美中不足
*The explanations on this page are generated by AI. Please note that they may contain inaccurate information.
Sometimes, when we see something or experience something, we feel it is almost perfect, but we still notice a small flaw.
For example, a classmate draws a very beautiful picture, but the colors are not used quite appropriately, so the teacher says: "A minor flaw in perfection."
It means that the overall picture is very good, but there is one small imperfection.
The idiom "A minor flaw in perfection" is used to describe something that is already very good but has a tiny flaw and is not completely perfect.
People often use this idiom to express approval of something while also pointing out a small regret.
This idiom has an interesting story.
A long time ago, a painter painted a beautiful white horse.
Everyone thought the horse was very beautiful, but upon closer look, the horse's ears were painted a bit small.
Someone said, "This painting is truly a minor flaw in perfection."
Later, this phrase gradually became an idiom.
In our lives, we often encounter situations of "a minor flaw in perfection."
For example, in an exciting match, the referee's decision is controversial at the end; or a perfect trip ends with rain.
Although there is a tiny imperfection, overall it is still very good.
"A minor flaw in perfection" helps us understand that there are very few truly perfect things in the world.
Even if there are small flaws, we should appreciate the beautiful parts, so life will be happier.
1. Basic Information
- Pinyin: měi zhōng bù zú
- English Translation: A flaw in an otherwise perfect thing; a minor defect among many merits
- Idiom Composition: 「美」（Beautiful, good）＋「中」（Among, within）＋「不」（Not）＋「足」（Enough, sufficient）
- Meaning: Indicates that something is generally good but has a small shortcoming or defect. Overall excellent but not perfect, with a slight flaw that is regrettable.
2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances
「美中不足」 contains the following nuances:
- Regretfulness: Expresses a feeling of regret that despite being generally good, a small flaw prevents it from being perfect.
- Euphemistic criticism: Sometimes used as a polite or indirect way to point out flaws while still acknowledging overall merit.
- Expectation for improvement: Can also imply hope for improvement by addressing the shortcomings.
3. Usage
「美中不足」 is mainly used in the following contexts:
- Evaluating things: Used when giving an overall positive evaluation of something while pointing out minor flaws.
- Example:「这幅画真是杰作，但美中不足的是色彩略显暗淡。」
（This painting is truly a masterpiece, but the only flaw is that the colors are somewhat dull.）
- Example:「这幅画真是杰作，但美中不足的是色彩略显暗淡。」
- Evaluating a person: Used when acknowledging a person's strengths while also mentioning their weaknesses.
- Example:「他能力很强，但美中不足的是缺乏团队合作精神。」
（He is very capable, but the only drawback is a lack of team spirit.）
- Example:「他能力很强，但美中不足的是缺乏团队合作精神。」
- Describing a situation: Used to describe a situation that is generally good but has room for improvement.
- Example:「这次活动很成功，但美中不足的是时间安排不够合理。」
（This event was very successful, but the only shortcoming was the unreasonable scheduling.）
- Example:「这次活动很成功，但美中不足的是时间安排不够合理。」
Additional Examples:
- 这次考试我得了95分，美中不足的是有一道题粗心做错了。
（I scored 95 on this exam, but the only flaw was that I carelessly got one question wrong.） - 这件衣服款式新颖，美中不足的是价格有点贵。
（This clothing has a novel design, but the only drawback is that the price is a bit high.） - 他的计划很周密，美中不足的是缺乏可操作性。
（His plan is thorough, but the only shortcoming is a lack of practicality.） - 这场音乐会非常精彩，美中不足的是音响效果不太好。
（This concert was wonderful, but the only flaw was that the sound quality was not very good.） - 这本书内容丰富，美中不足的是有些地方的论述不够清晰。
（This book is rich in content, but the only drawback is that some parts of the argument are unclear.）
4. Cultural Background and Notes
- Doctrine of the Mean: '美中不足' reflects the traditional Chinese philosophy of 'Doctrine of the Mean,' which acknowledges that perfection is difficult and everything has both strengths and weaknesses.
- Objective evaluation: This idiom is used to recognize both positive and negative aspects, allowing for a balanced and objective assessment.
5. Similar and Opposite Idioms
- Similar Idioms:
- 白璧微瑕 (bái bì wēi xiá): A small flaw on a white jade; nearly perfect but with a slight defect.
- 瑕不掩瑜 (xiá bù yǎn yú): Flaws do not overshadow merits; although there are defects, the strengths are greater.
- Opposite Idioms:
- 完美无缺 (wán měi wú quē): Perfect and without any flaws.
- 尽善尽美 (jìn shàn jìn měi): Extremely excellent; flawless.
6. Summary
'美中不足' is a balanced expression that acknowledges the good aspects of something while pointing out areas for improvement. Using this idiom allows one to express objective and constructive opinions. Understanding the Chinese philosophy of the 'Doctrine of the Mean' can deepen your appreciation of the profound meaning behind this idiom.