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一举两得

B2 noun 10 min read

一举两得

yi ju liang de

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 一举两得 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 一举两得 in your Level:

At the A1 level, we can think of '一举两得' as a special phrase for when you get two good things from doing only one thing. Imagine you go to the store to buy milk, and you also see your best friend there. You got the milk AND you saw your friend. That is 'one act, two gains.' In Chinese, we use this four-word phrase to show we are happy about getting extra benefits. Even though it is an advanced idiom, you can use it simply at the end of a sentence like: 'This is very good, 一举两得!' It is like saying 'super efficient!' or 'two for one!' to your friends. Try to remember the '一' (one) and '两' (two) in the middle of the word.

For A2 learners, '一举两得' is a useful idiom to describe efficient actions. You can use it when you combine two tasks. For example, if you listen to Chinese music while you clean your room, you are learning and cleaning at the same time. You can say: '我一边打扫房间，一边听中文歌，真是一举两得。' (I clean the room while listening to Chinese songs, truly two gains for one act.) This phrase is common in daily life. It usually comes after a sentence describing two benefits. It helps you sound more natural than just saying 'both are good.' Remember that '举' means an action or a move you make.

At the B1 level, you should start using '一举两得' to connect ideas in your speaking and writing. It is an excellent way to summarize the benefits of a choice. When you are giving a presentation or writing a short essay about a hobby, you can use this idiom to show why that hobby is valuable. For instance, 'Exercise makes you healthy and happy, so it is 一举两得.' You should also notice how it is often paired with the '既...又...' (both... and...) structure. This makes your logic clear. It's a 'Level 2' way of saying 'efficient.' You will hear it in TV shows and read it in simplified news stories when discussing smart solutions to problems.

At the B2 level, '一举两得' is expected in your vocabulary. You should understand its nuance compared to similar idioms like '一箭双雕' (one arrow, two eagles) or '两全其美' (satisfying both sides). At this level, you use it to describe strategic advantages in business, education, or social policy. For example, 'This new law reduces pollution and creates jobs, which is 一举两得.' You should be comfortable using it as a predicate or even as an adjective to describe a 'method' (一举两得的办法). You should also be aware of its historical roots in the Book of Jin, which gives the phrase a sense of traditional wisdom. It's not just a casual slang; it's a mark of a well-educated speaker.

For C1 learners, '一举两得' should be used with precision and stylistic flair. You can integrate it into complex rhetorical structures, such as '这难道不是一举两得的好事吗？' (Is this not a great thing that achieves two goals at once?). At this level, you can also use variations like '一举数得' to emphasize multiple benefits. You should be able to explain the subtle differences between this and '事半功倍' (half the effort, double the result) or '面面俱到' (covering all bases). In professional writing, you use '一举两得' to argue for the efficiency of a proposed plan, highlighting how it optimizes resources. You understand the cultural value placed on efficiency and 'cleverness' that this idiom represents in Chinese philosophy.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of '一举两得' and its classical connotations. You might use it when discussing the history of Chinese strategy or when analyzing literary texts where a character's actions are described as such. You can use the idiom to create irony or to provide a sophisticated summary of a multi-layered situation. You are also aware of how this idiom has influenced modern business terminology in the Sinosphere. Your use of the idiom is seamless, appearing in the correct register and with perfect tonal inflection. You can even discuss the etymology involving the story of Bian Zhuangzi and the two tigers, showing a deep connection to the cultural heritage behind the four characters.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

一举两得 in 30 Seconds

One act, two gains: achieve two goals with one effort.
The Chinese version of 'killing two birds with one stone.'
Emphasizes efficiency, strategy, and positive outcomes.
Used in both formal business and casual daily conversation.

The Chinese idiom 一举两得 (yī jǔ liǎng dé) is one of the most frequently used four-character idioms (Chengyu) in the Mandarin language. Its literal translation is 'one act, two gains.' In English, the closest equivalent is the popular phrase 'to kill two birds with one stone.' However, the Chinese version carries a slightly more positive and strategic connotation, emphasizing efficiency, wisdom, and the clever optimization of resources or effort. It is used in situations where a single action results in two distinct benefits or solves two problems simultaneously. Whether you are discussing business strategy, daily chores, or personal development, this idiom perfectly captures the essence of productivity.

