刻舟求剑

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: kè zhōu qiú jiàn
• English Translation: To carve a mark on a boat to find a lost sword; to act rigidly without considering changes in circumstances
• Idiom Composition: 「刻」（To carve, to engrave）＋「舟」（Boat）＋「求」（To seek, to look for）＋「剑」（Sword）
• Meaning: To carve a mark on a boat to find a lost sword. It is a metaphor for clinging to old methods and failing to adapt to changing circumstances, leading to unsuccessful outcomes.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「刻舟求剑」 contains the following nuances:

• Lack of understanding of changing circumstances: Refers to clinging to old standards or methods without understanding that circumstances have changed.
• Meaningless effort: Implies a futile effort to solve problems using methods that are no longer suitable for the current situation.
• Inflexibility: Describes an inability to adapt flexibly, only capable of rigid thinking.
• Foolishness: Used to refer to foolish actions or an inability to assess the situation.

3. Usage

「刻舟求剑」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Criticism: Used to criticize individuals or organizations that cling to old ways or fail to adapt to changing circumstances.
  • Example:「他总是刻舟求剑，不懂得根据市场变化调整策略。」
    （He always clings to old ways, unable to adjust his strategy according to market changes.）
• Pointing out problems: Used to point out attempts to solve problems with methods that are no longer suitable for the situation.
  • Example:「面对新问题，我们不能刻舟求剑，而应该寻找新的解决方案。」
    （Faced with new problems, we should not cling to old methods, but rather seek new solutions.）
• Lesson: Used as a lesson to demonstrate the importance of flexible adaptation to changing circumstances.
  • Example:「在这个快速变化的时代，刻舟求剑的态度只会让你落后。」
    （In this rapidly changing era, an attitude of clinging to old ways will only leave you behind.）

Additional Examples:

1. 你这样刻舟求剑，怎么可能找到真正的答案？
   （How can you find the real answer by being so inflexible?）
2. 他总是用老方法解决问题，真是刻舟求剑。
   （He always tries to solve problems with old methods; he's truly stuck in his ways.）
3. 学习外语不能刻舟求剑，要根据不同的语境灵活运用。
   （Learning a foreign language cannot be done by clinging to old methods; one must apply it flexibly according to different contexts.）
4. 面对激烈的市场竞争，企业如果刻舟求剑，必然会被淘汰。
   （Faced with fierce market competition, if a company clings to old ways, it will inevitably be eliminated.）
5. 历史研究不能刻舟求剑，要用发展的眼光看待问题。
   （Historical research should not cling to old perspectives; it needs to view problems with a developmental outlook.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• '刻舟求剑' (kè zhōu qiú jiàn) originates from the 'Lüshi Chunqiu: Cha Jin'. This book is a philosophical work compiled by Lü Buwei, a prime minister of Qin during the late Warring States period, who gathered scholars and retainers to write it.
• This idiom is widely used today as a lesson emphasizing the importance of flexible adaptation to changes in times and situations.
• While '守株待兔' (shǒu zhū dài tù - waiting by the stump for rabbits) and '墨守成规' (mò shǒu chéng guī - sticking to old conventions) also mean clinging to old ways, '刻舟求剑' specifically emphasizes ignoring changes in circumstances.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 守株待兔 (shǒu zhū dài tù): To guard a tree stump waiting for rabbits. A metaphor for relying on accidental success and not making an effort.
  • 墨守成规 (mò shǒu chéng guī): To rigidly adhere to old rules and not change.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 随机应变 (suí jī yìng biàn): To adapt to circumstances, to act according to the situation.
  • 见机行事 (jiàn jī xíng shì): To act according to the situation, to seize the opportune moment.

6. Summary

'刻舟求剑' is an important lesson to always keep in mind in today's rapidly changing society. This idiom teaches the importance of not being bound by fixed ideas, accurately grasping changes in circumstances, and responding flexibly. By understanding and applying this idiom in daily life and work, more flexible and effective problem-solving will be possible.