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Summary: Learn the Chinese word 一致 (yīzhì), a crucial HSK 4 term describing a state of being unanimous, consistent, or identical. This page breaks down its meaning, cultural significance in achieving group harmony, and practical usage in business and daily conversation. Discover the difference between 一致 and 同意 (tóngyì), and master its use with 10 clear example sentences.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): yīzhì
Part of Speech: Adjective, Adverb
HSK Level: 4
Concise Definition: To be in agreement, consistent, identical, or unanimous.
In a Nutshell:一致 (yīzhì) describes a state where multiple things (opinions, data, actions, descriptions) are perfectly aligned as one. It's not just about “agreeing”—it's about a complete lack of discrepancy. Think of it as everyone in a group having the exact same thought, or a report's numbers perfectly matching the source data.
Character Breakdown
一 (yī): The character for “one” or “single.” Here, it carries the idea of unity, wholeness, and singularity.
致 (zhì): This character means “to cause,” “to result in,” or “to arrive at.” It implies a process or a destination.
When combined, 一致 (yīzhì) literally means “to result in one” or “to arrive at one state.” This beautifully captures the idea of multiple elements coming together to form a single, unified, and consistent whole.
Cultural Context and Significance
In Chinese culture, which often prioritizes group harmony (和谐, héxié) over individual expression, achieving 一致 (yīzhì) is highly valued. In group settings, from business meetings to family discussions, the goal is often not just to make a decision but to reach a point where everyone is genuinely aligned and comfortable with the outcome. This avoids confrontation and preserves social face (面子, miànzi).
Comparison to Western “Consensus”: While “consensus” in the West often means a general agreement reached after a debate where dissenting opinions were voiced, 一致 (yīzhì) implies a deeper, more complete alignment. The ideal process for achieving 一致 is often through subtle negotiation and discussion where a shared conclusion emerges naturally, rather than through a formal vote that might highlight winners and losers. It reflects a collectivist mindset where the group's singular, unified direction is the ultimate goal.
Practical Usage in Modern China
Formal & Business Context:一致 is extremely common in formal writing and business.
Decisions: A committee might 一致通过 (yīzhì tōngguò) a proposal, meaning it was “unanimously passed.”
Data/Information: You might say that 数据与报告一致 (shùjù yǔ bàogào yīzhì), meaning “the data is consistent with the report.”
As an Adverb: It's often used as an adverb meaning “unanimously” or “collectively.” For example: 大家一致认为 (dàjiā yīzhì rènwéi), “Everyone unanimously believes…”
Informal & Conversational Context:
Opinions: You and a friend might discover that your views on a movie are 一致, meaning you think the exact same way about it.
Actions: A group might 采取一致行动 (cǎiqǔ yīzhì xíngdòng), meaning they “take concerted/united action.”
Example Sentences
Example 1:
经过讨论，委员会的意见最终一致了。
Pinyin: Jīngguò tǎolùn, wěiyuánhuì de yìjiàn zuìzhōng yīzhì le.
English: After discussion, the committee's opinions finally became unanimous.
Analysis: This shows 一致 as the resulting state of a group discussion. It's a very common usage in formal or organizational contexts.
Example 2:
我们的目标是一致的，都是为了公司的发展。
Pinyin: Wǒmen de mùbiāo shì yīzhì de, dōu shì wèile gōngsī de fāzhǎn.
English: Our goals are consistent; both are for the company's development.
Analysis: Here, 一致 is used as a predicate adjective to describe the alignment of abstract concepts like “goals.”
English: The police discovered that the two witnesses' testimonies were not consistent.
Analysis: This is a great example of using 一致 in the negative to point out a discrepancy or contradiction.
Example 4:
他说的话和做的事总是不一致。
Pinyin: Tā shuō de huà hé zuò de shì zǒng shì bù yīzhì.
English: What he says and what he does are always inconsistent.
Analysis: This demonstrates how 一致 can be used to describe the consistency (or lack thereof) between words and actions, a common way to critique someone's character.