Literal Meaning: 一 (yī) means 'one', 举 (jǔ) means 'action' or 'move', 两 (liǎng) means 'two', and 得 (dé) means 'to get' or 'to gain'. Together, they signify that a single move yields a double reward.

In a social context, using 一举两得 demonstrates that the speaker is thoughtful and values efficiency. It is highly favored in professional environments where 'working smarter, not harder' is the goal. For example, if a company launches a marketing campaign that both increases sales and improves brand awareness, a manager might say this was an '一举两得' strategy. It is not just about luck; it is about the deliberate choice of an action that has multi-faceted benefits.

骑自行车上班既能锻炼身体，又能省钱，真是一举两得。

Translation: Riding a bike to work is both exercise and a way to save money; it really kills two birds with one stone.

The phrase is also deeply rooted in historical Chinese literature, specifically the 'Book of Jin' (晋书), which highlights its long-standing presence in the Chinese psyche. It reflects a cultural appreciation for 'He' (harmony) and balance—finding the path of least resistance that offers the most value. In modern times, it is used by parents encouraging children to read books that are both entertaining and educational, or by technology enthusiasts describing apps that serve multiple functions.

这次出国出差，我顺便看望了老朋友，真是一举两得。

Translation: I visited an old friend during this business trip abroad, truly achieving two things at once.

Register: This is a neutral to formal idiom. It is safe for use with teachers, bosses, and friends. It adds a layer of sophistication to your speech compared to using simple verbs.

Furthermore, the idiom is often used as a predicate in a sentence, meaning it follows the subject and describes the situation. It doesn't usually function as a noun in the way 'efficiency' does, but rather as a descriptive phrase for an outcome. Understanding the rhythmic structure of the four characters is key to pronouncing it with the right 'flow' that native speakers expect.

通过这次比赛，他不仅拿了奖，还结交了许多志同道合的朋友，可谓一举两得。

Using 一举两得 correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility. While it is an idiom, it functions most often as a verb phrase or a predicative adjective at the end of a clause. It is frequently preceded by adverbs like 真是 (zhēn shì), 可谓 (kě wèi), or 确实 (què shí). This helps emphasize the speaker's realization or confirmation of the double benefit.

Pattern 1: [Action], 真是/可谓一举两得: This is the most common way to use the idiom. You describe an action first, then conclude with the idiom to highlight the efficiency.

For instance, if you are talking about learning Chinese by watching movies, you could say: '看中文电影既能娱乐又能学习，真是一举两得。' (Watching Chinese movies is both entertaining and educational, truly killing two birds with one stone.) This structure is very balanced and natural in both spoken and written Mandarin.

我们把旧衣服捐给慈善机构，既清理了房间又帮助了别人，真是一举两得。

Another way to use it is as an attributive, though this is less common. You might hear '一举两得的办法' (a method that achieves two things at once). This describes the nature of the plan itself rather than the result of the action. In business meetings, identifying an '一举两得的方案' (a win-win proposal that hits two targets) is highly valued.

Pattern 2: 这样做可以一举两得: This focuses on the potential of an action. 'Doing it this way can achieve two things at once.' It is often used when giving advice or making suggestions.

如果你在听音乐的同时练习听力，那就可以一举两得。

When writing, especially in B2 level essays, using this idiom helps to link two positive outcomes. It shows that your vocabulary is expanding beyond basic conjunctions like '而且' (also) or '还有' (furthermore). It provides a more sophisticated 'summing up' of your argument. For example, '这种政策既促进了经济增长，又保护了环境，可谓是一举两得。'

这种新产品既美观又实用，对消费者来说真是一举两得。

Common Pairing: It is very common to see the '既...又...' (both... and...) structure right before using '一举两得'. This sets up the two benefits clearly before the idiom reinforces them.

You will encounter 一举两得 in a wide variety of real-life scenarios in Chinese-speaking communities. It is not a dusty literary term; it is a living part of the language. In the workplace, it is a favorite for managers and planners. When discussing project efficiency or resource allocation, someone might suggest a strategy that '一举两得' to save costs and time simultaneously. For example, combining two separate meetings into one 'all-hands' session is often described this way.

