📖 Meaning
Describes a great variety of things with significant differences among them. It emphasizes that objects or phenomena of the same kind can differ widely in form, nature, or characteristics.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase traces back to Tang dynasty Buddhist literature, appearing in the monk Shandao's 'Da Tang Shandao Heshang Ji·Zheng Ji Xu,' which observes that all dharmas exhibit 'a myriad of differences' yet are seen clearly by the Tathagata and Avalokiteshvara. It was later recorded by the Song dynasty monk Puji in 'Wudeng Huiyuan' (Compendium of the Five Lamps), volume 20, with the verse 'Among ten thousand differences and thousand variations there is nowhere to seek it; once attained, it turns out to be right at the tip of the nose.' The expression reflects a Chan Buddhist insight about the diversity of appearances concealing an underlying unity.
💡 Example Usage
世间的植物万别千差，各有其独特的生长习性。
The plants of the world vary in myriad ways, each with its own unique growth habits.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 万别千差
- Pinyin: wàn bié qiān chā
- Literal Translation: ten thousand differences, thousand variations
- Category: Variety
- Characters: 4