着眼于长远发展
zhuoyan yu changyuan fazhan
With a view to long-term development
Literally: Focus eyes on long-distance development
In 15 Seconds
- Focusing on the long game.
- Sacrificing short-term gains for future success.
- Common in business and professional advice.
- Implies wisdom, strategy, and foresight.
Meaning
This phrase is about playing the 'long game' in life or business. It describes making choices that prioritize future sustainability and growth over immediate, temporary wins. It carries a sense of wisdom, foresight, and strategic patience.
Key Examples
3 of 10In a boardroom meeting
作为一个成功的企业家,你必须着眼于长远发展。
As a successful entrepreneur, you must focus on long-term development.
Giving life advice to a friend
选专业不能只看现在哪个赚钱,要着眼于长远发展。
When choosing a major, you shouldn't just look at what's profitable now; focus on long-term development.
LinkedIn post about personal branding
建立个人品牌需要耐心,我们应该着眼于长远发展。
Building a personal brand takes patience; we should focus on long-term development.
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects the traditional Chinese value of 'patience and accumulation' (厚积薄发). Historically, Chinese philosophy—especially Confucianism—emphasizes the importance of legacy and the well-being of future generations over immediate gratification. This 'long-termism' is also visible in modern China's approach to national planning, such as the famous Five-Year Plans, where development is viewed as a marathon rather than a sprint.
The 'Power Move' in Interviews
If asked about your weaknesses, say you sometimes work too hard because you are `着眼于长远发展` and want to build a perfect foundation. It turns a cliché into a strategic strength!
Don't Forget the 'Yu'!
Omitting the `于` (yú) is the #1 mistake. It makes you sound like you're speaking broken 'business-ese'. Always treat `着眼于` as a single unit of sound.
In 15 Seconds
- Focusing on the long game.
- Sacrificing short-term gains for future success.
- Common in business and professional advice.
- Implies wisdom, strategy, and foresight.
What It Means
Have you ever skipped a party to study for a big certification? Or maybe you invested in a high-quality laptop instead of a cheap one that breaks in a year? That is the heart of 着眼于长远发展. It is about having 'future vision.' You are not just looking at your feet while you walk. You are looking at the mountain peak miles away. It’s the opposite of being impulsive or short-sighted. It suggests that you are wise enough to sacrifice a little comfort today for a massive reward tomorrow. It feels grounded, smart, and very intentional.
How To Use It
You will mostly find this phrase in professional or serious life discussions. It usually follows a subject like 'We should...' or 'The company needs to...' Think of it as a strategic anchor for your sentences. You can use it as a verb phrase: 我们应该着眼于长远发展 (We should focus on long-term development). Or, you can use it to describe a specific plan: 这是一个着眼于长远发展的计划 (This is a plan that focuses on long-term development). It’s like wearing a suit for your vocabulary. It instantly makes your argument sound more professional and thought-out. Use it when you want to sound like the smartest person in the Zoom meeting.
Formality & Register
This phrase sits comfortably in the 'formal' to 'neutral' range. You probably won't hear a teenager say this while playing League of Legends unless they are being very sarcastic. It is the bread and butter of LinkedIn posts and business keynotes. However, it is also perfectly fine for serious heart-to-heart talks with friends about careers or relationships. It’s a 'respectable' phrase. It shows you have a mature perspective on life. If you use it in a job interview, the recruiter will likely nod in approval. Just don't use it to describe why you're buying a single loaf of bread. That might be a bit much!
Real-Life Examples
Imagine a tech startup deciding between a quick, buggy release or a polished, scalable architecture. A wise founder would say they are 着眼于长远发展 by choosing the latter. Or think about a social media influencer. They could take every shady sponsorship for quick cash. Or they could 着眼于长远发展 by only partnering with brands they actually like to keep their audience's trust. Even in language learning, you are doing this right now! You are learning deep phrases instead of just 'hello' because you want to be fluent one day. You are the embodiment of this phrase! Give yourself a pat on the back.
When To Use It
Use it during performance reviews to show you care about the company's future. It’s great for business proposals when asking for a bigger budget. Use it when giving life advice to a friend who is making impulsive choices. It works well in academic essays about economics or social policy. If you're a parent, use it to explain why your kid needs to learn a second language. It’s also perfect for 'about us' pages on websites. It tells customers that you aren't going to disappear overnight. It builds trust.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for trivial, everyday decisions. 'I'm 着眼于长远发展 by buying this 2-ply toilet paper' sounds ridiculous. Avoid it in very casual, slang-heavy environments where people are just 'vibing.' It can sound a bit 'stiff' if used while grabbing street food with friends. Also, don't use it if you are actually talking about something that will happen in the next ten minutes. Long-term means years, not your next coffee break. If the goal is immediate, use 当务之急 (urgent matter) instead.
Common Mistakes
着眼于长远发展 (Don't forget the 于!)
着眼于长远发展 (Keep it as a set phrase for better flow.)
