A2 Idiom Formal

两全其美

liang quan qi mei

Satisfy both sides

Phrase in 30 Seconds

A perfect solution that satisfies everyone involved.

  • Means: Achieving two goals simultaneously without compromise.
  • Used in: Business negotiations, personal scheduling, and conflict resolution.
  • Don't confuse: It is not just 'compromise'; it is 'perfection'.
🤝 + ✨ = 两全其美

Explanation at your level:

This phrase means 'win-win'. You use it when you have a good idea that makes two people happy at the same time.
两全其美 is a common Chinese idiom. It describes a situation where you solve a problem in a way that helps two different sides. It is a very positive way to describe a plan or a decision.
This idiom is used to describe a 'win-win' scenario. It implies that a solution has been found that satisfies two conflicting requirements. It is frequently used in professional settings to describe successful negotiations or compromises that leave all stakeholders satisfied.
两全其美 is a sophisticated way to express the concept of mutual benefit. Unlike simple 'win-win' terminology, this idiom carries a cultural weight of harmony and balance. It is best utilized when describing complex decision-making processes where multiple interests are at play, and a harmonious resolution is achieved.
The idiom 两全其美 functions as a lexicalized expression of optimization. It denotes a state where two distinct, potentially competing objectives are simultaneously satisfied. In discourse, it serves to validate a proposed solution by emphasizing its lack of negative externalities for the involved parties, thus framing the outcome as ideal.
两全其美 represents a quintessential example of Chinese idiomatic structure, where four characters encapsulate a complex socio-cognitive state of equilibrium. It is not merely a synonym for 'win-win'; it reflects a deep-seated cultural preference for non-zero-sum outcomes. By employing this, a speaker signals an appreciation for the delicate balance required in interpersonal and professional diplomacy.

Meaning

To achieve a solution that benefits or pleases both parties involved.

🌍

Cultural Background

Highly valued in business to show you are a 'win-win' partner.

💡

Use it in meetings

It makes you sound very professional.

Meaning

To achieve a solution that benefits or pleases both parties involved.

💡

Use it in meetings

It makes you sound very professional.

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank.

这个计划真是_____。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 两全其美

It describes a perfect solution.

🎉 Score: /1

Visual Learning Aids

Frequently Asked Questions

1 questions

Yes, it is a formal idiom.

Related Phrases

🔄

双赢

synonym

Win-win

Where to Use It

🍽️

Choosing a restaurant

A: 你想吃中餐还是西餐？

B: 我们去那家新开的融合餐厅吧，两全其美！

informal

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of two (两) hands shaking, both (全) happy, because it's beautiful (美).

Visual Association

Imagine a scale perfectly balanced with two gold coins on each side.

Rhyme

两全其美，皆大欢喜。

Story

Xiao Wang wanted to study but also wanted to play. He found a way to study while listening to music. His teacher said, 'This is 两全其美!'

Word Web

双赢满意和谐解决完美平衡

Challenge

Find one 'win-win' solution for your daily life today and say it in Chinese.

In Other Languages

Spanish moderate

Matar dos pájaros de un tiro

Focus on efficiency vs. focus on harmony.

French moderate

Faire d'une pierre deux coups

Focus on efficiency.

German moderate

Zwei Fliegen mit einer Klappe schlagen

Focus on efficiency.

Japanese moderate

一石二鳥 (Isseki nichō)

Focus on efficiency.

Arabic moderate

عصفوران بحجر واحد

Focus on efficiency.

Chinese high

两全其美

N/A

Korean moderate

일석이조 (Ilseok-ijo)

Focus on efficiency.

Portuguese moderate

Matar dois coelhos com uma cajadada só

Focus on efficiency.

Easily Confused

两全其美 vs 一石二鸟

Both mean getting two things at once.

一石二鸟 is about efficiency; 两全其美 is about harmony.

FAQ (1)

Yes, it is a formal idiom.

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