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千方百计 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
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千方百计
qiānfāngbǎijì
lit. thousand ways, a hundred plans (idiom); by every possible means
HSK 7, i, 17 strokes, rank #22344, Very Hard
qiānfāngbǎijì(qian1fang1bai3ji4)qian fang bai ji T1
1lit. thousand ways, a hundred plans (idiom); by every possible means
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March 24, 2026
千方百计(千方百計)qiānfāngbǎijì(qian1fang1bai3ji4)
The idiom 千方百计 (qiān fāng bǎi jì) means to try every possible means to achieve a goal. It conveys a sense of relentless effort and ingenuity in problem-solving, often used in contexts where one must overcome significant challenges or obstacles to reach an objective.
Strokes17Frequency#22344DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, the concept of perseverance and resourcefulness is highly valued, often reflected in literature and historical narratives. The idiom embodies the spirit of overcoming obstacles, which is a common theme in many traditional stories.
Memory tip
Imagine a thousand paths (千方) and a hundred plans (百计) that crisscross each other, representing the endless strategies one can employ to succeed. Visualize a person navigating through a maze of options, determined to find their way through by any means necessary, reinforcing the pronunciation 'qian fang bai ji' as they try each path.
Meanings of 千方百计
qiānfāngbǎijì(qian1fang1bai3ji4)
1lit. thousand ways, a hundred plans (idiom); by every possible means
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 千方百计
千方百计Simplified
千方百計Traditional
17Strokes
—Radical
成语chéngyǔidiom (id.)Part of Speech
#22344Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedBCT✓CEFRC2
Podcast: 千方百计
Podcast: 千方百计
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AI study notes for 千方百计
Usage Notes
This idiom is typically used in both formal and informal contexts but is more common in spoken language. Be cautious of using it in overly casual settings, as it may sound exaggerated. It often collocates with verbs like '努力' (nǔlì, to strive) or '想办法' (xiǎng bànfǎ, to find a way).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 idiom, 千方百计 connects with other expressions of effort and determination at this level. Students should focus on using it in complex sentences to express nuanced meanings and practice its application in both written and spoken forms.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 千方百计 to imply a lack of planning, while it actually emphasizes strategic effort. For example, saying '他千方百计地不做任何计划' (He tries every means not to plan) is incorrect; it should reflect an effort to plan, such as '他千方百计地制定计划' (He tries every means to formulate a plan).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 千方百计
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How to say lit. thousand ways, a hundred plans (idiom); by every possible means in Chinese
“lit. thousand ways, a hundred plans (idiom); by every possible means” in Chinese is千方百计qiānfāngbǎijì
The idiom 千方百计 (qiān fāng bǎi jì) means to try every possible means to achieve a goal. It conveys a sense of relentless effort and ingenuity in problem-solving, often used in contexts where one must overcome significant challenges or obstacles to reach an objective.
When to use 千方百计
This idiom is typically used in both formal and informal contexts but is more common in spoken language. Be cautious of using it in overly casual settings, as it may sound exaggerated. It often collocates with verbs like '努力' (nǔlì, to strive) or '想办法' (xiǎng bànfǎ, to find a way).
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 千方百计 to imply a lack of planning, while it actually emphasizes strategic effort. For example, saying '他千方百计地不做任何计划' (He tries every means not to plan) is incorrect; it should reflect an effort to plan, such as '他千方百计地制定计划' (He tries every means to formulate a plan).
Write 千方百计
千
方
百
计
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Grammar patterns of 千方百计
千方百计 functions as a four-character idiom (成语). Treat it as a fixed unit; it usually plays the role of a single adjective, adverb, or noun phrase inside the larger sentence. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
可能的话，他们会____地阻止我。
They would move heaven and earth to stop me if they could.
Example sentences for 千方百计 (10)
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1
可能的话，他们会千方百计地阻止我。
kěnéng dehuà， tāmen huì qiānfāngbǎijì dì zǔzhǐ wǒ。
They would move heaven and earth to stop me if they could.
