Chinese word

欲速则不达

Pronunciation

Pinyinyù sù zé bù dá

Meaning

  • idiomhaste makes waste

Example

做这个项目不要急，欲速则不达。zuò zhè ge xiàng mù bú yào jí yù sù zé bù dá

Don't rush this project; haste makes waste.

Illustration for 欲速则不达 (haste makes waste)

More examples

做菜的时候火不要太大，欲速则不达。zuò cài de shí hòu huǒ bú yào tài dà yù sù zé bù dá

When cooking, don't turn the heat up too high; haste makes waste.

Core concept

A rushed shortcut turns progress into delay by skipping steps and losing the goal.

Similar words

急于求成jí yú qiú chéng: Seeking success so quickly that necessary preparation and effort are neglected.
操之过急cāo zhī guò jí: Taking action with excessive haste instead of following the correct procedure.
心急如焚xīn jí rú fén: Being so anxious about an important matter that waiting feels unbearable.

Definition in Chinese

表示急于求成但因粗心或省略环节而无法实现目标的古训式成语。biǎo shì jí yú qiú chéng dàn yīn cū xīn huò shěng lüè huán jié ér wú fǎ shí xiàn mù biāo de gǔ xùn shì chéng yǔ

Word origin

欲 (yù, "want") + 速 (sù, "fast") + 则 (zé, "then") + 不 (bù, "not") + 达 (dá, "reach") creates a compact warning that pushing for speed can prevent arrival at the intended goal.

Usage tips

  • In conversation, this sounds like a measured warning or proverb, so it fits advice about plans, work, or decisions better than a quick casual reaction.

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