In the landscape of the Chinese language, idioms hold a pivotal role, encapsulating profound meanings in deceptively simple phrases. One such idiom is 半途而废 (bàn tú ér fèi). In this article, we delve into its meaning, grammatical structure, and provide example sentences to illuminate its usage. With over 20 years of experience in Chinese linguistics, this exploration will enhance your understanding of this intriguing expression.
What Does 半途而废 Mean?
The phrase 半途而废 (bàn tú ér fèi) translates directly to “to give up halfway.” It signifies the act of starting a task or project but abandoning it before completion. This idiom is often used to convey disappointment regarding lack of perseverance or dedication. In Chinese culture, completing tasks and seeing them through to the end is highly valued, making this expression particularly resonant.
Grammatical Structure of 半途而废
Understanding the grammatical components of 半途而废 helps in grasping its usage and meaning:
1. Breaking Down the Components
- 半途 (bàn tú): This term means “halfway” or “on the way.” It signifies that something has started but isn’t finished.
- 而 (ér): This conjunction translates to “and” or “but,” effectively linking the two parts of the idiom.
- 废 (fèi): This verb means “to waste” or “to abandon.” It emphasizes the act of giving up or not seeing something through.
2. Overall Structure
As a whole, 半途而废 employs a simple structure that follows the pattern of subject + conjunction + verb. The idiom succinctly encapsulates the essence of abandoning an endeavor midway through.
Example Sentences Using 半途而废
To further understand how 半途而废 (bàn tú ér fèi) can be employed in conversation, let’s look at several example sentences:
1. In Everyday Conversations
- 他总是半途而废,很多事情都没有做到最后一刻。
(Tā zǒng shì bàn tú ér fèi, hěn duō shìqíng dōu méiyǒu zuò dào zuìhòu yī kè.)
“He always gives up halfway; he has not accomplished many things until the last moment.” - 如果你半途而废,你永远无法成功。
(Rúguǒ nǐ bàn tú ér fèi, nǐ yǒngyuǎn wúfǎ chénggōng.)
“If you give up halfway, you will never succeed.”
2. In Literature and Education
- 在学习过程中,半途而废只会导致失败。
(Zài xuéxí guòchéng zhōng, bàn tú ér fèi zhǐ huì dǎozhì shībài.)
“In the learning process, giving up halfway will only lead to failure.” - 他写了一本书,但最后半途而废。
(Tā xiěle yī běn shū, dàn zuìhòu bàn tú ér fèi.)
“He wrote a book, but in the end, he gave up halfway.”
3. In Motivational Contexts
- 不要让自己半途而废,成功需要坚持不懈。
(Bùyào ràng zìjǐ bàn tú ér fèi, chénggōng xūyào jiānchí bùxiè.)
“Don’t let yourself give up halfway; success requires perseverance.” - 他努力工作,不会半途而废。
(Tā nǔlì gōngzuò, bù huì bàn tú ér fèi.)
“He works hard and will not give up halfway.”
Conclusion
The idiom 半途而废 (bàn tú ér fèi) serves as a reminder of the importance of commitment and perseverance in various aspects of life. By understanding its meaning and structure, and seeing it in context through examples, we can appreciate not only the beauty of the language but also the cultural values embedded in such expressions. Whether used in motivational settings or everyday conversations, this idiom encourages us to strive for completion rather than succumbing to the temptation of giving up.
As you continue your journey in learning Chinese, remember that language is not just about words; it’s about culture and mindset. Embrace the challenge, push through difficulties, and avoid being 半途而废.

Sứ mệnh của Chuyên là giúp đỡ và truyền cảm hứng cho các bạn trẻ Việt Nam sang Đài Loan học tập, sinh sống và làm việc. Là cầu nối để lan tỏa giá trị tinh hoa nguồn nhân lực Việt Nam đến với Đài Loan và trên toàn cầu.
CÓ THỂ BẠN QUAN TÂM
Du học Đài Loan
Lao Động Đài Loan
Việc Làm Đài Loan
Đơn Hàng Đài Loan
Visa Đài Loan
Du Lịch Đài Loan
Tiếng Đài Loan
KẾT NỐI VỚI CHUYÊN
Zalo: https://zalo.me/0936126566
Website: www.dailoan.vn