joeng4 wai4 zung1 jung6洋為中用洋为中用
Jyutpingjoeng4 wai4 zung1 jung6
Yaleyèuhng wàih jūng yuhng
Definition
To make foreign things, especially Western ideas and technology, serve one's own country's needs.
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How it's used
This idiom describes the strategic adoption of foreign ideas or technologies to solve local problems. It carries a pragmatic tone, suggesting that one should not blindly copy foreign practices but rather adapt them to fit local needs. It is often used in discussions about modernization, education, or industrial development.
Examples
He likes to apply Western methods to Chinese contexts, refining foreign technology.
Related words
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Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
