三个臭皮匠，顶个诸葛亮
sān ge chòu píjiàng, dǐng gè zhūgěliàng
Collective wisdom
Literalmente: Three smelly cobblers, (when added up) equal one Zhuge Liang.
En 15 segundos
- Three ordinary people can outperform one genius through collaboration.
- Combines humble 'cobblers' with the legendary strategist Zhuge Liang.
- The perfect idiom for encouraging teamwork and collective brainstorming.
Significado
It means that even if you aren't an expert, working together with others can lead to a solution better than what a genius could come up with alone.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Encouraging friends to solve a difficult puzzle
别担心，三个臭皮匠，顶个诸葛亮，我们一定能解开。
Don't worry, three heads are better than one; we can definitely solve it.
A manager starting a brainstorming session
大家多提建议，俗话说三个臭皮匠，顶个诸葛亮嘛。
Everyone please share your ideas; as the saying goes, collective wisdom prevails.
Texting a group chat about planning a trip
我们一起商量下，三个臭皮匠顶个诸葛亮！
Let's discuss together, three heads are better than one!
Contexto cultural
Used frequently in schools and workplaces to encourage group participation.
Use it to encourage
It's a great way to make people feel included.
En 15 segundos
- Three ordinary people can outperform one genius through collaboration.
- Combines humble 'cobblers' with the legendary strategist Zhuge Liang.
- The perfect idiom for encouraging teamwork and collective brainstorming.
What It Means
This phrase is the ultimate tribute to teamwork. It suggests that ordinary people, when they pool their brains, can outsmart a genius. In Chinese culture, Zhuge Liang is the gold standard for intelligence. He was a legendary strategist. A 臭皮匠 (smelly cobbler) represents a humble, everyday worker. The math is simple: three regular folks equal one mastermind. It is about the power of collective wisdom.
How To Use It
You usually say this when a group is stuck on a problem. It works as a great pep talk. You can use it to encourage friends to brainstorm together. It often starts with 'Don't worry' or 'Let's try together.' It is a very positive, humble way to view cooperation. You are basically saying, 'We might not be geniuses, but we have each other.'
When To Use It
Use it during a group project at school. Use it when you and your friends are lost without GPS. It is perfect for office brainstorming sessions. It feels great when you finally solve a puzzle together. You can even text it in a group chat. It lightens the mood when things feel difficult. It turns a stressful moment into a bonding one.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this if someone is actually a genius. It might sound like you are calling them a 'smelly cobbler.' Avoid using it in extremely stiff, high-level diplomatic meetings. It is a bit too colorful for a legal contract. Also, do not use it if you are working alone. That would just be confusing! It requires at least a small group to make sense.
Cultural Background
This idiom comes from the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. Zhuge Liang was a real person and a folk hero. He was known for his 'divine' calculations and brilliant war tactics. The 'cobblers' part is actually a linguistic evolution. Originally, it might have referred to 'side-workers' or 'assistants.' Over time, it became 'cobblers' because it sounded similar. It shows that Chinese culture deeply values the 'common man.'
Common Variations
Sometimes people just say the first half: 三个臭皮匠. Everyone knows the rest of the sentence. You might also hear 众志成城, which is more formal. But for daily life, the cobbler version is much more fun. It is the most relatable way to talk about synergy. It makes everyone feel included and capable.
Notas de uso
The phrase is neutral to informal. It is very safe to use in most social and work situations, but avoid it in high-stakes legal or extremely academic writing where formal four-character idioms (Chengyu) are preferred.
Use it to encourage
It's a great way to make people feel included.
Ejemplos
6别担心，三个臭皮匠，顶个诸葛亮，我们一定能解开。
Don't worry, three heads are better than one; we can definitely solve it.
Used here to boost morale and encourage group effort.
大家多提建议，俗话说三个臭皮匠，顶个诸葛亮嘛。
Everyone please share your ideas; as the saying goes, collective wisdom prevails.
Softens the pressure of a meeting by using a common folk saying.
我们一起商量下，三个臭皮匠顶个诸葛亮！
Let's discuss together, three heads are better than one!
Shortened version used for quick digital communication.
我们三个臭皮匠，怎么还没顶过一个诸葛亮？
How come the three of us cobblers still haven't matched a Zhuge Liang?
Self-deprecating humor when a group is struggling despite working together.
全家人一起想办法，三个臭皮匠，顶个诸葛亮。
The whole family will find a way together; collective wisdom will see us through.
Provides emotional support by emphasizing family unity.
正如古人云：三个臭皮匠，顶个诸葛亮，团结就是力量。
As the ancients said: collective wisdom is great; unity is strength.
Used with a formal prefix 'as the ancients said' to add weight.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the missing part of the idiom.
三个臭皮匠，顶个______。
Zhuge Liang is the historical figure used in this idiom.
🎉 Puntuación: /1
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
1 ejercicios三个臭皮匠，顶个______。
Zhuge Liang is the historical figure used in this idiom.
🎉 Puntuación: /1
Preguntas frecuentes
1 preguntasNo, it is a set idiom and not meant to be an insult.
Frases relacionadas
集思广益
synonymGathering ideas