在这次会议上，我们解决了技术问题，也确定了下个季度的预算，真是一举两得。

In daily family life, parents use it constantly. A mother might tell her child to clean their room while listening to an English audiobook, saying it's '一举两得'. It is used to instill a sense of value for time and effort. You'll also hear it in news broadcasts and documentaries. When a government implements a policy that addresses both unemployment and infrastructure, the news anchor will likely use this idiom to describe the policy's success.

In Commercials: Marketing slogans often use this idiom. For example, a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner or a phone that doubles as a professional camera will be marketed as an '一举两得' choice for the consumer.

If you watch Chinese dramas (C-Dramas), you'll notice characters using it in dialogue during moments of realization or clever planning. A strategist in a historical drama might use it to explain a plot that defeats an enemy while gaining new territory. In modern dramas, it's used when a character finds a way to satisfy both their parents and their own desires.

如果你能通过这个考试，不仅能拿到奖学金，还能让父母为你骄傲，这岂不是一举两得？

Social media and blogs are also full of this idiom. Travel bloggers might write about a destination that is both affordable and beautiful, or a tech blogger might review a gadget that serves two purposes. It is a very 'clickable' and 'shareable' sentiment because everyone loves the idea of getting more for less. In casual text messages (WeChat), it's sometimes shortened or used with emojis to express excitement about a lucky or efficient situation.

边旅游边学习当地语言，真是一举两得的好事！

Cultural Nuance: Using this idiom shows you appreciate the 'Golden Mean' or the 'Path of Wisdom'—finding the most effective way to live and act.

While 一举两得 is relatively straightforward, learners often make a few subtle mistakes in its application. The most frequent error is using it in a negative or neutral context where there aren't actually two distinct 'gains'. This idiom is strictly for positive outcomes. If an action results in two bad things happening, you cannot use this; instead, you would use something like 祸不单行 (huò bù dān xíng) (misfortunes never come singly).

Mistake 1: Miscounting the 'Gains': Sometimes learners use it when there is only one benefit, but it's just a very big one. Remember, the '两' (two) is literal—there should be two separate, identifiable rewards. If you just 'did a good job,' it's not '一举两得'.

Another common mistake is confusing it with 两全其美 (liǎng quán qí měi). While they look similar because of the '两', they have different focuses. 一举两得 emphasizes the efficiency of the action (one move, two results), whereas 两全其美 emphasizes the satisfaction of two parties or two conflicting sides (satisfying both requirements). For example, if you find a solution that makes both your boss and your client happy, 两全其美 is more appropriate.

Incorrect: 这种药既能治头痛，也能治脚痛，真是~~两全其美~~。
Correct: 这种药既能治头痛，也能治脚痛，真是一举两得。

Learners also sometimes struggle with the '一' (yī) tone change. In this idiom, '一' is followed by a third tone '举' (jǔ), so it should be pronounced with the fourth tone 'yì' (yì jǔ liǎng dé). Mispronouncing the tones is a common error that can make the idiom sound 'clunky' to a native ear.

Mistake 2: Overusing it in Informal Speech: While common, it is still an idiom. If you use it every time you do two things at once (like 'I ate and walked'), it can sound a bit dramatic. Use it for more 'meaningful' combinations of benefits.

Lastly, don't confuse it with 事半功倍 (shì bàn gōng bèi), which means 'half the work, double the result.' While both are about efficiency, 事半功倍 focuses on the ratio of effort to result, while 一举两得 focuses on the multiplicity of the results. If you finish a task quickly because you used a new tool, that's 事半功倍. If you finish a task and it also helps you learn a new skill, that's 一举两得.

Chinese is rich with idioms describing efficiency and success. Knowing the alternatives to 一举两得 will help you choose the most precise word for your situation. The most common related terms are 两全其美, 一箭双雕, and 事半功倍. Each has a slightly different nuance that is important for B2 and C1 learners to master.

