Understanding "厚积薄发" (hòu jī bó fā): Definition, Breakdown, and Examples

Definition:

"厚积薄发" (hòu jī bó fā) is a Chinese idiom meaning "to accumulate richly and release sparingly." This phrase emphasizes the importance of thorough preparation and accumulation of knowledge or resources, leading to powerful and impactful actions when the time is right. It conveys the idea that significant achievements come from careful and extensive preparation.

Breakdown:

1. 厚 (hòu) - thick, abundant

2. 积 (jī) - accumulate, gather

3. 薄 (bó) - thin, slight

4. 发 (fā) - release, emit

Examples:

1. Example 1:

- Sentence: 他多年潜心研究，厚积薄发，终于在学术界取得了巨大的成就。

- Translation: After many years of dedicated research, he accumulated richly and released sparingly, finally achieving great success in the academic world.

- Explanation: This example shows how someone’s extensive preparation and study led to significant achievements, illustrating the concept of "厚积薄发."

2. Example 2:

- Sentence: 经过长时间的训练和准备，运动员在比赛中厚积薄发，创造了新的纪录。

- Translation: After long-term training and preparation, the athlete accumulated richly and released sparingly, setting a new record in the competition.

- Explanation: This example highlights how thorough preparation and training resulted in an outstanding performance, demonstrating the idiom's meaning.

These examples and explanations illustrate how "厚积薄发" can be applied in different contexts to emphasize the value of extensive preparation and accumulation leading to powerful and impactful outcomes.