Many learners forget the 于 (yú), which means 'at' or 'on.' Without it, the sentence feels like it's missing a limb. Another mistake is mixing it up with 关注 (guānzhù - focus on). While similar, 着眼于 implies a strategic 'gaze' or 'perspective' rather than just paying attention.
Common Variations
In business, you might hear 从长远利益出发 (Starting from long-term interests). It’s a close cousin. Another variation is 放眼未来 (Put your eyes on the future). This one is a bit more poetic and 'big picture.' In more casual settings, people might just say 看长远点 (Look a bit further). It means the same thing but feels less like a corporate memo. If you want to sound really high-level, you can use 长远规划 (Long-term planning). All of these revolve around the same 'future-first' energy.
Real Conversations
Manager
Dev
Manager
着眼于长远发展, not just this quarter's numbers.Student A: I'm so tired of practicing these Chinese characters every day.
Student B: I get it, but you have to 着眼于长远发展. You'll thank yourself in two years!
Student A: Fine, I'll do one more page. But then, bubble tea.
Quick FAQ
Is this too formal for a text message? Usually, yes. Unless you're texting your boss or discussing a serious life move. Is it used in mainland China more than Taiwan? It is widely understood and used in both, but very common in mainland business speech. Can I use it for relationships? Absolutely! It shows you want a future together, not just a summer fling. It’s a very 'marriage-material' phrase to use in a serious conversation.
Usage Notes
Use this phrase to sound strategic and mature. It is highly valued in professional and academic settings. Be sure to include the character `于` (yú) and keep the tone serious; using it for trivial matters can come across as sarcastic or overly dramatic.
The 'Power Move' in Interviews
If asked about your weaknesses, say you sometimes work too hard because you are `着眼于长远发展` and want to build a perfect foundation. It turns a cliché into a strategic strength!
Don't Forget the 'Yu'!
Omitting the `于` (yú) is the #1 mistake. It makes you sound like you're speaking broken 'business-ese'. Always treat `着眼于` as a single unit of sound.
Patience is a Virtue
In China, being called 'far-sighted' (有远见) is one of the highest compliments. This phrase is the active way to demonstrate that quality in your speech.
Pair it with 'Not Just'
A very natural way to use this is: 'Not just X, but `着眼于长远发展`'. Example: `不只是为了赚钱,更要着眼于长远发展` (Not just for money, but for long-term growth).
Examples
10作为一个成功的企业家,你必须着眼于长远发展。
As a successful entrepreneur, you must focus on long-term development.
Here it's used as a professional standard for leadership.
选专业不能只看现在哪个赚钱,要着眼于长远发展。
When choosing a major, you shouldn't just look at what's profitable now; focus on long-term development.
Advice-giving context, emphasizing career sustainability.
建立个人品牌需要耐心,我们应该着眼于长远发展。
Building a personal brand takes patience; we should focus on long-term development.
Modern professional context for online presence.
办年卡虽然贵,但我是着眼于长远发展,想让自己更健康。
A yearly membership is expensive, but I'm looking at long-term development to stay healthy.
A slightly more casual application to personal health.
现在的努力都是为了着眼于长远发展。加油!✨
Current efforts are all about focusing on long-term development. Keep going! ✨
Motivational usage for social media followers.
我想找一个能和我一起着眼于长远发展的人。
I want to find someone who can focus on long-term development with me.
Emotional context about life partnership.
我给你安排这么多活儿,其实是着眼于你的长远发展!😂
Giving you all this work is actually for your long-term development! 😂
Humorous use of the phrase to justify a heavy workload.
我们的新策略旨在着眼于长远发展,而非短期利润。
Our new strategy aims to focus on long-term development rather than short-term profits.
Classic corporate usage in formal documentation.
✗ 我们要着眼长远发展 → ✓ 我们要着眼于长远发展
We must focus on long-term development.
Learners often forget the preposition '于' (at/on).
✗ 现在的午饭我们要着眼于长远发展 → ✓ 现在的午饭我们要吃得健康点
For lunch now, we should focus on long-term development → We should eat healthily for lunch.
Using this grand phrase for a single meal is overly dramatic and unnatural.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing character.
The character `于` (yú) acts as the preposition 'on' or 'at' in this set phrase.
Which situation is MOST appropriate for using this phrase?
The phrase is formal and strategic, making it perfect for corporate investment contexts.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
The phrase `着眼于` is an inseparable unit in this context; you cannot omit the `于`.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Level of '着眼于长远发展'
Rarely used with friends; sounds too 'serious'.
看远一点 (Look further)
Life advice, career planning with mentors.
你应该着眼于长远发展。
Standard in business meetings and reports.
公司必须着眼于长远发展。
Government policy, diplomatic speeches.
国家的发展应着眼于长远发展。
Where to use '着眼于长远发展'
Startup Pitch
Explaining your 5-year vision.
Education
Choosing a degree for the future.
Investing
Buying stocks instead of gambling.
Relationships
Discussing future life goals.
Health
Building a sustainable workout habit.
