Chinese word

两全其美

Pronunciation

Pinyinliǎng quán qí měi

Meaning

  • idiomhave the best of both worlds

Example

这个方案能两全其美，所以大家都同意。zhè ge fāng àn néng liǎng quán qí měi suó yǐ dà jiā dōu tóng yì

This plan can have the best of both worlds, so everyone agrees.

Illustration for 两全其美 (have the best of both worlds)

More examples

如果双方都让步，就有机会实现两全其美。rú guǒ shuāng fāng dōu ràng bù jiù yǒu jī huì shí xiàn liǎng quán qí měi

If both sides compromise, they may have the chance to achieve the best of both worlds.

Core concept

A single solution leaves neither of two sides short of what matters.

Common phrases

  • 实现两全其美shí xiàn liǎng quán qí měi

    achieve the best of both worlds

  • 追求两全其美zhuī qiú liǎng quán qí měi

    pursue the best of both worlds

  • 达到两全其美dá dào liǎng quán qí měi

    attain the best of both worlds

Similar words

双赢shuāng yíng: A result in which both sides benefit.
皆大欢喜jiē dà huān xǐ: An outcome that makes all the people involved happy.

Definition in Chinese

使双方都得到满意的结果，两个方面的要求或好处同时实现。shǐ shuāng fāng dōu dé dào mǎn yì de jié guǒ liǎng gè fāng miàn de yāo qiú huò hǎo chù tóng shí shí xiàn

Word origin

The chengyu is formed from 两 (liǎng, "two"), 全 (quán, "complete"), 其 (qí, "their"), and 美 (měi, "good"), giving the image of two parties receiving a good result in full.

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, the expression can sound slightly polished and is especially natural when assessing a plan, arrangement, or compromise.

Opposites

  • 顾此失彼gù cǐ shī bǐattend to one thing and neglect the otheridiom
  • 两败俱伤liǎng bài jù shāngboth sides suffer lossesidiom

Word lists with this word