一箭双雕 (yī jiàn shuāng diāo): Literally 'one arrow, two eagles.' This is almost a perfect synonym for '一举两得.' However, it feels slightly more 'action-oriented' or 'aggressive' (like shooting a target). It is often used in political or competitive contexts where a single move outmaneuvers two opponents or achieves two difficult goals.

他的这个计策真是一箭双雕，既打败了对手，又赢得了民心。

As mentioned in the previous section, 两全其美 (liǎng quán qí měi) focuses on satisfying two different needs or sides. If you are trying to compromise between two friends, and you find a solution that pleases both, that is 两全其美. It is about harmony and perfection for both parties, rather than just efficiency for the person doing the action.

Comparison Table

一举两得: General efficiency (One act, two gains).
一箭双雕: Strategic efficiency (One shot, two targets).
两全其美: Harmonious compromise (Both sides are perfect).
事半功倍: High productivity (Half effort, double result).

For more formal or literary writing, you might encounter 一举数得 (yī jǔ shù dé), which means 'one act, several gains.' This is used when the benefits are even more numerous than just two. It's a way to exaggerate or emphasize the extreme value of a particular action. On the flip side, the antonym is 得不偿失 (dé bù cháng shī), meaning 'the gain does not compensate for the loss,' used when an action was inefficient or harmful.

我们一定要找出一个两全其美的办法，不能只顾一方的利益。

In very casual conversation, people might not use an idiom at all. They might just say '两全' (both complete) or '双赢' (shuāng yíng - win-win). However, using the full idiom 一举两得 makes your Chinese sound much more 'native' and cultured. It is a standard part of the HSK 5 and HSK 6 vocabulary requirements, so mastering these distinctions is crucial for advanced proficiency.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The story goes that Bian Zhuangzi saw two tigers eating a cow. He wanted to kill them, but a servant advised him to wait until they fought over the meat. One tiger died, the other was wounded, and he killed both easily—one act, two tigers!

Pronunciation Guide

UK yī jǔ liǎng dé

US yī jǔ liǎng dé

Emphasis is usually placed on '两' (liǎng) to highlight the 'double' nature of the gain.

Rhymes With

得 (dé) 乐 (lè) 舍 (shè) 色 (sè) 特 (tè) 热 (rè) 客 (kè) 测 (cè)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'yī' as a constant first tone.
Confusing the second tone of 'dé' with the fourth tone.
Failing to apply tone sandhi for the two consecutive third tones (jǔ liǎng).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize due to common characters '一' and '两'.

Writing 4/5

Requires remembering the character '举' and '得'.

Speaking 3/5

Tones are slightly tricky (3rd + 3rd), but the rhythm is catchy.

Listening 2/5

Very distinct four-character rhythm makes it easy to spot.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

一个 (one) 两个 (two) 得到 (to get) 动作 (action) 好处 (benefit)

Learn Next

一箭双雕两全其美事半功倍得不偿失左右逢源

Advanced

博弈论 (Game Theory) 帕累托改进 (Pareto Improvement) 资源配置 (Resource Allocation)

Grammar to Know

既 A 又 B (Both A and B)

既省钱又省力。

不仅...还... (Not only... but also...)

不仅拿了奖，还交了朋友。

Tone Sandhi (3rd + 3rd -> 2nd + 3rd)

jǔ (3) + liǎng (3) becomes jú (2) + liǎng (3).

Tone of '一' (yī changes to yì before 3rd tone)

yì jǔ.

Idiom as Predicate

这真是一举两得。

Examples by Level

我们要一举两得。

We want to get two things at once.

Simple subject + verb phrase.

这真是一举两得。

This is really two gains for one act.

Using '真是' for emphasis.

学习和玩，一举两得。

Learning and playing, two gains at once.

Topic-comment structure.

买一送一，一举两得。

Buy one get one free, two gains.

Common shopping context.

去北京旅游可以学中文，一举两得。

Traveling to Beijing can help learn Chinese, two gains.

Action followed by idiom.

跑步既健康又快乐，一举两得。

Running is both healthy and happy, two gains.

Using '既...又...'.

多喝水，一举两得。

Drink more water, get two benefits.

Imperative use.

看书可以学字，也可以看故事，一举两得。

Reading can learn words and stories, two gains.

