理论联系实际
Combine theory with practice
Littéralement: Theory connects with reality
Use this phrase to emphasize that knowledge is only useful when applied to real-life situations.
En 15 secondes
- Bridge the gap between book knowledge and real-world application.
- A pragmatic approach to learning and working effectively.
- Commonly used in professional, educational, and self-improvement contexts.
Signification
This phrase is all about taking what you've learned in books or classrooms and actually using it in real-life situations. It's the bridge between being 'book smart' and 'street smart.'
Exemples clés
3 sur 6In a business meeting about a new strategy
我们的方案很好，但必须做到理论联系实际。
Our plan is good, but we must combine theory with practice.
A teacher encouraging students
学习编程不能只看书，要理论联系实际。
Learning programming isn't just about reading; you must apply the theory.
Texting a friend about a DIY project
看了这么多视频，该理论联系实际动手做了！
Watched so many videos, time to get hands-on and apply it!
Contexte culturel
This phrase is one of the 'Three Great Styles of Work' popularized during the mid-20th century in China. It represents a shift from traditional rote memorization toward practical problem-solving. It remains a staple in Chinese education and corporate culture to emphasize efficiency and realism.
The 'Doing' Part
When using this phrase, focus on the `实际` (reality) part. It's usually a call to action for someone who is stuck in their head.
Don't Sound Like a Textbook
Because this phrase has political roots, using it too often in casual settings can make you sound like a 1950s professor. Use it sparingly with friends.
En 15 secondes
- Bridge the gap between book knowledge and real-world application.
- A pragmatic approach to learning and working effectively.
- Commonly used in professional, educational, and self-improvement contexts.
What It Means
Think of this as the ultimate 'walk the talk' mantra. It suggests that knowledge is only valuable if it solves real problems. You might have a head full of facts. But if you can't apply them, they are just noise. It’s about making sure your ideas actually work in the messy real world.
How To Use It
You can use 理论联系实际 as a piece of advice or a guiding principle. It often appears when someone is being too idealistic. You can say someone is good at it to compliment their practical skills. It functions like a verb phrase in most sentences. Just drop it in when discussing plans or learning processes.
When To Use It
Use this in a work meeting when a strategy feels too abstract. It’s great for school settings when discussing projects. You can also use it when learning a new hobby. If you’re teaching a friend to drive, remind them to 理论联系实际. It shows you value practical results over just talking.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for very simple, instinctive tasks. You don't need to 理论联系实际 to brush your teeth. Avoid it in highly emotional or romantic moments. Telling a partner to 'combine theory with practice' during an argument might get you a cold shoulder. It feels a bit too 'academic' for a casual Friday night out.
Cultural Background
This phrase became famous as a core principle of Chinese political philosophy. It was championed by Mao Zedong to fight against 'dogmatism.' He believed people spent too much time reading and not enough time doing. Today, it has moved from politics into everyday life. It reflects the deep Chinese value of pragmatism and hard work.
Common Variations
You might hear 学以致用, which means 'study to apply.' Another one is 实事求是, meaning 'seek truth from facts.' Both share that same 'keep it real' energy. If you want to sound more modern, you might just say 接地气. That means 'grounded' or 'down to earth.'
Notes d'usage
This phrase is generally formal and neutral. It is highly respected in professional and academic environments but can be used ironically or playfully in informal settings to tease someone for being too theoretical.
The 'Doing' Part
When using this phrase, focus on the `实际` (reality) part. It's usually a call to action for someone who is stuck in their head.
Don't Sound Like a Textbook
Because this phrase has political roots, using it too often in casual settings can make you sound like a 1950s professor. Use it sparingly with friends.
The 'Pragmatic' Secret
In Chinese culture, being 'practical' is often valued more than being 'creative.' This phrase is the ultimate compliment for someone who gets results.
Exemples
6我们的方案很好，但必须做到理论联系实际。
Our plan is good, but we must combine theory with practice.
Used here to ensure the plan is feasible in the real market.
学习编程不能只看书，要理论联系实际。
Learning programming isn't just about reading; you must apply the theory.
Encouraging hands-on practice over passive learning.
看了这么多视频，该理论联系实际动手做了！
Watched so many videos, time to get hands-on and apply it!
A casual way to say 'let's stop watching and start doing.'
你恋爱理论这么多，什么时候也理论联系实际一下？
You have so many dating theories, when are you going to actually use them?
A playful jab at someone who talks a lot but has no experience.
这次失败是因为我们没有做到理论联系实际。
This failure happened because we didn't connect theory with reality.
Taking responsibility by admitting a lack of practical consideration.
相信你的专业知识，只要理论联系实际就没问题。
Trust your knowledge; as long as you apply it to the role, you'll be fine.
Using the phrase to build confidence in the friend's abilities.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct phrase to complete the sentence about learning a language.
学习外语不能只背单词，还要多跟人交流，做到___。
The sentence emphasizes that speaking with people (practice) is necessary alongside memorizing words (theory).
Which phrase fits a boss telling employees to be more practical?
大家在写报告时，一定要___，不要写空话。
The boss wants the report to be grounded in reality rather than just empty words.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Spectrum of '理论联系实际'
Used as a joke among close friends.
Stop dreaming and apply your theories!
Common in classrooms or self-study.
I need to practice what I learned.
Standard in business meetings and speeches.
We must integrate theory with practice.
Where to use '理论联系实际'
Cooking Class
Following a recipe then tasting the dish.
Office Meeting
Discussing how a new software helps the team.
Science Lab
Testing a hypothesis with an experiment.
Sports Coaching
Learning the physics of a swing then hitting the ball.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, while it has political origins, it is now used in education, business, and daily life to mean 'be practical.' For example, 老师要求我们理论联系实际 (The teacher asks us to apply theory to practice).
Yes, but it might sound a bit formal or humorous. Use it when a friend is over-analyzing something, like 别想了，理论联系实际一下吧 (Stop thinking, just try it out).
学以致用 is more about the purpose of studying, while 理论联系实际 is about the method of connecting the two. They are often interchangeable in casual speech.
It is a six-character expression, though it functions similarly to a Chengyu in terms of being a set phrase. You'll see it written as a single unit.
Generally, no. It’s too dry and academic for romance. If you say it to a date, they might think you're giving a lecture.
The word for practice here is 实际 (shíjì), which literally means 'reality' or 'actual situation.' It implies the practice happens in the real world.
Not at all. The phrase emphasizes the *connection* between the two. You need the theory (理论) as a foundation for the practice.
Yes, it is a very common expression at the B2/C1 level (HSK 5 or 6). It shows a high level of cultural and linguistic awareness.
Absolutely. If you know the rules of basketball but can't shoot, you need to 理论联系实际.
The most common mistake is forgetting the verb 联系 (connect). Don't just say '理论实际'; you must include the link between them.
Expressions liées
学以致用 (Study for the purpose of application)
实事求是 (Seek truth from facts)
纸上谈兵 (Empty talk on paper / Armchair general)
接地气 (Down-to-earth / Grounded)
实践出真知 (Practice is the sole criterion for truth)
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