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一概而论 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
一概而论yígài’érlùnto lump different matters together (idiom)HSK 7, unknown, 26 strokes, rank #50777, Very Hard
yígài’érlùn(yi2gai4er2lun4)yi gai er lun T1
  1. 1to lump different matters together (idiom)
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March 24, 2026

一概而论(一概而論)yígài’érlùn(yi2gai4er2lun4)

The idiom '一概而论' means to treat different matters as if they are the same, often leading to oversimplification. It is commonly used in discussions that critique the lack of nuance in someone's argument or perspective, indicating that one should consider each case individually rather than generalizing.

Strokes26Frequency#50777DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, nuance is highly valued in discourse, and generalizations can be seen as a lack of understanding. This idiom reflects the importance of careful consideration when discussing differing opinions or situations.

Memory tip

Imagine a large box labeled 'Everything' where you toss in various items without considering their differences. The character '一' resembles a horizontal line, signifying unity, while '概' suggests a covering, hinting at the idea of lumping things together. Picture someone saying, 'Let’s just put everything in one box' to remember the phrase.

Meanings of 一概而论

yígài’érlùn(yi2gai4er2lun4)
1to lump different matters together (idiom)
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About 一概而论

一概而论Simplified
一概而論Traditional
26Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

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AI study notes for 一概而论

Usage Notes

Be careful not to use this idiom in overly formal contexts, as it can come across as dismissive. It's often paired with verbs like '说' (to say) or '认为' (to think) when critiquing someone's argument. A common mistake is to use it without context, so ensure that the situation calls for a critique of generalization.

HSK Study Tips

While this idiom may not appear on lower HSK levels, it connects well with HSK 6 vocabulary that deals with complex discussions and arguments. Students should focus on the context in which this idiom is used, particularly in academic or debate settings.

Common Mistakes

Learners often misuse this idiom by applying it to situations that require a nuanced understanding. For example, saying '一概而论' in a context where detailed analysis is necessary can lead to misunderstandings. Instead, make sure it fits a scenario of oversimplification.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 一概而论

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Idiom spotlight: 一概而论

Chengyu origin story
Literal meaning:one category and discuss

Component characters

一yīone
HSK 11 strokes一
View full entry
概gàigeneral
HSK 713 strokes木
View full entry
而érand
HSK 46 strokes而
View full entry
论lúnopinion
HSK 56 strokes讠
View full entry

How to say to lump different matters together (idiom) in Chinese

“to lump different matters together (idiom)” in Chinese is一概而论yígài’érlùn

The idiom '一概而论' means to treat different matters as if they are the same, often leading to oversimplification. It is commonly used in discussions that critique the lack of nuance in someone's argument or perspective, indicating that one should consider each case individually rather than generalizing.

When to use 一概而论

Be careful not to use this idiom in overly formal contexts, as it can come across as dismissive. It's often paired with verbs like '说' (to say) or '认为' (to think) when critiquing someone's argument. A common mistake is to use it without context, so ensure that the situation calls for a critique of generalization.

What learners get wrong

Learners often misuse this idiom by applying it to situations that require a nuanced understanding. For example, saying '一概而论' in a context where detailed analysis is necessary can lead to misunderstandings. Instead, make sure it fits a scenario of oversimplification.

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而
论

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Frequently asked questions about 一概而论

While it's more common in formal discussions, you can use it in casual settings if the context involves discussing opinions or arguments.

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