Example 5:
请确保您在所有文件上填写的地址是一致的。
Pinyin: Qǐng quèbǎo nín zài suǒyǒu wénjiàn shàng tiánxiě de dìzhǐ shì yīzhì de.
English: Please ensure the address you write on all documents is identical/consistent.
Analysis: A very practical example showing how 一致 is used for information and data to mean “the same across the board.”
English: Everyone unanimously agreed to have a meeting tomorrow morning.
Analysis: Here, 一致 functions as an adverb, modifying the verb 同意 (tóngyì - to agree). It emphasizes the collective and complete nature of the agreement.
Example 7:
这本书的翻译版本与原文的精神一致。
Pinyin: Zhè běn shū de fānyì bǎnběn yǔ yuánwén de jīngshén yīzhì.
English: The translated version of this book is consistent with the spirit of the original text.
Analysis: This shows the sophisticated use of 一致 to compare abstract qualities, like the “spirit” or “essence” of two things.
Example 8:
他们的行动与我们事先的计划完全一致。
Pinyin: Tāmen de xíngdòng yǔ wǒmen shìxiān de jìhuà wánquán yīzhì.
English: Their actions were completely in line with our prior plan.
Analysis: The phrase 与…一致 (yǔ…yīzhì) is a common structure meaning “to be consistent/in line with…”
English: Both husband and wife must maintain a united front on the issue of educating their child.
Analysis: 保持一致 (bǎochí yīzhì) means “to maintain consistency” or “to stay on the same page.” It's a common and useful phrase.
Example 10:
我们需要采取一致的对外政策。
Pinyin: Wǒmen xūyào cǎiqǔ yīzhì de duìwài zhèngcè.
English: We need to adopt a consistent foreign policy.
Analysis: Here, 一致 is used as an adjective directly modifying a noun (政策 - policy), meaning the policy should be unified and without internal contradictions.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
`一致 (yīzhì)` vs. `同意 (tóngyì)`: This is the most common point of confusion for learners.
`同意 (tóngyì)` is a verb, meaning “to agree” or “to consent.” It is an *action* performed by one or more individuals. “我同意你的看法” (Wǒ tóngyì nǐ de kànfǎ) - “I agree with your opinion.”
`一致 (yīzhì)` is an adjective or adverb describing a *state* of being in complete agreement or alignment. It is the *result* of everyone agreeing. “我们的看法一致” (Wǒmen de kànfǎ yīzhì) - “Our opinions are in agreement.”
Think of it this way: Several people must first 同意 to reach a state of 一致.
`一致 (yīzhì)` vs. `一样 (yīyàng)`:
`一样 (yīyàng)` means “the same” and is used very broadly, especially for comparing physical objects. “这两件衣服一样” (Zhè liǎng jiàn yīfu yīyàng) - “These two pieces of clothing are the same.”
`一致 (yīzhì)` is more formal and is typically used for abstract things like opinions, data, goals, statements, and actions. You would not say two shirts are `一致`.
Incorrect: ~~这两个苹果很一致。~~ (These two apples are very consistent.)
Correct: 这两个苹果一样大。(These two apples are the same size.)
Related Terms and Concepts
同意 (tóngyì) - To agree; the individual action that leads to the state of `一致`.
相同 (xiāngtóng) - Identical or the same; often more formal than `一样` and can overlap with `一致` when describing data or facts.
一样 (yīyàng) - The same; a very common and general term, used more for physical objects and general comparison.
符合 (fúhé) - To conform to, to accord with. Used when something meets a standard or requirement (e.g., “The product conforms to safety standards”).
共识 (gòngshí) - Consensus. This is the noun for the shared understanding or agreement that has been reached. `一致` is the state of being in consensus.
和谐 (héxié) - Harmony; the cultural ideal that reaching `一致` helps to achieve and maintain.
通过 (tōngguò) - To pass (a motion, a bill). Often appears in the phrase 一致通过 (unanimously pass).
统一 (tǒngyī) - To unify, united. While `一致` is about alignment of opinions or data, `统一` is about bringing different parts into one whole, often in a political or organizational sense (e.g., unifying a country).