一成不变

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: yī chéng bù biàn
• English Translation: Set in stone / Unchanging (stagnant)
• Idiom Composition: 「一」（Once or as soon as (indicating the initial formation)）＋「成」（To form or to be established）＋「不」（Not）＋「变」（To change or transform）
• Meaning: Literally meaning 'once formed, it never changes,' this idiom describes something that remains fixed and lacks flexibility or progress. In modern usage, it often carries a negative connotation, implying a lack of innovation or a monotonous routine.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「一成不变」 contains the following nuances:

• Emphasis on Rigidity: It refers to stubbornly sticking to old methods or states without adapting to the times or new situations.
• Lack of Progress: Rather than implying 'stability,' it usually carries a negative nuance of 'no development' or 'boring stagnation'.
• Objective Invariance: While it can refer to scientific laws or unwavering beliefs, this usage is relatively limited compared to its critical application.

3. Usage

「一成不变」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Criticism and Negative Evaluation: The most common usage, criticizing systems, rules, or lifestyles that are outdated and lack variety.
  • Example:「在这个瞬息万变的时代，一成不变的经营模式注定会被淘汰。」
    （In this rapidly changing era, stagnant business models are destined to be phased out.）
• Expressing Monotony: Used to lament a life or job where every day is a repetition of the same thing without any freshness.
  • Example:「他厌倦了这种朝九晚五、一成不变的生活，决定去环游世界。」
    （He grew tired of this monotonous, nine-to-five life and decided to travel the world.）
• Principles or Universal Truths: Used in a neutral or philosophical context to state that nothing in the world is permanent.
  • Example:「世界上唯一不变的就是变化本身，没有任何事物是一成不变的。」
    （The only constant in the world is change itself; nothing is set in stone forever.）

Additional Examples:

1. 由于由于缺乏创新，这家公司的产品设计几十年来几乎一成不变。
   （Due to a lack of innovation, this company's product designs have remained virtually unchanged for decades.）
2. 虽然由于环境恶劣，但他对教育事业的热情始终一成不变。
   （Despite the harsh environment, his passion for education remained constant throughout.）
3. 不要总是用一成不变的眼光看人，人是会成长的。
   （Don't always look at people with a fixed perspective; people grow and change.）
4. 规章制度不能一成不变，需要根据实际情况进行调整。
   （Rules and regulations should not be inflexible; they need to be adjusted according to actual circumstances.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• Origin: This idiom originates from the 'Royal Regulations' (王制 - Wángzhì) chapter of the Book of Rites (礼记 - Lǐjì). It originally referred to the idea that once a criminal sentence was finalized, it could not be changed, emphasizing the need for judicial caution.
• Modern Context: In contemporary Chinese society, which highly values 'Reform' (改革 - gǎigé) and 'Innovation' (创新 - chuàngxīn), being 一成不变 (yī chéng bù biàn) is generally seen as a negative trait, suggesting one is out of touch or narrow-minded.
• Nuance: While English might use 'consistent' as a compliment, 一成不变 (yī chéng bù biàn) usually highlights the negative side of consistency—inflexibility. For positive consistency, terms like 始终如一 (shǐ zhōng rú yī) are preferred.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 墨守成规 (mò shǒu chéng guī): Stubbornly sticking to old rules and refusing to change.
  • 千篇一律 (qiān piān yī lǜ): Everything is the same; monotonous and lacking variety.link
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 千变万化 (qiān biàn wàn huà): Changing in tens of thousands of ways; extremely varied.link
  • 日新月异 (rì xīn yuè yì): Changing with each passing day; rapid and continuous progress.link

6. Summary

一成不变 (yī chéng bù biàn) refers to a state where something, once established, remains completely unchanged. While it can describe objective constants, it is most frequently used to criticize systems, habits, or mindsets that are **stagnant** or **inflexible**. It suggests a failure to adapt to new circumstances or a lack of creative growth.