精打细算

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: jīng dǎ xì suàn
• English Translation: To calculate carefully, to be thrifty, to plan meticulously without oversight
• Idiom Composition: 「精」（Meticulous, detailed）＋「打」（To calculate）＋「细」（Fine, detailed）＋「算」（To calculate）
• Meaning: To carefully calculate and plan in order to use expenses and resources without waste. It describes being thrifty financially and making detailed plans to proceed efficiently.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「精打细算」 contains the following nuances:

• Meticulous calculation: Refers to calculating money and resource usage very carefully and accurately.
• Thrift and saving: Expresses an attitude of eliminating waste and minimizing expenses as much as possible.
• Planning ability: Means making thorough plans in advance to proceed efficiently.
• Carefulness: Describes calculating while considering all possibilities to avoid losses and maximize benefits.

3. Usage

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

• Money management: Used when talking about managing money, such as saving and budgeting.
  • Example:「他过日子一向精打细算，从不乱花一分钱。」
    （He always manages his money carefully and never spends a penny wastefully.）
• Use of resources: Refers to efficiently using limited resources such as time, effort, and materials.
  • Example:「为了按时完成任务，我们必须精打细算，合理安排时间。」
    （To complete the task on time, we must plan carefully and allocate time reasonably.）
• Business and management: Often used in business contexts such as cost reduction and maximizing profits.
  • Example:「这家企业靠精打细算的管理模式，在激烈的市场竞争中脱颖而出。」
    （This company stood out in fierce market competition thanks to its meticulous management and planning.）

Additional Examples:

1. 她精打细算地比较了各个超市的商品价格，最后买到了最便宜的。
   （She carefully compared prices at various supermarkets and finally bought the cheapest one.）
2. 这个项目预算有限，我们必须精打细算，把每一分钱都用在刀刃上。
   （This project has a limited budget, so we must calculate carefully and spend every penny wisely.）
3. 旅行前，他精打细算地制定了行程，确保了旅途的顺利进行。
   （Before the trip, he meticulously planned the itinerary to ensure a smooth journey.）
4. 经过精打细算，他决定放弃购买昂贵的奢侈品，转而投资于教育。
   （After careful consideration, he decided to give up buying expensive luxury goods and invest in education instead.）
5. 在经济不景气的时候，更需要精打细算，才能度过难关。
   （During economic downturns, it is even more necessary to be thrifty to overcome difficulties.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• In Chinese culture, diligence and thrift have traditionally been important virtues. The idiom '精打细算' reflects these values and is often used in a positive sense.
• '精打细算' can be applied not only to personal life but also broadly in business and management contexts.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 节衣缩食 (jié yī suō shí): To save money by cutting back on clothing and food.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 大手大脚 (dà shǒu dà jiǎo): Being extravagant and wasteful with money.
  • 挥霍无度 (huī huò wú dù): Spending money or resources recklessly without limit.

6. Summary

'精打细算' is not simply about being stingy; it represents wisdom and ingenuity in eliminating waste and efficiently managing affairs. This idiom embodies the traditional Chinese value of diligence and thrift, and remains important today at personal, family, and corporate levels. Understanding and using this idiom will enhance your Chinese expression skills and deepen your appreciation of Chinese culture.