各奔前程

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: gè bèn qián chéng
• English Translation: Each person goes their own way; to pursue one's own path
• Idiom Composition: 「各」（Each, every）＋「奔」（To run towards, to rush）＋「前程」（Future, prospects）
• Meaning: It means that each person moves forward toward their own path or future. After sharing a common starting point or phase, people choose different paths to pursue their individual goals and dreams.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「各奔前程」 contains the following nuances:

• Separate paths: Emphasizes that people who started from the same place or situation choose different directions.
• Future-oriented: Suggests that each individual focuses on their own future and goals.
• Independence: Conveys the nuance of deciding one's own path independently, without relying on others or following the group.
• Positive parting: Often used in a positive sense, expressing hope and expectation for each person's growth and development rather than a pessimistic farewell.

3. Usage

「各奔前程」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Life milestones: Used when a stage ends, such as graduation, retirement, or disbandment, and a new start begins.
  • Example:「大学毕业后，我们宿舍的四个人各奔前程，有的出国深造，有的留在国内工作。」
    （After graduating from university, the four of us in the dormitory each went our separate ways; some studied abroad, while others stayed to work domestically.）
• Changes in relationships: Describes situations where previous relationships change, such as divorce or team disbandment, and each person begins to follow a different path.
  • Example:「他们夫妻离婚后，各自各奔前程，再也没有联系。」
    （After their divorce, the couple each went their separate ways and never contacted each other again.）
• Individual choices: Used to describe situations where people choose different lives due to differences in personality or values.
  • Example:「他们兄弟俩性格迥异，长大后各奔前程，一个从商，一个从政。」
    （The two brothers had very different personalities; after growing up, they each went their separate ways, one into business and the other into politics.）

Additional Examples:

1. 这个团队解散后，成员们各奔前程，有的创业，有的转行。
   （After the team disbanded, the members each went their separate ways; some started businesses, others changed careers.）
2. 退休后，老张和老李各奔前程，一个去旅游，一个去养老院。
   （After retirement, Mr. Zhang and Mr. Li each went their separate ways; one traveled, and the other went to a nursing home.）
3. 经过多年的合作，他们最终还是决定各奔前程。
   （After years of cooperation, they ultimately decided to go their separate ways.）
4. 在人生的十字路口，我们不得不各奔前程。
   （At the crossroads of life, we have to go our separate ways.）
5. 虽然各奔前程，但我们的友谊永远不变。
   （Although we go our separate ways, our friendship will remain forever.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• Respect for individuality: In Chinese culture, personal destiny and choices are highly valued. The saying '命由天定，运由己造' (fate is determined by heaven, but fortune is created by oneself) reflects the idea that one should choose a path suited to their interests and abilities. This idiom encourages such personal choice.
• Positive parting: '各奔前程' represents not just separation, but a positive farewell filled with hope and expectations for each person's future.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 分道扬镳 (fēn dào yáng biāo): To go separate ways due to differing ambitions or goals.
  • 各行其是 (gè xíng qí shì): Each acts according to their own will without interfering with others.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 同舟共济 (tóng zhōu gòng jì): To unite and overcome difficulties together during hard times.
  • 同心协力 (tóng xīn xié lì): To cooperate with one heart and effort.

6. Summary

'各奔前程' is a beautiful idiom that describes the moment at life’s milestones when each person takes a new step toward their own goals. It carries a warm sentiment of parting with fondness while cheering for each other’s future. Understanding the positive nuance of this idiom will help you use it appropriately in various contexts.