Strategic Focus: Now vs. Future
Usage Domains
Business
- • Strategy
- • Investment
- • Hiring
Personal
- • Skills
- • Health
- • Finances
Academic
- • Research
- • Essays
- • Education
Practice Bank
3 exercises我们应该着眼___长远发展。
The character `于` (yú) acts as the preposition 'on' or 'at' in this set phrase.
The phrase is formal and strategic, making it perfect for corporate investment contexts.
Find and fix the mistake:
为了着眼长远发展,他决定不卖掉这些股票。
The phrase `着眼于` is an inseparable unit in this context; you cannot omit the `于`.
🎉 Score: /3
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
18 questionsYes, it is actually a very good phrase to use with parents! It shows them that you are mature and thinking about your future, which is exactly what parents want to hear. Use it when explaining your career choices or why you are saving money instead of spending it on clothes.
Yes, you can! You can say 着眼于未来 (Focus on the future) or 着眼于大局 (Focus on the big picture). However, 着眼于长远发展 is by far the most common fixed expression you will encounter in professional Chinese.
It is definitely understood in Taiwan, though they might sometimes use slightly different phrasing like 注重長期發展 (Zhùzhòng chángqí fāzhǎn). However, using 着眼于长远发展 will still make you sound very professional and educated in any Mandarin-speaking region.
In this specific phrase, it is pronounced zhuó (second tone). Be careful, because this character has many pronunciations like zhe or zháo. For this idiom, always stick to zhuó as it relates to the formal verb 'to wear' or 'to apply/focus'.
You can, but it sounds quite serious. It implies that you aren't just looking for a casual date, but a life partner. Using it on a first date might be a bit too intense, but it is great for a deep conversation about where the relationship is going.
着眼于长远发展 is much more formal and impressive. 看远一点 (kàn yuǎn yīdiǎn) is fine for casual chat with friends, but if you're writing an email or in a meeting, the longer phrase is the way to go. It shows a higher level of language mastery.
The most common antonym is 急功近利 (jígōngjìnlì), which means being 'eager for quick success and instant benefits.' While our phrase is about being a wise turtle, the antonym is about being a greedy rabbit who crashes into a tree.
Strictly speaking, it is more of a common set phrase or expression rather than a traditional four-character Chengyu. However, it functions similarly in that it carries a specific, sophisticated weight when used in a sentence. It's high-level vocabulary.
Absolutely. It is very common in political news when discussing economic reforms or environmental policies. It suggests the government is thinking about the next generation rather than just the next election cycle. It's a very 'statesman-like' thing to say.
Yes! If you're choosing a sustainable diet over a crash diet, you are 着眼于长远发展. It shows you care about your body's longevity rather than just looking good for a beach trip next week. It’s a very positive way to frame self-care.
It is an excellent phrase for a personal statement or university application! It tells the admissions committee that you have a clear vision for your education and career. It shows you aren't just applying because you have to, but because it fits a plan.
Mostly, yes. While 长 means long and 远 means far (distance), when combined as 长远, they almost always refer to a distant point in time or a long-lasting effect. It's about the 'horizon' of your plans and consequences.
In modern Chinese, they are similar, but 于 is the classical version often used in formal idioms and set phrases. Using 于 gives the phrase its elegant, 'old-school' professional vibe that 在 just can't match. It’s the linguistic equivalent of a silk tie.
Yes, saving or investing is a perfect context. Instead of buying a new phone every year, you might save that money for a house. You can say: 我不买新手机是为了着眼于长远发展 (I don't buy a new phone because I'm focusing on long-term development).
It’s a great way to show respect and maturity to a teacher. If you're asking for extra resources to master a difficult topic, you can say you want to 着眼于长远发展. The teacher will likely be very impressed by your dedication to the subject.
It is almost 100% positive. It implies wisdom, responsibility, and intelligence. It is very hard to use this in a negative way, unless you are being extremely sarcastic about someone who is over-planning and doing nothing in the present.
It is practically made for PowerPoints! It’s a great header for a slide about future goals or vision statements. It looks very professional in a large font with a nice image of a horizon or a growing plant. Every business major should know it.
Yes! Building a real community instead of using 'follow-for-follow' bots is 着眼于长远发展. It’s a very modern way to talk about digital growth and brand authenticity. Influencers use this logic all the time to stay relevant for years.
Related Phrases
放眼未来
synonymTo look into the future
This phrase is slightly more poetic but shares the exact same core concept of future-oriented thinking.
急功近利
antonymEager for quick success and instant benefits
This is the perfect opposite for describing someone who only cares about immediate gains and ignores the future.
未雨绸缪
related topicTo fix the roof before it rains
Both phrases deal with preparing for the future, but this one focuses specifically on preventing future problems.
深谋远虑
formal versionDeep plans and far-reaching thoughts
This is a more classical Chengyu that describes someone who is a very deep, strategic thinker.
看长远点
informal versionLook a bit further
This is the more colloquial way to say the same thing when talking to close friends or family.