各有所长
Each has his own strong points
Littéralement: Each (各) has (有) their own (所) long points/strengths (长).
Use this phrase to diplomatically acknowledge that everyone brings something unique and valuable to the table.
En 15 secondes
- Everyone has their own unique strengths and talents.
- Used to diplomatically compare different people or things.
- Promotes harmony by acknowledging that everyone is useful.
- Ideal for workplace, social, or academic comparisons.
Signification
It describes a situation where everyone has their own unique talents or advantages. It is the perfect way to say 'different strokes for different folks' or 'everyone is good at something.'
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Comparing two coworkers' styles
小王擅长分析，小李擅长沟通，他们各有所长。
Xiao Wang is good at analysis, and Xiao Li is good at communication; they each have their strengths.
Choosing between two restaurants
这两家餐厅各有所长，一家菜好吃，一家环境好。
These two restaurants each have their strengths; one has great food, the other has a great atmosphere.
A teacher talking to parents about their children
每个孩子都各有所长，我们要多鼓励他们。
Every child has their own strengths; we should encourage them more.
Contexte culturel
The phrase reflects the traditional Chinese philosophy of 'harmony in diversity.' It originates from ancient texts like the 'Chu Ci' which emphasize that everything in nature has a specific purpose. It is widely used today to promote teamwork and mutual respect in modern Chinese society.
The 'Diplomat's Shield'
If someone asks you to pick a favorite between two friends or colleagues, use this phrase to avoid taking sides while sounding complimentary to both.
Don't use for 'Weaknesses'
The word `长` specifically means 'long' or 'strength.' You cannot use this phrase to say everyone has their own flaws; for that, you'd use `各有千秋` in a broader sense or a different idiom.
En 15 secondes
- Everyone has their own unique strengths and talents.
- Used to diplomatically compare different people or things.
- Promotes harmony by acknowledging that everyone is useful.
- Ideal for workplace, social, or academic comparisons.
What It Means
Think of a toolbox. A hammer is great for nails. A screwdriver is perfect for screws. Neither is 'better' overall; they just have different jobs. 各有所长 captures this perfectly. It means everyone has a specific area where they shine. It is a very positive, diplomatic way to acknowledge differences. You use it when you want to avoid picking a favorite. It suggests that variety is actually a good thing.
How To Use It
This phrase usually acts as a standalone comment or a predicate. You can say 我们各有所长 (We each have our strengths). It is very flexible. You can use it to compare two people, two products, or even two cities. It often follows a comparison of different traits. For example, 'He is fast, but she is accurate; 各有所长.' It feels very balanced and fair when you say it.
When To Use It
Use it in a job interview to talk about team dynamics. Use it when friends are arguing over which phone is better. It is great for diffusing tension. If your parents are comparing you to your cousin, drop this phrase. It shows maturity and a broad perspective. Use it when you want to sound wise and objective. It works well in both writing and speaking.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if one thing is clearly, objectively worse. If a car has no engine, it doesn't have 'different strengths.' It's just broken. Avoid using it in high-stakes emergencies where a clear winner is needed. Don't use it to describe physical objects that are identical. It requires a contrast in talent or function. Also, don't use it to describe negative traits. It is strictly for 'strengths' (长).
Cultural Background
Chinese culture deeply values harmony and 'saving face.' This phrase is a linguistic tool for that. Instead of saying 'You are bad at math,' you say 'We 各有所长.' It comes from a long history of Confucian thought regarding individual roles. It suggests that society works best when everyone plays to their specific niche. It has been a staple of the language for centuries. It reflects a very holistic view of human potential.
Common Variations
If you want to sound more poetic, try 寸有所长，尺有所短. This means even a small inch has its uses, and a foot-long ruler has its limits. Another common one is 各有千秋, which is slightly more formal. It implies that both sides have long-lasting merit. In casual slang, people might just say '各有各的好' (Each has its own good points). But 各有所长 remains the most balanced and professional choice.
