Meaning
This chengyu expresses that no matter how many changes or variations something undergoes, it never departs from its fundamental nature or core principle. It's commonly used to describe situations where surface-level differences exist, but the underlying truth or method remains constant.
Usage
Used in both spoken and written Chinese, particularly in analytical or philosophical contexts. Common when discussing strategy, principles, or patterns that persist despite apparent variety. Often appears in discussions about business methods, problem-solving approaches, or life philosophies.
Examples
- 01这些数学题看起来很不一样，但万变不离其宗，都是考同一个公式。, , .These math problems look very different, but the essence remains the same—they all test the same formula.
- 02商业模式万变不离其宗，最终还是要为客户创造价值。, .Business models may vary endlessly, but the core principle remains—ultimately you must create value for customers.
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Antonyms
Origin
Literally means 'ten thousand changes do not depart from the ancestral principle.' The term 宗 originally referred to ancestral temples and lineage, later extending to mean fundamental principles or origins.