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HSK 3 Chinese reading practice

南辕北辙

nán yuán běi zhé

Driving North to Go South

A traveler has a fast horse, plenty of money, and an excellent driver—but every advantage takes him farther from his destination.

RECOMMENDEDHSK 3
READ3 min
HANZI166
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文化
CULTURE

When effort moves in the wrong direction

南辕北辙 literally contrasts a carriage pointing south with tracks leading north. The idiom comes from a story recorded in Strategies of the Warring States and describes actions that run directly against an intended goal.

Key vocabulary8 words from this story
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阅读理解 · COMPREHENSION

Check your understanding

Answer three questions without looking at the English translation.

01这个人要去南方的楚国，为什么朋友很着急？
02这个人用什么理由说明自己没有问题？
03为什么他永远到不了楚国？
0 / 3questions answered
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Chinese idiom guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about 南辕北辙

What does 南辕北辙 mean in English?

南辕北辙 (nán yuán běi zhé) literally means “the shafts point south while the tracks lead north.” It describes taking actions that move in the opposite direction from one’s goal.

When is 南辕北辙 used?

Use 南辕北辙 when a method directly contradicts the result someone says they want. For example: Trying to save money by buying things you do not need is 南辕北辙.

What is the pinyin for 南辕北辙?

The pinyin pronunciation for 南辕北辙 is “nán yuán běi zhé.”