Meanings of 一事无成
By ear
Play it, then pick what 一事无成 means.
About 一事无成
Podcast: 一事无成
Podcast: 一事无成
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 一事无成
无所作为 (wú suǒ zuò wéi) - use this when emphasizing the absence of action or achievement in general, while 一事无成 specifically highlights failing to achieve any particular task.
This idiom is often used in informal contexts to express frustration about lack of achievement. A common mistake is to use it in overly formal writing, where it might sound too casual. Also, be mindful of the tone: 一 (yī) is first tone, 事 (shì) is fourth tone, 无 (wú) is second tone, and 成 (chéng) is second tone.
While this idiom is not specifically listed in HSK levels, it is a useful expression for intermediate learners (HSK 3 and above) to convey feelings of failure or lack of success. Students should focus on understanding the characters individually and the context in which this idiom is used.
Learners often confuse the meaning and use this idiom to describe minor setbacks. For example, saying '我今天一事无成' (I achieved nothing today) after a simple task like missing a deadline may be an overstatement; instead, use it for more significant failures.
Pronunciation of 一事无成
Drill the tone of 一事无成, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 一事无成 to you
Let me explain 一事无成 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 一事无成 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
How well do you know 一事无成?
Learning Lab
Knowing 一事无成 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Idiom spotlight: 一事无成
Component characters
How to say to have achieved nothing in Chinese
“to have achieved nothing” in Chinese is一事无成
The idiom 一事无成 (yī shì wú chéng) means to have achieved nothing or to be a total failure in one's efforts. It is commonly used in contexts where someone has tried but ultimately failed to accomplish any goals or tasks, conveying a sense of disappointment or lack of success.
When to use 一事无成
This idiom is often used in informal contexts to express frustration about lack of achievement. A common mistake is to use it in overly formal writing, where it might sound too casual. Also, be mindful of the tone: 一 (yī) is first tone, 事 (shì) is fourth tone, 无 (wú) is second tone, and 成 (chéng) is second tone.
一事无成 or something close to it
无所作为 (wú suǒ zuò wéi) - use this when emphasizing the absence of action or achievement in general, while 一事无成 specifically highlights failing to achieve any particular task.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse the meaning and use this idiom to describe minor setbacks. For example, saying '我今天一事无成' (I achieved nothing today) after a simple task like missing a deadline may be an overstatement; instead, use it for more significant failures.
Write 一事无成
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 一事无成 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 一事无成?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
Frequently asked questions about 一事无成
Not exactly; this idiom indicates failure despite effort, while laziness implies a lack of effort.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 一事无成?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.