无微不至
*The explanations on this page are generated by AI. Please note that they may contain inaccurate information.
1. Basic Information
- Pinyin: wú wēi bù zhì
- English Translation: Meticulous care (to the smallest detail)
- Idiom Composition: 「无」(Not or without (part of the double negation))
+ 「微」(Minute or tiny details) + 「不」(Not (part of the double negation)) + 「至」(To reach or to arrive at) - Meaning: A double negation meaning 'there is no (无) minute detail (微) that is not (不) reached (至).' It describes care, concern, or service that is extremely thorough, thoughtful, and attentive to every possible need.
2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances
「无微不至」 contains the following nuances:
- Absolute Thoroughness: The structure 'No (无) detail (微) not (不) reached (至)' creates a double negation that emphasizes a state of perfection. It suggests that the person providing the care has left absolutely no stone unturned.
- Specific Scope of Application: While English words like 'meticulous' can apply to technical work or data, 无微不至 (wú wēi bù zhì) is specifically reserved for 照顾 (zhào gù - care) and 关怀 (guān huái - concern) directed toward people.
3. Usage
「无微不至」 is mainly used in the following contexts:
- Nursing and Caregiving: The most typical context, used to describe dedicated care for the sick or elderly.
- Example:「在他住院期间,护士们对他进行了无微不至的照顾。」
(During his hospitalization, the nurses provided him with meticulous care.)
- Example:「在他住院期间,护士们对他进行了无微不至的照顾。」
- Parental Love and Upbringing: Used to describe the detailed attention and affection parents show when raising children.
- Example:「父母对我的关怀无微不至,让我感到非常幸福。」
(My parents' concern for me is so thorough and attentive that it makes me feel very happy.)
- Example:「父母对我的关怀无微不至,让我感到非常幸福。」
- Hospitality and Service: Used in the service industry to praise a business for anticipating every guest's need.
- Example:「这家酒店的服务无微不至,让每一位客人都宾至如归。」
(The service at this hotel is meticulous down to the last detail, making every guest feel right at home.)
- Example:「这家酒店的服务无微不至,让每一位客人都宾至如归。」
Additional Examples:
- 虽然她是继母,但对孩子们的照顾却是无微不至。
(Although she is a stepmother, her care for the children is meticulous in every way.) - 为了让大家专心工作,后勤部门提供了无微不至的保障。
(To allow everyone to focus on their work, the logistics department provided comprehensive and detailed support.) - 他对女朋友体贴入微,关怀得无微不至。
(He is extremely considerate of his girlfriend, caring for her to the smallest detail.) - 老师对学生的辅导无微不至,不仅关心学习,还关心生活。
(The teacher's guidance for the students is all-encompassing, showing concern not just for their studies but also for their daily lives.)
4. Cultural Background and Notes
- Strong Collocations: This idiom is almost always used with the nouns or verbs 照顾 (zhào gù - care) and 关怀 (guān huái - solicitude). Using it outside of the context of 'caring for someone' is rare.
- A High Virtue: In Chinese culture, the ability to anticipate another person's needs before they are even voiced is considered a sign of deep affection or professional excellence, making this a high-level compliment.
- Historical Evolution: The phrase evolved from a Song Dynasty (宋朝) expression, 靡微不周 (mǐ wēi bù zhōu), which originally described the thoroughness of military or administrative planning. In modern usage, it has shifted to focus entirely on interpersonal care.
5. Similar and Opposite Idioms
- Similar Idioms:
- 体贴入微 (tǐ tiē rù wēi): To be extremely considerate; focuses more on emotional empathy and understanding the other person's feelings.
- 关怀备至 (guān huái bèi zhì): To show every possible concern; emphasizes the breadth and depth of the care provided.
- 面面俱到 (miàn miàn jù dào): To consider all aspects thoroughly.link
- 全心全意 (quán xīn quán yì): To do something with all one's heart and mind.link
- Opposite Idioms:
- 漠不关心 (mò bù guān xīn): To be completely indifferent or unconcerned.
- 粗心大意 (cū xīn dà yì): To be careless, negligent, or sloppy.link
- 冷酷无情 (lěng kù wú qíng): To be cold-hearted and ruthless.link
6. Summary
无微不至 (wú wēi bù zhì) is a commendatory idiom used to praise someone's meticulous care or concern. It is most frequently paired with terms like 照顾 (zhào gù - to look after) or 关怀 (guān huái - care/solicitude). Whether describing nursing, parenting, or high-end hospitality, it emphasizes a level of thoughtfulness that anticipates every need, leaving no detail overlooked.