Listing two benefits.

我一边走路一边听歌，真是一举两得。

I walk and listen to music, it's really killing two birds with one stone.

Using '一边...一边...'.

这样做既省钱又省时间，一举两得。

Doing this saves money and time, two gains.

Focus on saving resources.

这个书包既漂亮又便宜，一举两得。

This bag is pretty and cheap, two gains.

Describing an object.

我们一起去吃饭吧，顺便谈谈工作，一举两得。

Let's eat together and discuss work, two gains.

Using '顺便' (by the way).

帮妈妈干活，既能让她开心，我也能学做饭，一举两得。

Helping mom makes her happy and I learn to cook, two gains.

Complex sentence with clauses.

去图书馆看书，既安静又能学习，一举两得。

Going to the library is quiet and good for study.

Describing a location's benefits.

他买了这个多功能手机，真是一举两得。

He bought this multi-function phone, two gains.

Focus on product utility.

种树既能美化环境，又能净化空气，一举两得。

Planting trees beautifies the environment and cleans the air.

Environmental context.

参加这个活动，不仅能锻炼身体，还能结识新朋友，可谓一举两得。

Joining this activity not only exercises the body but also makes friends, truly two gains.

Using '不仅...还...' and '可谓'.

如果你能把爱好变成职业，那就真是一举两得了。

If you can turn your hobby into a career, that's truly two gains.

Conditional '如果...就...'.

他决定骑自行车去旅行，既锻炼了意志，又欣赏了美景，一举两得。

He decided to travel by bike, exercising his will and enjoying the view.

Narrative style.

这种学习方法既高效又有趣，真是一举两得。

This learning method is efficient and fun, two gains.

Describing a method.

我们在阳台上种菜，既能吃到新鲜蔬菜，又能绿化家园，一举两得。

Planting vegetables on the balcony provides fresh food and greens the home.

Practical daily life example.

这次出差我顺便参观了博物馆，一举两得，非常充实。

I visited the museum during my business trip, two gains, very fulfilling.

Combining professional and personal life.

通过看中文电影来练习听力，既轻松又有效，一举两得。

Practicing listening by watching movies is relaxed and effective.

Learning strategy.

旧物改造既省钱又环保，真是一举两得的好主意。

Repurposing old things saves money and is eco-friendly, a two-gain idea.

Using as an attributive for '主意'.

这项新政策不仅缓解了交通压力，还减少了空气污染，可谓一举两得。

This new policy eased traffic and reduced pollution, achieving two things at once.

Formal policy discussion.

通过这次合作，我们不仅扩大了市场份额，还提升了品牌知名度，真是一举两得。

Through this cooperation, we expanded market share and increased brand awareness.

Business context.

在大学期间做兼职，既能赚取生活费，又能积累社会经验，可谓一举两得。

Doing a part-time job in college earns money and gains social experience.

Social experience context.

这种新型材料既坚固又轻便，应用在航空领域真是一举两得。

This new material is strong and light, perfect for aviation.

Technical/Scientific context.

他利用假期去支教，既帮助了贫困地区的孩子，又丰富了自己的阅历，一举两得。

He went to teach in a poor area during vacation, helping kids and enriching his experience.

Altruistic context.

公司推行远程办公，既节省了租金，又提高了员工的满意度，真是一举两得。

Remote work saves rent and improves employee satisfaction.

Modern workplace trend.

阅读经典名著既能提高文学素养，又能陶冶情操，可谓一举两得。

Reading classics improves literacy and cultivates the mind.

Cultural/Educational context.

这种投资方式风险低且收益稳，对于保守型投资者来说，真是一举两得的选择。

This investment has low risk and steady returns, a two-gain choice for conservatives.

Financial context.

实施垃圾分类，不仅能变废为宝，还能改善居住环境，这难道不是一举两得的好事吗？

Implementing waste sorting turns waste into treasure and improves the environment; isn't that a double gain?

Rhetorical question '这难道不是...吗?'.

该企业的转型策略可谓一举两得：既解决了产能过剩问题，又抢占了新能源市场。

The company's transition strategy is a double gain: solving overcapacity and seizing the new energy market.

