卓有成效

You usually place this phrase after a noun. You can say a person's work is 卓有成效. You can describe a new policy this way. It often follows the word 开展 (to carry out) or 取得 (to achieve). It works like a powerful adjective. Just drop it in when you want to sound impressed. It makes you sound like a sophisticated observer of success.

Use it when a project finishes ahead of schedule. Use it when a friend’s new diet actually works. It is perfect for performance reviews at work. You can use it in a toast at a wedding. If a teacher’s new method helps everyone pass, use it. It feels great to hear because it acknowledges hard work. It is the 'gold star' of Chinese professional vocabulary.

Do not use it for small, accidental wins. If you found a dollar on the street, that is not 卓有成效. It requires intentional effort and a process. Avoid using it for purely emotional things. You wouldn't say a hug was 卓有成效. That sounds a bit like a robot trying to be human. Keep it for tasks, strategies, and organized efforts. Also, don't use it to describe yourself too often. You might sound a bit full of yourself!

This phrase has a classic, literary feel to it. The character 卓 (zhuó) implies being tall or standing out from the crowd. In Chinese culture, results matter deeply. There is a high respect for 'practicality.' Being 'busy' isn't enough; you must be 'effective.' This phrase captures that cultural drive for excellence. It bridges the gap between ancient scholarly elegance and modern corporate efficiency.

If you want something simpler, use 很有效果. That is the 'everyday' version. If you want to sound even more formal, try 成效显著. That means 'results are prominent.' For a more poetic vibe, people use 大见成效. This implies the results are finally becoming visible. But 卓有成效 remains the most balanced choice. It is classy, clear, and carries a lot of weight.