baak3 gaa1 zang1 ming4百家爭鳴百家争鸣
Definition
A hundred schools of thought contend; a period when various philosophies and doctrines emerge and debate, especially during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods.
How it's used
Originally referring to the intellectual explosion of the pre Qin era, this phrase is now frequently used metaphorically to describe any situation where many different viewpoints or competing ideas are being voiced simultaneously. It carries a positive or neutral connotation of intellectual vitality and diversity. While it implies contention, it suggests a healthy exchange of ideas rather than a destructive conflict.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Avoid using this phrase to describe a simple argument or a fight between two people, as it specifically refers to a wide range of competing schools or perspectives rather than a binary disagreement.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
