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一波三折

*The explanations on this page are generated by AI. Please note that they may contain inaccurate information.

1. Basic Information

  • Pinyin: yī bō sān zhé
  • English Translation: Twists and turns (Full of ups and downs)
  • Idiom Composition: 「一」（One）＋「波」（A wave; in calligraphy, it refers to the 'nà' (捺) or right-falling stroke）＋「三」（Three; often used figuratively to mean 'multiple' or 'repeatedly'）＋「折」（To bend, turn, or change direction）
  • Meaning: Originally describing a specific calligraphy stroke that requires multiple changes in direction to achieve beauty, this idiom now refers to a situation that does not proceed smoothly and is filled with complications, unexpected obstacles, or dramatic changes in a plot.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「一波三折」 contains the following nuances:

  • Complexity of the Process: The idiom emphasizes that the path to a resolution is not flat or direct; it involves a cycle of progress and setbacks, making the journey complex.
  • Artistic and Literary Praise: When applied to creative works, it serves as a compliment, suggesting the work is sophisticated and avoids being predictable or boring.

3. Usage

「一波三折」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

  • Difficulties in projects or negotiations: Used when a plan or task faces unexpected troubles and changes, making progress slow and difficult.
    • Example:「这个项目的谈判过程真是一波三折，好在最后还是签约了。」
      （The negotiation process for this project was truly full of twists and turns, but fortunately, we finally signed the contract.）
  • Storytelling and plot development: Describes a plot in a novel, movie, or play that is not monotonous but rather full of exciting and unpredictable changes.
    • Example:「这部电影的情节一波三折，观众直到最后一刻才猜到结局。」
      （The plot of this movie is full of ups and downs, and the audience couldn't guess the ending until the very last moment.）
  • Sports and competitions: Refers to a match where the lead changes hands many times and the outcome remains uncertain until the end.
    • Example:「昨晚的决赛打得一波三折，双方比分一直咬得很紧。」
      （Last night's final was a real seesaw battle, with the scores between the two sides remaining very close throughout.）

Additional Examples:

  1. 虽然经历了一波三折，但他终于实现了出国留学的梦想。
    （Despite experiencing many ups and downs, he finally realized his dream of studying abroad.）
  2. 这件案子的审理过程一波三折，出现了好几个意想不到的证人。
    （The trial process for this case has been full of twists and turns, with several unexpected witnesses appearing.）
  3. 原本以为很简单的事情，没想到办起来却是一波三折。
    （I originally thought it would be a simple matter, but I didn't expect it to be so complicated and full of setbacks.）
  4. 他的感情生活一波三折，至今还是单身。
    （His love life has been full of complications, and he is still single to this day.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

  • Origin: This idiom is attributed to the famous Jin Dynasty calligrapher Wang Xizhi (王羲之), often called the 'Sage of Calligraphy.' In his writings on technique, he explained that when drawing a 'nà' (捺) stroke (a right-falling stroke), the brush should change direction three times to create strength and aesthetic beauty.
  • Evolution of Meaning: Originally a technical term for the 'beauty of variation' in art, it evolved over centuries to describe situational complexity. In modern Chinese, it is one of the most common ways to describe a story or a life event that is anything but simple.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

6. Summary

一波三折 (yī bō sān zhé) is used to describe a process that is far from straightforward. While it often implies that a task was difficult due to constant setbacks, it can also be used positively to describe a story, movie, or piece of music that is rich in variation and keeps the audience engaged with its unpredictable developments.

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