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急功近利 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
急功近利jígōngjìnlìseeking instant benefit (idiom); shortsighted vision, looking only for fast returnHSK 7, i, rank #31570, Hard
jígōngjìnlì(ji2gong1jin4li4) T2
  1. 1seeking instant benefit (idiom); shortsighted vision, looking only for fast return
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March 24, 2026
急功近利jígōngjìnlì(ji2gong1jin4li4)

急功近利 (ji2 gong1 jin4 li4) refers to the mindset of seeking immediate results or benefits without considering long-term consequences. This idiom is often used to criticize actions that prioritize quick gains over sustainable growth or thorough effort, commonly found in business or educational contexts.

Frequency#31570DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, there is a strong emphasis on perseverance and long-term planning, particularly in business and education. 急功近利 reflects a cautionary stance against the temptation of quick success, highlighting the value placed on hard work and patience.

Memory Tip

Imagine a person racing towards a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, but only focusing on the shiny coins rather than the journey or the risks involved. The characters 急 (urgent, hasty) suggest haste, 功 (achievement) signifies the pursuit of success, and 利 (benefit) reminds you of the allure of quick rewards.

Meanings of 急功近利

jígōngjìnlì(ji2gong1jin4li4)
1seeking instant benefit (idiom); shortsighted vision, looking only for fast return
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About 急功近利

急功近利Simplified
Strokes
Radical
成语chéngyǔidiom (id.)Part of Speech
#31570Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7HSKKL3CEFRC1

Podcast: 急功近利

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Podcast: 急功近利

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AI Study Notes for 急功近利

Quick Contrast

急于求成 (jīyú qiú chéng) - use this when emphasizing the urgency to achieve results, while 急功近利 (jígōngjìnlì) specifically critiques the short-sightedness of seeking quick benefits.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a person racing towards a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, but only focusing on the shiny coins rather than the journey or the risks involved. The characters 急 (urgent, hasty) suggest haste, 功 (achievement) signifies the pursuit of success, and 利 (benefit) reminds you of the allure of quick rewards.

Usage Notes

Be cautious with this idiom in formal discussions, as it can imply criticism of someone's strategy or approach. It often collocates with discussions about business ethics and educational practices. Misusing it in a casual context might dilute its seriousness.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 idiom, 急功近利 connects well with other idiomatic expressions emphasizing values and principles. Focus on understanding its usage in conjunction with terms related to business ethics or personal development.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, there is a strong emphasis on perseverance and long-term planning, particularly in business and education. 急功近利 reflects a cautionary stance against the temptation of quick success, highlighting the value placed on hard work and patience.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse 急功近利 with similar idioms like 近水楼台 (jìn shuǐ lóu tái), which means to gain advantages from being close to a resource. Remember, 急功近利 specifically emphasizes the negative aspect of rushing for quick benefits.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 急功近利

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Idiom Spotlight: 急功近利

Chengyu Origin Story
Literal meaning:urgent achievement near benefit

Component Characters

urgent
HSK 39 strokes
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gōngmeritorious deed or service
HSK 75 strokes
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jìnnear
HSK 27 strokes
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sharp
HSK 67 strokes
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Cultural Notes for 急功近利

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, there is a strong emphasis on perseverance and long-term planning, particularly in business and education. 急功近利 reflects a cautionary stance against the temptation of quick success, highlighting the value placed on hard work and patience.

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

While Western cultures may also value quick results, they often embrace risk-taking and innovation, which can sometimes align with 急功近利; however, the Chinese perspective typically favors thoroughness and sustainability over immediate gratification.

Frequently Asked Questions about 急功近利

You could say, '在商业中,急功近利的策略往往导致长期失败。' (In business, a strategy of seeking immediate benefits often leads to long-term failure.)