In 15 Seconds
- Explain every single detail from start to finish.
- Derived from ancient counting by fives and tens.
- Use it when being honest, thorough, or reporting facts.
Meaning
Imagine you are recounting a story and you don't skip a single detail. This phrase means to explain something from start to finish, leaving nothing out.
Key Examples
3 of 7Explaining a mistake to a boss
我会把事情的经过一五一十地向经理汇报。
I will report the whole process to the manager in full detail.
Telling a friend about a blind date
快点！把昨晚的事一五一十地跟我说说！
Hurry up! Tell me everything that happened last night!
A child explaining how a vase broke
弟弟一五一十地告诉了妈妈他是怎么打碎花瓶的。
Little brother told mom exactly how he broke the vase.
Cultural Background
The phrase originates from ancient counting methods where items were grouped by five and ten for accuracy. It reflects a traditional Chinese value of meticulousness and honesty in reporting. Today, it remains one of the most common 'Chengyu' (idioms) because its numerical structure is catchy and easy to remember.
The '地' Particle
When using this as an adverb, don't forget to add `地` (de) after it, as in `一五一十地讲`.
Not for Summaries
If your boss says 'just give me the TL;DR,' do NOT use this phrase. This is for the long version!
In 15 Seconds
- Explain every single detail from start to finish.
- Derived from ancient counting by fives and tens.
- Use it when being honest, thorough, or reporting facts.
What It Means
Think of this as the 'full report' mode. It describes telling a story or explaining a situation in complete detail. You aren't just giving the highlights. You are giving the listener the whole picture, step by step. It implies honesty and thoroughness.
How To Use It
You usually place this phrase before a verb like 说 (speak), 告诉 (tell), or 汇报 (report). It acts like an adverb. For example, you can say: 'He 一五一十 told me what happened.' It sounds very natural and rhythmic in Chinese. It makes you sound like a pro who knows how to narrate well.
When To Use It
Use it when someone asks for the 'tea' or the full gossip. It is perfect for a meeting when your boss wants a detailed update. Use it with your partner if you are explaining why you are late. It fits perfectly in any situation where 'the details matter.' If you just saw a crazy movie, tell your friends about it 一五一十.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this if you are actually counting numbers or doing math. It is strictly for storytelling or reporting. Also, avoid it if you are being vague on purpose. If you are 'skimming the surface,' this phrase will make people expect more details than you are giving. Don't use it for very short, one-word answers. It implies a sequence of events.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from the ancient way of counting. People used to count items by fives and tens to be accurate and fast. If you counted 一五一十, it meant you were being very careful and precise. It shifted from literal counting to 'counting out' the facts of a story. It’s a very old idiom that everyone in China knows.
Common Variations
You might hear people say 清清楚楚 (clear as day) alongside it. While there aren't many slang versions of the numbers themselves, the feeling is similar to 'spilling the beans' in English. However, this phrase is more about the *method* of telling rather than just revealing a secret. It’s about the sequence and the completeness.
Usage Notes
This phrase is incredibly versatile. It sits in the 'neutral' register, making it safe for almost any situation from a police interrogation to a chat over coffee. Just remember it's an adverbial phrase—it describes *how* you are telling something.
The '地' Particle
When using this as an adverb, don't forget to add `地` (de) after it, as in `一五一十地讲`.
Not for Summaries
If your boss says 'just give me the TL;DR,' do NOT use this phrase. This is for the long version!
The Power of 5 and 10
In Chinese culture, 5 and 10 represent completeness and order. Counting this way implies you haven't missed a single unit.
Examples
7我会把事情的经过一五一十地向经理汇报。
I will report the whole process to the manager in full detail.
Shows professional accountability and thoroughness.
快点！把昨晚的事一五一十地跟我说说！
Hurry up! Tell me everything that happened last night!
Used to ask for juicy details or gossip.
弟弟一五一十地告诉了妈妈他是怎么打碎花瓶的。
Little brother told mom exactly how he broke the vase.
Implies an honest, step-by-step confession.
请你把看到的一切一五一十地写下来。
Please write down everything you saw in full detail.
Used in serious contexts requiring high accuracy.
等我回去，我再一五一十给你讲。
When I get back, I'll tell you the whole story.
Common in texting to delay a long story for later.
他竟然一五一十地把我的糗事都说了出来！
He actually told all my embarrassing stories in full detail!
Used humorously when someone overshares.
我决定把我的秘密一五一十地告诉你。
I've decided to tell you my secrets, every single one.
Conveys deep trust and openness.
Test Yourself
Choose the best phrase to complete the sentence where someone is being very thorough.
警察要求证人___地说明现场的情况。
The police need a detailed, step-by-step account, which is exactly what '一五一十' means.
Which verb usually follows this idiom?
他把事情的真相一五一十地___了出来。
Since the phrase means to tell or explain, '说' (to speak/say) is the most natural fit.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of '一五一十'
Gossiping with friends about a weekend trip.
跟我一五一十说说！
Explaining a situation to a teacher or parent.
他一五一十地解释了。
Reporting facts in a business meeting.
请一五一十地汇报进度。
When to use '一五一十'
Spilling Gossip
Tell me the whole story!
Police Report
Describe the suspect's actions.
Confessing
Admitting a mistake to your partner.
Work Update
Explaining why a project is delayed.
Practice Bank
2 exercises警察要求证人___地说明现场的情况。
The police need a detailed, step-by-step account, which is exactly what '一五一十' means.
他把事情的真相一五一十地___了出来。
Since the phrase means to tell or explain, '说' (to speak/say) is the most natural fit.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's an idiom. While it literally translates to 'one five one ten,' it always refers to telling a story or explaining a situation in detail, like 一五一十地交代 (confess everything).
Not at all! It shows you are being thorough and honest. You might say 我会一五一十地向您汇报 to show you aren't hiding anything.
Yes, it is very common in both spoken and written Chinese. It adds a bit of descriptive flair to your sentences.
说清楚 just means to speak clearly. 一五一十 emphasizes the sequence and the completeness of the details.
Not directly, but if you don't tell the whole story, someone might say you are 吞吞吐吐 (mumbling/hesitating) instead of being 一五一十.
No, it's the opposite of a summary. It's for when you want to provide every single detail.
It is a 'Chengyu' (four-character idiom). While it's used in casual speech, it's a standard part of the language, not slang.
Actually, it usually implies the person is being very honest and transparent, like 一五一十地说明真相.
No, the numbers in idioms are fixed. You cannot say '二六二十'—it wouldn't make sense to anyone!
It's used by everyone! It's one of the first idioms Chinese children learn because it's so practical.
Related Phrases
清清楚楚
Clear as day / very clear
原原本本
From beginning to end / the whole story
事无巨细
Regardless of importance / every detail
指名道姓
Mention by name (very specific)
