一丝不苟
Traditional: 一絲不苟
yī sī bù gǒu HSK 6

English Meaning

📚 Example Sentences

她工作一丝不苟,从不马虎。
Tā gōngzuò yì sī bù gǒu, cóng bù mǎhu.
She works meticulously and is never careless.
老师批改作业一丝不苟。
Lǎoshī pīgǎi zuòyè yì sī bù gǒu.
The teacher corrects homework dotting the i's and crossing the t's.
他做事一丝不苟,值得信任。
Tā zuòshì yì sī bù gǒu, zhídé xìnrèn.
He does things meticulously and is trustworthy.
他做事一丝不苟。
Tā zuòshì yì sī bù gǒu.
He works meticulously.
她检查得一丝不苟。
Tā jiǎnchá de yì sī bù gǒu.
She checks things thoroughly.

💡 Memory Tip

Imagine a tailor sewing a garment with 'not one thread loose' (一丝不苟) to ensure perfection—this visualizes the idea of being meticulous and detail-oriented.

📝 Usage Notes

This idiom is formal and commonly used in both written and spoken Chinese, often in professional, academic, or serious contexts to praise someone's diligent and precise approach. It is typically used to describe attitudes, work, or behavior.

📖 Grammar Points

Often used as a predicate (e.g., 他一丝不苟) or attributive (e.g., 一丝不苟的态度). It can also function as an adverbial with '地' (e.g., 一丝不苟地工作).

🏯 Cultural Notes

Reflects traditional Chinese values of diligence, precision, and respect for rules, often associated with Confucian ideals of self-discipline and integrity in professional or scholarly pursuits.

🔄 Similar Words

Similar to '认真' (serious/conscientious), but 一丝不苟 implies a higher level of meticulousness and strictness, focusing on perfection in every small detail. Unlike '仔细' (careful), it carries a stronger connotation of unwavering discipline.

Master this word with quizzes, flashcards & more

Learn 一丝不苟 in CILI →

Related Words