Using a colon to explain the two gains.

这种外交手段既维护了国家主权，又避免了直接冲突，体现了一举两得的政治智慧。

This diplomatic move maintained sovereignty and avoided conflict, showing political wisdom.

Abstract political context.

在文学创作中，巧妙的隐喻既能增强艺术感染力，又能深化主题，可谓一举两得。

Clever metaphors in literature enhance artistic appeal and deepen the theme.

Literary analysis context.

他推行这种管理模式，既精简了机构，又激发了员工的创造力，实为一举两得之举。

He implemented this management model, streamlining the organization and boosting creativity.

Using '之举' (act of) at the end.

通过推广全民阅读，既提升了国民素质，又促进了文化产业的发展，一举两得。

Promoting reading improves national quality and promotes the cultural industry.

Macro-social context.

这项科研成果的问世，既填补了国内空白，又具有极高的商业价值，真是一举两得。

The arrival of this research result filled a domestic gap and has high commercial value.

Scientific/Commercial context.

在城市规划中，保留古建筑既延续了历史文脉，又开发了旅游资源，可谓一举两得。

Preserving old buildings continues historical context and develops tourism.

Urban planning context.

夫唯不争，故天下莫能与之争；若能以退为进，则可收一举两得之效。

Only by not striving can one be unopposed; if one retreats to advance, they can achieve two gains at once.

Classical/Philosophical style.

此番调控政策，旨在平抑房价的同时保障民生，若能奏效，诚为一举两得之良策。

This regulatory policy aims to stabilize house prices while protecting livelihoods; if effective, it's a good strategy.

High-level administrative language.

其作品之妙，在于既有深厚的古典底蕴，又不乏现代意识，可谓一举两得，雅俗共赏。

The beauty of the work lies in its classical depth and modern consciousness, appealing to all.

Aesthetic criticism.

在处理复杂的人际关系时，若能秉持中庸之道，往往能收到一举两得、左右逢源的效果。

Holding to the Middle Way in complex relationships often yields double gains and smooth handling.

Philosophical integration of idioms.

该学者的论著，既厘清了历史脉络，又提出了崭新见解，在学术界可谓一举两得。

The scholar's work clarified historical context and offered new insights.

Academic critique.

这种双轨制改革，既照顾了既得利益者的情绪，又推动了制度创新，实乃一举两得之妙着。

This dual-track reform handled vested interests and pushed innovation, a brilliant move.

Political science context.

他巧妙地利用了双方的矛盾，既削弱了对手，又壮大了自己，这一手一举两得玩得极漂亮。

He used the conflict to weaken opponents and strengthen himself, playing the double-gain move perfectly.

Strategic narrative.

在生态补偿机制中，既保护了水源地的自然环境，又增加了当地居民的收入，确是一举两得的制度安排。

In ecological compensation, protecting the environment and increasing income is a double-gain arrangement.

Complex institutional discussion.

Common Collocations

真是...

可谓...

岂不是...

...的好事

...的方法

既...又...，...

确实是...

...的选择

收...之效

玩得...

Common Phrases

一举两得的办法

— A method that achieves two goals at once.

我们需要一个一举两得的办法。

真是一举两得

— It really is a double gain.

你这样做真是一举两得。

可谓一举两得

— One might say it achieves two things at once.

这项投资可谓一举两得。

一举两得的好事

— A good thing that has double benefits.

天底下哪有这种一举两得的好事？

一举两得的计策

— A strategy that hits two targets.

这是一个一举两得的计策。

简直是一举两得

— It is simply a double gain.

这简直是一举两得。

达到一举两得的目的

— Achieve the goal of getting two benefits at once.

我们要达到一举两得的目的。

一举两得的方案

— A proposal with dual benefits.

老板很喜欢这个一举两得的方案。

收到一举两得的效果

— To receive the effect of two gains.

我们的努力收到了一举两得的效果。

一举两得之举

— An act that results in two gains.

这确实是一举两得之举。

Often Confused With

一举两得 vs 两全其美

Focuses on making two people/sides happy, not just efficiency.

一举两得 vs 事半功倍

Focuses on the high ratio of result to effort.

