانية
- Achieving a major goal in one single, easy step.
- Often used negatively to say success takes time and effort.
- Literally means 'to succeed with a single kick.'
- Perfect for discussing long-term projects or personal growth.
What It Means
Imagine you are trying to score a goal from midfield. You kick the ball once, and it flies perfectly into the net. That is 一蹴而就. It describes achieving a goal instantly. It implies a process that is quick and effortless. Usually, people use it to say that big things cannot be done this way. It is about the dream of immediate results.
How To Use It
You will mostly see this in the negative form. People say things like 'Success isn't 一蹴而就.' It acts as a noun or a predicate in a sentence. You can use it to manage expectations. If your friend wants to learn Chinese in a week, tell them it is impossible. It fits perfectly when discussing long-term goals. It sounds polished but very natural in conversation.
When To Use It
Use it when discussing personal growth or business projects. It is great for fitness journeys too. If you are at a meeting, use it to advocate for patience. When texting a friend about a new hobby, it adds a touch of wisdom. It shows you understand that mastery takes time. It is a sophisticated way to say 'there are no shortcuts.'
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for tiny, easy tasks. Don't say it about boiling an egg or tying shoes. That is just weird. Also, avoid it in extremely casual slang-heavy chats with teenagers. It might feel a bit too 'literary' for a gaming lobby. If something actually is easy, this phrase feels too heavy. Save it for the big, meaningful stuff.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from the Song Dynasty. It originally described writing or art. Imagine a painter finishing a masterpiece with one stroke. Chinese culture deeply values the 'process' and 'accumulation.' Therefore, this phrase often carries a cautionary tone. It reminds us that the 'instant win' is usually a myth. It reflects the Confucian value of steady, hard work over luck.
Common Variations
While 一蹴而就 is the gold standard, you might hear 一气呵成. That one means doing something in one breath without stopping. 一蹴而就 focuses on the final result. 一气呵成 focuses on the smooth flow of the action. You can also see 一步到位, which is more colloquial. It means 'getting it right in one step.'
ملاحظات الاستخدام
This is a high-level (C1) idiom. While it is formal, it is very common in newspapers, business meetings, and serious advice. Use it to sound more persuasive and mature.
The Power of 'Not'
90% of the time, you'll use this with '不' (bù) or '并非' (bìng fēi). It's much more common to say something is NOT '一蹴而就' than to say it is.
Don't Kick the Dog
Even though '蹴' means kick, this has nothing to do with sports or physical kicking anymore. Don't use it to describe a literal soccer goal!
The 'One' Obsession
Chinese has many idioms starting with '一' (one). It often represents the ideal of efficiency or the reality of singularity. This one is the 'efficiency' version.
أمثلة
6学习汉语不能一蹴而就，需要坚持。
Learning Chinese can't be done overnight; it requires persistence.
A classic way to encourage patience in a long process.
我们的品牌建设并非一蹴而就。
Our brand building was not accomplished at one stroke.
Used here to emphasize the history and effort behind a brand.
减肥是一场持久战，不可能一蹴而就。
Losing weight is a long battle; it's not something that happens instantly.
Relatable context for setting realistic expectations.
我想一蹴而就修好电脑，结果它彻底坏了。
I tried to fix the computer in one go, but I ended up breaking it completely.
Uses the phrase to highlight the irony of rushing a task.
深厚的感情是积累出来的，不是一蹴而就的。
Deep feelings are built up over time, not created in an instant.
Adds a poetic, serious tone to a conversation about emotions.
这个Bug太复杂了，别指望能一蹴而就。
This bug is too complex; don't expect to fix it in one shot.
Common in professional tech environments to manage stress.
اختبر نفسك
Choose the best phrase to complete the sentence about mastering a skill.
任何技能的掌握都需要时间，绝不是___的。
The sentence emphasizes that mastering a skill takes time, so 'accomplishing at one stroke' (一蹴而就) fits the negative structure.
Which context is most appropriate for using '一蹴而就'?
当我们谈论一个宏大的计划时，我们可以说：这个计划不能___。
Grand plans usually require many steps, making '一蹴而就' the perfect idiom to describe the impossibility of instant completion.
🎉 النتيجة: /2
وسائل تعلم بصرية
Formality Spectrum of 'Success' Phrases
Getting it done in one step.
一步到位
Doing it all at once.
一下子完成
Accomplish at one stroke.
一蹴而就
Achieve success instantly.
一举成功
Where to use 一蹴而就
Education
Learning a language
Business
Market expansion
Self-Improvement
Building a habit
Social Issues
Environmental protection
بنك التمارين
2 تمارين任何技能的掌握都需要时间，绝不是___的。
The sentence emphasizes that mastering a skill takes time, so 'accomplishing at one stroke' (一蹴而就) fits the negative structure.
当我们谈论一个宏大的计划时，我们可以说：这个计划不能___。
Grand plans usually require many steps, making '一蹴而就' the perfect idiom to describe the impossibility of instant completion.
🎉 النتيجة: /2
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةIt's an ancient word for 'kick' or 'tread.' Think of it like trying to finish a journey with just one single step or kick.
It's neutral, but it's almost always used in a negative sentence to give realistic advice, like 成功不是一蹴而就的 (Success isn't instant).
Yes! It makes you sound very articulate. If a friend is complaining about a slow process, text them: 别急，这事儿不能一蹴而就.
Maybe a little. Unless you are discussing deep life philosophies, it might come off as slightly 'academic.' Use 慢慢来 (take it slow) instead.
一步到位 is more about efficiency and getting things right the first time in a practical sense, while 一蹴而就 is more about the time and effort required for big achievements.
Rarely. It's almost always used for goals, achievements, or constructive processes like 改革 (reform) or 建设 (construction).
It's pronounced 'cù' (fourth tone). It sounds like the 'ts' in 'cats' followed by an 'oo' sound.
'Rome wasn't built in a day' is the closest cultural equivalent when used in the negative.
No, you describe a process or a task as being (or not being) 一蹴而就. You wouldn't call a person an 一蹴而就 person.
Very much so. It’s a favorite in reports and speeches to explain why a project will take several quarters to complete.
عبارات ذات صلة
循序渐进 (Step by step)
欲速则不达 (Haste makes waste)
日积月累 (Accumulate over a long period)
一步到位 (Get it right in one step)
一气呵成 (Complete without interruption)
