宁缺毋滥 Better fewer but good
Explanation
宁缺毋滥的意思是宁可缺少,也不要滥用或过度。它强调的是质量优先,避免为了数量而降低质量。
Ning que wu lan means it is better to have less than to have too much of something inferior. It emphasizes the priority of quality over quantity.
Origin Story
话说唐朝时期,一位名叫李白的著名诗人,准备招收一位弟子来传承他的诗歌技艺。一时间,慕名而来的弟子络绎不绝,有的人才华横溢,文采斐然;有的人却只会滥竽充数,诗作粗俗不堪。李白仔细甄别,宁缺毋滥,最终只收了一位真正有天赋的弟子,这个人日后也成为一位著名的诗人。
During the Tang Dynasty, a famous poet named Li Bai wanted to recruit a disciple to inherit his poetic skills. Many disciples came, some talented and gifted, others mediocre and only pretending. Li Bai carefully selected, preferring quality over quantity, and ultimately only accepted a truly gifted disciple who would later become a renowned poet himself.
Usage
多用于人才选拔、物品挑选等场合,强调选择标准的高质量。
Mostly used in talent selection and product selection, emphasizing high quality standards.
Examples
-
招聘人才,宁缺毋滥,保证质量。
zhaopin rencai, ningque wulan, baozheng zhiliang.
When recruiting talent, we should rather have fewer people but ensure their quality.
-
选购商品,宁缺毋滥,适合就好。
xuangou shangpin, ningque wulan, shihe jiuhao
When buying products, we should rather have fewer but suitable ones.