Notes d'usage
The phrase is neutral-to-formal but very common in daily speech. It is a safe, polite way to acknowledge differences without being judgmental. Avoid using it for inanimate objects that are broken or low-quality.
The 'Diplomat's Shield'
If someone asks you to pick a favorite between two friends or colleagues, use this phrase to avoid taking sides while sounding complimentary to both.
Don't use for 'Weaknesses'
The word `长` specifically means 'long' or 'strength.' You cannot use this phrase to say everyone has their own flaws; for that, you'd use `各有千秋` in a broader sense or a different idiom.
The Power of 'Suo'
The character `所` (suǒ) here acts as a structural particle that turns the verb into a noun phrase. It's a hallmark of classical Chinese grammar still alive in modern idioms!
Exemples
6小王擅长分析，小李擅长沟通，他们各有所长。
Xiao Wang is good at analysis, and Xiao Li is good at communication; they each have their strengths.
A classic professional comparison of skill sets.
这两家餐厅各有所长，一家菜好吃，一家环境好。
These two restaurants each have their strengths; one has great food, the other has a great atmosphere.
Used to weigh pros and cons of subjective choices.
每个孩子都各有所长，我们要多鼓励他们。
Every child has their own strengths; we should encourage them more.
Used to show empathy and a positive outlook on development.
他们两个演技都很好，算是各有所长吧。
Both of them are great actors; I guess they each have their own strong points.
A neutral way to end a 'who is better' debate.
你们两个在迟到这件事上，真是各有所长啊！
When it comes to being late, you two really have your own unique 'talents'!
Using a positive phrase for a negative trait creates irony.
虽然我们选择了不同的路，但各有所长，不必羡慕别人。
Although we chose different paths, each has its merits; there's no need to envy others.
Provides comfort and validates individual life choices.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct phrase to complete the comparison between two athletes.
梅西和C罗都是伟大的球员，可以说___。
Since both are 'great players,' the phrase meaning 'each has their strengths' fits perfectly.
Which phrase best describes a team with diverse skills?
我们的团队成员来自不同背景，___，合作得很好。
The context of 'different backgrounds' and 'working well' implies that their individual strengths are being utilized.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Spectrum of 'Each has Strengths'
各有各的好 (Each has its good)
Talking about snacks.
各有所长 (Each has strengths)
Daily talk or work meetings.
各有千秋 (Each has thousand autumns)
Literary reviews or speeches.
Where to use 各有所长
Performance Review
Comparing employee skills
Shopping
Choosing between phone brands
Parenting
Discussing siblings' talents
Sports
Comparing different playstyles
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt literally means 'Each has that which they are long in.' In Chinese, 长 (cháng) represents one's strengths or specialties.
You can use it for both! It is common to use it for products like 这两款手机各有所长 (These two phones each have their strengths).
Yes, it is very appropriate. It sounds professional and objective, especially when discussing team members or project proposals.
各有千秋 (gè yǒu qiān qiū) is more formal and often used for arts, literature, or historical figures. 各有所长 is more common for practical skills.
It's a bit awkward to use it only for yourself. Usually, it's used to compare at least two entities: 我和他各有所长.
Extremely common. You will hear it in movies, read it in news articles, and use it in daily conversations.
A common opposite is 一无所长 (yī wú suǒ cháng), which means to have no skills or strengths at all.
Not at all. While it is an idiom (chengyu), it is one of the most natural-sounding ones in spoken Mandarin.
No, 长 implies a positive trait. For negative traits, you might say 各有各的问题 (Each has their own problems).
Usually, you state the subjects first, then add the phrase at the end, like: A和B各有所长.
Expressions liées
各有千秋
Each has its own merits (more formal/literary).
取长补短
To use others' strengths to make up for one's own weaknesses.
寸有所长
Even something small has its use.
各有特色
Each has its own unique characteristics.
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