Introduction to 得不償失 (dé bù cháng shī)
The Chinese phrase 得不償失 (dé bù cháng shī) is a widely used idiom that conveys the idea of a situation where the gains do not outweigh the losses. It serves as a cautionary reminder to weigh the potential benefits against the drawbacks before making decisions. In this article, we will explore the deep meaning of this phrase, its grammatical structure, and provide varied example sentences to illustrate its usage in different contexts.
Meaning of 得不償失 (dé bù cháng shī)
Translation-wise, 得 (dé) means “to obtain or gain”, 不 (bù) is a negation, 償 (cháng) translates to “to compensate or repay”, and 失 (shī) means “loss”. Thus, the literal translation can be rendered as “the gains do not compensate for the losses”. In practical terms, it highlights a situation that is not worth pursuing because the unfavorable outcomes outweigh any potential benefits.
Grammatical Structure of 得不償失
Breakdown of the Components
The phrase is made up of four distinct characters that come together to form the idiomatic expression:
- 得 (dé): This character suggests acquisition or success.
- 不 (bù): This negation is crucial as it sets the tone for the phrase, indicating that what follows does not happen.
- 償 (cháng): This character implies compensation or reimbursement.
- 失 (shī): It denotes loss or failure.
From a grammatical perspective, this phrase exemplifies a common structure found in Chinese idioms, where characters are combined in a way that preserves their original meanings while simultaneously creating an entirely new concept.
Usage in Context
得不償失 is often used in conversation and writing to advise against risky ventures or decisions that may lead to greater loss than gain. The application is prevalent in various fields including business, personal finance, and day-to-day life decisions.
Example Sentences Using 得不償失
Business Context
1. 在選擇投資時,一定要考慮清楚,否則可能會得不償失。
Translation: When choosing to invest, you must consider carefully, or you might end up with gains that do not compensate for the losses.
Personal Decision-Making
2. 這個瘋狂的計劃如果沒有周全的準備,很可能得不償失。
Translation: If this crazy plan is not thoroughly prepared, it may very well result in gains that do not outweigh the losses.
Everyday Life
3. 她發現花那麼多錢買這台電視根本得不償失,因為她不常在家看電視。
Translation: She realized that spending so much money on that TV was not worth it since she rarely watches TV at home.
Conclusion
得不償失 (dé bù cháng shī) provides valuable insight into the decision-making processes we face daily. Understanding its meaning and grammatical makeup helps one appreciate the caution underlying this phrase. By employing this idiom appropriately in conversations, individuals can communicate wisdom and foresight in various contexts. Always remember to weigh your options carefully, as every decision can lead to outcomes that may either benefit or cost you greatly.

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