# 参差不齐

cēn cī bù qí

Uneven or varying in level

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Long and short parts do not align

**Traditional Chinese:** 參差不齊

**Register:** General · spoken & written

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

## When to use it

Describe differences in height, size, standard, or ability.

Variation is not automatically a fault; judge against the task.

## The image & its use

A row of handmade cups may have slightly different heights, while a group of learners may have different amounts of experience. This expression can describe either physical unevenness or variation in level. The comparison matters: natural variety can be appealing, but a fitted shelf may require consistent dimensions. State which quality varies and why it matters. That makes the phrase a useful observation rather than a vague criticism of everything that is not exactly the same.

## Examples

这些手工杯子的高度参差不齐。

### Traditional Chinese

這些手工杯子的高度參差不齊。

zhè xiē shǒu gōng bēi zi de gāo dù cēn cī bù qí 。

The handmade cups vary in height.

学员的基础参差不齐，课程需要分层安排。

### Traditional Chinese

學員的基礎參差不齊，課程需要分層安排。

xué yuán de jī chǔ cēn cī bù qí ， kè chéng xū yào fēn céng ān pái 。

The learners have different starting levels, so the course needs varied support.

这批资料的完整程度参差不齐。

### Traditional Chinese

這批資料的完整程度參差不齊。

zhè pī zī liào de wán zhěng chéng dù cēn cī bù qí 。

The materials vary in completeness.

树篱参差不齐，修整后会更整洁。

### Traditional Chinese

樹籬參差不齊，修整後會更整潔。

shù lí cēn cī bù qí ， xiū zhěng hòu huì gèng zhěng jié 。

The hedge is uneven and will look tidier after trimming.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 7, 2026.

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=1298&webMd=1&la=0)

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E5%8F%83%E5%B7%AE%E4%B8%8D%E9%BD%8A)

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