欲 (yù): To desire, to want, to wish for.
速 (sù): Speed, fast, rapid, quick.
则 (zé): A grammatical particle indicating a consequence, meaning “then” or “in that case.”
不 (bù): Not, no.
达 (dá): To reach, to arrive at, to achieve.
When combined, the literal meaning is crystal clear: “Desire speed, then not achieve.” This direct structure makes the idiom's logic easy for learners to grasp. It's a cause-and-effect statement about the negative consequences of impatience.
This idiom originates from the Analects of Confucius (《论语》), a foundational text of Chinese philosophy. In the story, one of Confucius's disciples, Zixia, was the governor of a small territory and asked his master for advice on governance. Confucius told him: “无欲速，无见小利。欲速则不达，见小利则大事不成。” (Wú yù sù, wú jiàn xiǎo lì. Yù sù zé bù dá, jiàn xiǎo lì zé dà shì bù chéng.) which means, “Do not desire speed; do not be fixated on small gains. If you desire speed, you will not reach your goal. If you are fixated on small gains, you will not accomplish great things.”
This proverb is more than just a simple “haste makes waste.” It's deeply embedded in a cultural mindset that values long-term strategy, patience, and sustainability over short-term gains.
Western Comparison: The English phrase “haste makes waste” is an excellent parallel, but it often applies to more mundane, physical tasks (e.g., rushing to paint a wall and making a mess). 欲速则不达 carries a deeper, more philosophical weight. It is frequently applied to grander ambitions like mastering a skill, building a career, governing a country, or cultivating one's character. It's less about avoiding a simple mistake and more about the fundamental strategy for achieving significant, long-term success. It highlights the virtue of the process itself, not just the outcome.
欲速则不达 is a common and respected piece of advice used across various aspects of modern life. It carries a formal, educated tone but is understood by everyone.
In Education and Learning: This is perhaps the most common context. A teacher will say this to a student who is cramming for an exam without truly understanding the material. It's especially relevant for learning languages or musical instruments, where a strong foundation is crucial.
In Business and Career: A senior manager might use this phrase to caution a junior employee who is cutting corners to finish a project ahead of schedule, warning them that the poor quality will ultimately lead to failure or rework.
In Personal Advice: A parent or friend might offer this advice to someone rushing into a major life decision, such as getting married, buying a house, or starting a business without proper planning. It's a gentle reminder to slow down and think things through.
The connotation is almost always cautionary and wise. It's not a criticism of a person's ambition but of their hasty method.