每天成语
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精打细算

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

1. Basic Information

  • Pinyin: jīng dǎ xì suàn
  • English Translation: Meticulous planning and careful calculation
  • Idiom Composition: 「精」（Precise, meticulous, or refined.）＋「打」（To plan or estimate (short for 打算 dǎ suàn).）＋「细」（Detailed, fine, or minute.）＋「算」（To calculate or reckon.）
  • Meaning: To calculate very precisely and plan minutely when using manpower, materials, or especially money. It describes a wise and thrifty attitude aimed at eliminating waste and maximizing efficiency.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「精打细算」 contains the following nuances:

  • Wisdom in Living: This idiom focuses on the skill of 'making do'—achieving the maximum effect with limited income or resources through smart management.
  • Positive Nuance: It is generally a commendatory term (褒义词 bāo yì cí) used to describe someone as responsible and grounded, though it can lean toward 'stingy' if the context is negative.

3. Usage

「精打细算」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

  • Household Management: The most common context, used to praise someone (often a parent or spouse) for managing family finances well and avoiding waste.
    • Example:「为了早日买房，这对年轻夫妇在生活上精打细算，从不乱花一分钱。」
      （To buy a house sooner, this young couple manages their finances meticulously, never wasting a single cent.）
  • Business and Projects: Used to describe strict cost management to complete a project within a limited budget.
    • Example:「作为项目经理，他必须精打细算，确保每一笔预算都用在刀刃上。」
      （As a project manager, he must plan and calculate carefully to ensure every bit of the budget is used where it matters most.）
  • Sarcasm or Criticism: Occasionally used to criticize someone for being overly calculating or stingy to the point of being cold.
    • Example:「他对朋友也总是精打细算，生怕自己吃一点亏。」
      （He is always calculating every little detail even with friends, terrified of being at even a slight disadvantage.）

Additional Examples:

  1. 妈妈过日子精打细算，把家里打理得井井有条。
    （My mother is very resourceful with money and keeps the household running perfectly.）
  2. 现在的物价这么高，不精打细算真的很难维持生活。
    （With prices so high now, it's hard to make ends meet without careful planning and budgeting.）
  3. 这次活动经费有限，我们得精打细算才行。
    （Since the funding for this event is limited, we must calculate our expenses meticulously.）
  4. 虽然他收入不高，但因为懂得精打细算，日子过得还算宽裕。
    （Although his income isn't high, he lives quite comfortably because he knows how to manage his money wisely.）
  5. 与其事后后悔，不如事前精打细算。
    （It is better to plan meticulously beforehand than to regret it later.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

  • In traditional Chinese values, the concept of 勤俭持家 (qín jiǎn chí jiā), or 'managing a household with diligence and thrift,' is considered a great virtue. 精打细算 (jīng dǎ xì suàn) is seen as the practical application of this virtue.
  • In modern consumer culture, this term is often associated with being a 'smart shopper.' For example, navigating complex coupon systems during major sales like the 'Double 11' (双十一 shuāng shí yī) shopping festival is often described this way.
  • The phrase is frequently paired with the expression 会过日子 (huì guò rì zi), which means 'knowing how to live' or being capable in life management. It is often cited as a desirable trait in a life partner.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

6. Summary

精打细算 (jīng dǎ xì suàn) describes the act of being highly resourceful and careful with resources. In Chinese culture, it is often used as a compliment to describe someone who is excellent at household management or cost control. Rather than implying stinginess, it suggests a person has the 'wisdom of living' by making the most out of what they have.

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