得不偿失

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: dé bù cháng shī
• English Translation: Not worth the loss; the gains do not compensate for the losses; unprofitable
• Idiom Composition: 「得」（To gain）＋「不」（Not）＋「偿」（To compensate）＋「失」（To lose）
• Meaning: The gains cannot make up for the losses. It describes a situation where the cost or effort paid to obtain something is greater than the benefits gained.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「得不偿失」 contains the following nuances:

• Emphasis on loss: Emphasizes that the losses or costs are greater than the benefits obtained.
• Irrational choice: Suggests that the action or choice was ultimately disadvantageous.
• Feeling of regret: Often accompanied by regret over having made that choice.
• Warning: Also serves as a warning to others in similar situations to avoid making the same choice.

3. Usage

「得不偿失」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Evaluating outcomes: Used to evaluate the result of an action or choice, indicating it was a loss.
  • Example:「为了加班赚点加班费，却把身体搞垮了，真是得不偿失。」
    （He worked overtime to earn extra pay but ruined his health. It was truly not worth the loss.）
• Lesson or advice: Used to point out to others that an action may result in a loss and to caution them.
  • Example:「不要为了追求一时的快乐而得不偿失。」
    （Don't pursue momentary pleasure at the cost of not worth the loss.）
• Self-reflection: Used when reflecting on past actions and acknowledging they resulted in a loss.
  • Example:「我当初为了面子，花大价钱买了一辆豪车，现在想想真是得不偿失。」
    （At first, I spent a lot of money on a luxury car for the sake of face, but now I realize it was truly not worth the loss.）

Additional Examples:

1. 他为了赢得这场比赛，不惜服用兴奋剂，结果被禁赛两年，真是得不偿失。
   （He took doping to win the match but was banned for two years. It was truly not worth the loss.）
2. 这家公司为了追求短期利润，忽视了环境保护，最终被罚款，得不偿失。
   （This company ignored environmental protection to pursue short-term profits but was ultimately fined. It was not worth the loss.）
3. 为了赶时间，他选择了闯红灯，结果发生了交通事故，得不偿失。
   （In a rush, he ran a red light and caused a traffic accident. It was not worth the loss.）
4. 小明为了玩游戏，熬夜不睡觉，结果第二天上课没精神，真是得不偿失。
   （Xiao Ming stayed up late playing games and was exhausted in class the next day. It was truly not worth the loss.）
5. 你花这么多时间去讨好那些人，却得不到真正的友谊，真是得不偿失。
   （You spend so much time trying to please those people but gain no true friendship. It is truly not worth the loss.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• '得不偿失' is related to a utilitarian way of thinking that emphasizes outcomes. Traditional Chinese culture values not only immediate benefits but also long-term perspectives and overall gains.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 因小失大 (yīn xiǎo shī dà): Losing a greater benefit for a small gain.
  • 舍本逐末 (shě běn zhú mò): Abandoning the essentials to pursue trivial matters.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 事半功倍 (shì bàn gōng bèi): Achieving twice the result with half the effort.
  • 一本万利 (yì běn wàn lì): Gaining huge profits from a small investment.

6. Summary

'得不偿失' is an idiom that describes a situation where the cost paid to gain something is too great, resulting in a net loss. It teaches the importance of judging matters from a long-term perspective rather than focusing on immediate benefits. When using this idiom, clearly indicating what was gained and what was lost makes the expression more persuasive.