老师希望学生能举一反三。
The teacher hopes students can learn by analogy.
Daily Chengyu
举一反三
To learn by analogy; infer three from one example.
Literal Meaning: Raise one and reflect on three.
举raise, cite
一one
反reflect
三three
Today's Situation
You learn one grammar pattern and immediately use it correctly in five new sentences.
Perfect Chengyu: 举一反三
Actual Meaning
Praises or encourages the ability to generalize from a single case. Central to how Chinese education talks about smart learning.
Emotional tonePositive, intellectual
Usage feelNeutral in tone
FormalityNeutral
English Equivalent
- Learn by analogy.
- Generalize from one example.
- Transfer learning.
English equivalents capture the general idea, but they may not fit every context exactly.
Modern Usage Example
A good student can 举一反三 and apply one grammar rule in many contexts.
Chinese Example Sentences
他学得快，因为会举一反三。
He learns fast because he can generalize from examples.
Origin Story
Confucius said a worthy student who understands one corner can infer the other three corners of a square.
When Natives Use It
Good fit
- Classrooms
- Tutoring
- Training new employees
- Language learning
Avoid
- Criticizing slow learners harshly
- Casual small talk
Positive and respected. Common in education writing and parent-teacher discussions.
- Common in speech
- Common in writing
- Sounds natural today
- Possible but uncommon in casual chat
- More common in writing or commentary
- Use with care — can sound critical
Similar and Opposite Chengyu
Daily Quiz
Which situation best matches 举一反三?
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