When you combine them, 实用 (shíyòng) literally means “practical use,” and adding 主义 (-ism) elevates it to the formal philosophy of Pragmatism. The word itself tells the story: it's the “-ism” of “real use.”
While pragmatism as a formal philosophy originated in the West with thinkers like John Dewey, its core tenets resonate deeply within Chinese culture. It's not just a philosophical term; it's a widely observed approach to life and governance. The most famous embodiment of Chinese 实用主义 is Deng Xiaoping's “Reform and Opening Up” policy, which transformed China's economy. His guiding principle was famously summarized as: “不管黑猫白猫，能抓住老鼠就是好猫。” (Bùguǎn hēimāo báimāo, néng zhuāzhù lǎoshǔ jiùshì hǎomāo.) “It doesn't matter if a cat is black or white, as long as it catches mice.” This single phrase captures the essence of 实用主义: the method (the cat's color/the economic system) is less important than the result (catching the mouse/economic development). This mindset allowed China to adopt market-based economic principles while maintaining its political system, a move of ultimate pragmatism. Comparison with Western “Pragmatism”: In the West, being “pragmatic” is generally seen as a positive trait, meaning you are sensible and realistic. In China, 实用主义 carries a similar positive meaning but can also have a much stronger, sometimes negative, connotation. It can imply a willingness to be completely flexible on rules, ethics, or principles to achieve a desired outcome. This can be viewed as either brilliantly adaptable or unscrupulously opportunistic, depending on the situation and the observer's values.
实用主义 is a lens through which many modern Chinese decisions can be understood.