一举两得 vs 一箭双雕

More strategic/aggressive, often used in competition.

Idioms & Expressions

"一箭双雕"

— One arrow, two eagles; achieving two things with one action.

他这个计划可谓一箭双雕。

Neutral

"两全其美"

— To satisfy both sides or requirements perfectly.

我们想找个两全其美的办法。

Neutral

"事半功倍"

— Half the work, double the result; high efficiency.

科学的方法能让你事半功倍。

Neutral

"一举多得"

— One act, many gains.

这个项目对社区是一举多得。

Neutral

"名利双收"

— Gaining both fame and fortune.

他现在已经是名利双收了。

Neutral

"一举成名"

— To become famous overnight with one act.

他凭借这部电影一举成名。

Neutral

"一举一动"

— Every single move or action.

明星的一举一动都受关注。

Neutral

"得其所哉"

— To get what one wants or be in the right place.

他终于找到了喜欢的工作，真是得其所哉。

Literary

"左右逢源"

— To have everything go smoothly or handle things flexibly.

他在社交场合左右逢源。

Neutral

"面面俱到"

— To attend to every aspect; comprehensive.

他的计划考虑得面面俱到。

Neutral

Easily Confused

一举两得 vs 一举成名

Both start with '一举'.

'一举成名' means becoming famous with one act, not getting two gains.

他一举成名。

一举两得 vs 得不偿失

Antonym containing '得'.

Means losing more than you gain.

这样做真是得不偿失。

一举两得 vs 事倍功半

Opposite of efficiency.

Double effort for half the result.

没方法就会事倍功半。

一举两得 vs 一石二鸟

Direct translation of English idiom.

'一举两得' is more traditional/formal; '一石二鸟' is more modern/casual.

我们一石二鸟吧。

一举两得 vs 面面俱到

Both involve multiple positive aspects.

'面面俱到' means being thorough in all details, not necessarily two gains from one act.

他考虑得面面俱到。

Sentence Patterns

Action + 一举两得

跑步一举两得。

既 A 又 B，一举两得

既快又好，一举两得。

这样做真是一举两得

这样做真是一举两得。

可谓一举两得之举

可谓一举两得之举。

岂不是一举两得的好事？

这岂不是一举两得的好事？

收一举两得之效

收一举两得之效。

不仅...还...，一举两得

不仅省钱，还环保，一举两得。

一举两得的方法/方案

这是一个一举两得的方案。

Word Family

Nouns

举动 (act)

所得 (gain)

好处 (benefit)

Verbs

举起 (to lift)

得到 (to get)

获得 (to obtain)

Adjectives

多得的 (multiple gains)

双重的 (double)

效率 (efficiency)

利益 (interest/benefit)

结果 (result)

策略 (strategy)

方案 (scheme)

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in both spoken and written Chinese.

Common Mistakes

Using it for negative results. → Using '祸不单行' for bad things.
The idiom is only for 'gains' (得).
Adding a verb after it (e.g., 一举两得省钱). → 既省钱又...，真是一举两得。
It is a complete predicate; it doesn't take an object.
Using it when there is only one benefit. → Only use it when there are clearly two benefits.
'两' literally means 'two'.
Confusing it with '事半功倍'. → Use '事半功倍' for high efficiency, '一举两得' for dual results.
They are similar but focus on different aspects of success.
Incorrect tone sandhi. → Pronounce 'jǔ' as a 2nd tone.
Two 3rd tones in a row require the first to change to 2nd.

Tips

Placement

Always place '一举两得' at the end of the clause describing the benefits. It acts as a summary of the efficiency.

Rhythm

Say it with a slight pause after '一举' to emphasize the 'two gains' coming next.

Pairing

Use it with '顺便' (by the way) to describe doing a second task while doing the first.

Essays

In argumentative writing, use it to highlight the multi-functional benefits of your proposed solution.

Wisdom

Using this idiom suggests you are a person of 'wisdom' (智慧) who values time and resources.

Meetings

Propose '一举两得' plans to impress your Chinese colleagues with your strategic thinking.

Detection

Native speakers often say '可谓一举两得' (kě wèi...) to signal a conclusion.

