How do you pronounce 唯利是图?

唯利是图 is pronounced wéi lì shì tú in Mandarin Chinese.

What does 唯利是图 literally mean?

Literally, 唯利是图 means “seek only profit; be solely profit-driven”. It is used to mean “driven solely by considerations of profit or gain”.

Where does 唯利是图 come from?

唯利是图 comes from a classical Chinese story dating back to ancient China. The full story is on this page.

What is the Chinese definition of 唯利是图?

唯：只有；图：图谋，追求。只要有利可图，什么事都干。

唯利是图 — “Driven solely by considerations of profit or gain”

唯利是图 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “driven solely by considerations of profit or gain”. Be intent on nothing but personal profit; mercenary; unscrupulous in pursuit of gain. Literally, “seek only profit; be solely profit-driven”.

Frequency

唯利是图 Pronunciation and Pinyin

唯wéi
利lì
是shì
图tú

唯利是图 Character Breakdown

Character	Pinyin	Strokes	Meaning
唯	wéi	11	only, solely, yes
利	lì	7	benefit, smooth, sharp, profit
是	shì	9	to be, yes, right
图	tú	8	picture, map, plan, seek

Example Sentence with 唯利是图

那个商人唯利是图，为了眼前的利益不惜损害客户的信任。

That merchant was solely profit-driven, willing to damage customer trust for immediate gains.

Origin and Story of 唯利是图

During the Spring and Autumn Period, Duke Huan of Qin often acted without integrity. He signed an alliance with Duke Li of Jin at Linghu. However, after returning to his state, he immediately broke his promise, instigating the Di and Chu states to attack Jin. He famously told the King of Chu, "Although I have dealings with Jin, I only look to profit."

Duke Li of Jin was enraged and sent his minister Lü Xiang to formally sever ties with Qin. Shortly after the two states broke off relations, war erupted between them.

Idioms Related to 唯利是图

Synonyms of 唯利是图

Antonyms of 唯利是图

More idioms starting with 唯

Questions about 唯利是图

What does 唯利是图 mean?: 唯利是图 (wéi lì shì tú) is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “driven solely by considerations of profit or gain”.
How do you pronounce 唯利是图?: 唯利是图 is pronounced wéi lì shì tú in Mandarin Chinese.
What does 唯利是图 literally mean?: Literally, 唯利是图 means “seek only profit; be solely profit-driven”. It is used to mean “driven solely by considerations of profit or gain”.
Where does 唯利是图 come from?: 唯利是图 comes from a classical Chinese story dating back to ancient China. The full story is on this page.
What is the Chinese definition of 唯利是图?: 唯：只有；图：图谋，追求。只要有利可图，什么事都干。

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