# 半斤八两

bàn jīn bā liǎng

Much alike, often equally poor

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Half a catty and eight taels

**Traditional Chinese:** 半斤八兩

**Register:** Critical · expressive

[Perspective](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/perspective)

## When to use it

Compare two things with little meaningful difference.

Usually mildly dismissive, rather than praise.

## Understanding the expression

The quantities look different but represent the same weight in the traditional comparison behind the phrase. Modern use says that two people or things are much alike, often in a weakness neither admits. It can puncture a claim of superiority when the supposedly better option has similar faults. The expression is informal and commonly dismissive. For two excellent choices, a more clearly complimentary comparison usually suits the situation better.

## Examples

两人的厨艺半斤八两。

### Traditional Chinese

兩人的廚藝半斤八兩。

liǎng rén de chú yì bàn jīn bā liǎng 。

Their cooking skills are much the same.

这两款旧手机半斤八两。

### Traditional Chinese

這兩款舊手機半斤八兩。

zhè liǎng kuǎn jiù shǒu jī bàn jīn bā liǎng 。

These two old phones are much alike.

你们都迟到了，半斤八两。

### Traditional Chinese

你們都遲到了，半斤八兩。

nǐ men dōu chí dào le ， bàn jīn bā liǎng 。

You were both late, so neither is better than the other.

两份草稿错误不少，半斤八两。

### Traditional Chinese

兩份草稿錯誤不少，半斤八兩。

liǎng fèn cǎo gǎo cuò wù bù shǎo ， bàn jīn bā liǎng 。

Both drafts contain plenty of errors and are equally poor.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E5%8D%8A%E6%96%A4%E5%85%AB%E5%85%A9)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=750&webMd=1&la=0)

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