Numbers

Focus on the 1-2 pattern in the characters (一...两...).

Precision

Choose '两全其美' if the focus is on people's feelings, and '一举两得' if it's on the outcome.

Compliments

You can compliment someone's plan by saying '你这个主意真是一举两得！'

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the numbers: 1 (一) move leads to 2 (两) gains. It's like a '1 for 2' sale at your favorite store.

Visual Association

Imagine a person throwing one ball and hitting two pins at once in a bowling alley.

Word Web

Efficiency Double Gain Strategy Success One Two Result

Challenge

Try to find one thing you did today that had two benefits and describe it using the idiom.

Word Origin

The idiom '一举两得' originates from the 'Book of Jin' (晋书), specifically in the biography of Shu Xi (束皙传). It traces back to an even older story about a man named Bian Zhuangzi from the Spring and Autumn period.

Original meaning: Originally, it referred to a strategy of waiting for two tigers to fight each other so that one could kill both with a single effort once they were exhausted.

Sino-Tibetan -> Chinese -> Chengyu (Classical Idiom).

Cultural Context

Safe to use in all contexts; no offensive connotations.

Directly equivalent to 'killing two birds with one stone,' but much more common in formal writing than its English counterpart.

Book of Jin (Classical Text) Bian Zhuangzi and the Tigers (Folk Tale) Modern Business Efficiency Seminars

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Daily Chores

顺便 (shùn biàn)
节省时间 (jié shěng shí jiān)
既...又... (jì... yòu...)
干脆 (gān cuì)

Business Strategy

效率 (xiào lǜ)
成本 (chéng běn)
市场 (shì chǎng)
双赢 (shuāng yíng)

Learning/Education

提高 (tí gāo)
积累 (jī lěi)
兴趣 (xìng qù)
方法 (fāng fǎ)

Travel

顺路 (shùn lù)
风景 (fēng jǐng)
体验 (tǐ yàn)
充实 (chōng shí)

Environmentalism

环保 (huán bǎo)
回收 (huí shōu)
改善 (gǎi shàn)
资源 (zī yuán)

Conversation Starters

"你觉得生活中有什么事情是可以一举两得的？"

"如果你能找到一个一举两得的工作，那会是什么样的？"

"你有没有过一举两得的经历？请分享一下。"

"为什么中国人这么喜欢用‘一举两得’这个词？"

"在你的国家，有没有类似‘一举两得’的说法？"

Journal Prompts

写一写你最近做的一件一举两得的事情，并说明那两个好处是什么。

讨论一下在学习中文的过程中，如何做到一举两得。

你认为在保护环境方面，有哪些政策是一举两得的？

描述一个你认为非常聪明、能一举两得的计划。

对比‘一举两得’和‘得不偿失’，写一写你的感悟。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Technically, '两' means two. If there are more, you should use '一举多得' or '一举数得'. However, in casual speech, people might still use '一举两得' to mean 'multiple gains' in a general sense.

It is neutral to formal. It's perfectly fine for a business meeting or an academic essay, but it's also common in daily life. It's much more versatile than many other idioms.

The standard tones are yī (1), jǔ (3), liǎng (3), dé (2). Because of tone sandhi, 'jǔ' changes to a 2nd tone when spoken. 'yī' also changes to a 4th tone 'yì'.

No. It is exclusively for positive outcomes. For two bad things, use '祸不单行' or '雪上加霜'.

'一举两得' is more general (one act, two gains). '一箭双雕' (one arrow, two eagles) sounds more strategic, skillful, or competitive. You use the latter for clever plots or difficult achievements.

It functions as a verb phrase or a predicative adjective. You don't say 'The 一举两得 was good.' You say 'This action is 一举两得.'

You don't have to, but it's a very common and natural pairing that helps clarify what the two gains are.

It comes from the 'Book of Jin' and is associated with a story about killing two tigers with one effort.

Yes, it is the direct equivalent of 'killing two birds with one stone.' It is used in modern Chinese, but '一举两得' is the more traditional and widely accepted Chengyu.

Absolutely! It is a key vocabulary item for HSK 5 and 6 and will earn you points for 'sophisticated language use' at the B2 level.