功亏一篑...
gong kui yi kui...
Fail at last step...
직역: Success fails for the lack of one basket of earth.
15초 만에
- Failing at the 99% mark after hard work.
- Literally missing the last basket of dirt for a mountain.
- Used to express deep regret over last-minute mistakes.
뜻
It means failing at the very last moment after putting in massive effort. Imagine building a huge sandcastle and having it collapse just as you place the final flag.
주요 예문
3 / 6Losing a game in the final seconds
我们在最后一秒输了，真是功亏一篑。
We lost in the last second; it was truly failing at the last step.
A business deal falling through at signing
合同就在眼前，却因为一个小细节功亏一篑。
The contract was right there, but it failed at the last step due to a small detail.
Dropping a cake you just finished baking
做了一下午的蛋糕掉地上了，功亏一篑啊！
The cake I spent all afternoon making hit the floor—all that work for nothing!
문화적 배경
Reflects the Confucian value of persistence.
Use in writing
Great for formal essays.
15초 만에
- Failing at the 99% mark after hard work.
- Literally missing the last basket of dirt for a mountain.
- Used to express deep regret over last-minute mistakes.
What It Means
This phrase describes a heartbreaking 'so close yet so far' moment. You have done 99% of the work. You are at the finish line. Then, a tiny mistake ruins everything. It is not just about failing. It is about failing when you were almost there. The 'basket' refers to the very last scoop of dirt.
How To Use It
You usually use it as a complete sentence or a comment. You can say someone 功亏一篑 to describe their situation. It often follows a description of hard work. It sounds a bit more sophisticated than just saying 'I failed.' It adds a sense of regret and drama to your story.
When To Use It
Use it when a project falls through at the deadline. Use it when you drop your phone after a year of no scratches. It is perfect for sports when a team loses in overtime. Use it in meetings to discuss missed opportunities. It shows you understand the weight of the effort lost.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for small, easy tasks. If you forget to buy milk, it is not 功亏一篑. Do not use it if you failed right at the start. It requires a long period of effort beforehand. If you didn't try at all, this phrase does not apply. Avoid using it to mock someone's genuine tragedy.
Cultural Background
This idiom comes from the 'Book of Documents,' an ancient classic. It originally described building a high mound or mountain. If you stop before the last basket of earth, it's not a mountain. Ancient Chinese culture highly values perseverance and 'finishing strong.' It reflects a philosophy that the end is the hardest part. One small lapse can negate years of discipline.
Common Variations
You might hear people say 功败垂成. It means almost exactly the same thing. However, 功亏一篑 is more visual and common in speech. Sometimes people just sigh and say the phrase alone. It carries a heavy feeling of 'what if' and missed potential.
사용 참고사항
This phrase is incredibly versatile. It sits in the 'sweet spot' of being sophisticated enough for writing but common enough for casual venting.
Use in writing
Great for formal essays.
예시
6我们在最后一秒输了，真是功亏一篑。
We lost in the last second; it was truly failing at the last step.
Perfect for sports or competitive gaming contexts.
合同就在眼前，却因为一个小细节功亏一篑。
The contract was right there, but it failed at the last step due to a small detail.
Highlights how minor errors ruin major professional efforts.
做了一下午的蛋糕掉地上了，功亏一篑啊！
The cake I spent all afternoon making hit the floor—all that work for nothing!
Adds a dramatic, slightly humorous flair to a domestic disaster.
坚持了一个月，结果昨晚吃了火锅，功亏一篑。
I lasted a month, then had hotpot last night. Total failure at the finish line.
Relatable and casual use for personal goals.
实验在最后阶段出了差错，导致功亏一篑。
An error occurred in the final stage, leading to a total failure of the project.
Used to explain a technical setback formally.
最后一次转弯没打灯，结果功亏一篑。
I didn't signal on the last turn, so I failed right at the end.
Expresses the specific frustration of a tiny mistake with big consequences.
셀프 테스트
Fill in the blank.
我们的计划在最后关头____。
The context implies failure.
🎉 점수: /1
시각 학습 자료
Formality of 功亏一篑
Texting friends about a ruined dinner.
我的蛋糕烤糊了，功亏一篑！
Commonly used in news or daily conversation.
这场比赛他们功亏一篑。
Used in literature or official speeches.
我们不能让这项工程功亏一篑。
When to use 功亏一篑
Sports
Losing in the 90th minute
Cooking
Burning the sauce at the end
Business
Losing a client at the last meeting
Gaming
Dying to the final boss
연습 문제 은행
1 연습 문제我们的计划在最后关头____。
The context implies failure.
🎉 점수: /1
자주 묻는 질문
1 질문Yes, it describes failure.
관련 표현
前功尽弃
synonymAll efforts wasted
