# 标新立异

biāo xīn lì yì

Assert originality through unconventional ideas

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Raise a new standard and establish difference

**Traditional Chinese:** 標新立異

**Register:** Evaluative · general

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

## When to use it

Describe conspicuous innovation or deliberate distinctiveness.

Can praise originality or criticize difference pursued merely for attention.

## Understanding the expression

The expression presents a new position prominently and separates it from established practice. It can describe an original artist or a person determined to stand out. The tone depends on whether the difference serves a meaningful purpose. New ideas may challenge stale assumptions, but unusual appearance alone can be superficial. A useful sentence explains what is new and why it matters, allowing the reader to distinguish valuable innovation from attention-seeking novelty without judging difference automatically.

## Examples

她的设计标新立异，却很实用。

### Traditional Chinese

她的設計標新立異，卻很實用。

tā de shè jì biāo xīn lì yì ， què hěn shí yòng 。

Her unconventional design is also practical.

他只想标新立异，没有解决问题。

### Traditional Chinese

他只想標新立異，沒有解決問題。

tā zhī xiǎng biāo xīn lì yì ， méi yǒu jiě jué wèn tí 。

He seeks novelty without solving the problem.

年轻诗人敢于标新立异。

### Traditional Chinese

年輕詩人敢於標新立異。

nián qīng shī rén gǎn yú biāo xīn lì yì 。

The young poet dares to be original.

课程鼓励标新立异，也要求说明理由。

### Traditional Chinese

課程鼓勵標新立異，也要求說明理由。

kè chéng gǔ lì biāo xīn lì yì ， yě yāo qiú shuō míng lǐ yóu 。

The course welcomes original ideas with supporting reasons.

## 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=%E6%A8%99%E6%96%B0%E7%AB%8B%E7%95%B0)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=653&webMd=1&la=0)

## Keep exploring

- [别出心裁 bié chū xīn cái Create an original and thoughtful approach ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/bie-chu-xin-cai)

- [别开生面 bié kāi shēng miàn Create a fresh and distinctive experience ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/bie-kai-sheng-mian)

- [别有天地 bié yǒu tiān dì Have a distinctive world or atmosphere of its own ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/bie-you-tian-di)

- [并驾齐驱 bìng jià qí qū Keep pace or stand on equal terms ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/bing-jia-qi-qu)

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