# 多多益善

duō duō yì shàn

The more, the better

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** More brings greater benefit

**Register:** Standard · expressive

[Choices & judgment](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/decisions)

## When to use it

Welcome additional help or resources.

Only when extra quantity remains useful.

## Understanding the expression

The expression welcomes an increase because the thing being counted is considered beneficial. Volunteers, useful ideas, or donations may all receive this response. Its brevity makes it common in conversation. More is not always better, however: space, coordination, quality, and side effects can impose limits. The phrase therefore works best when the benefit genuinely grows with quantity, or when its playful exaggeration is clear to the people involved.

## Examples

有用的建议多多益善。

### Traditional Chinese

有用的建議多多益善。

yǒu yòng de jiàn yì duō duō yì shàn 。

The more useful suggestions, the better.

义卖需要帮手，多多益善。

### Traditional Chinese

義賣需要幫手，多多益善。

yì mài xū yào bāng shǒu ， duō duō yì shàn 。

The charity sale needs helpers; the more, the better.

练习机会多多益善，但要注意休息。

### Traditional Chinese

練習機會多多益善，但要注意休息。

liàn xí jī huì duō duō yì shàn ， dàn yào zhù yì xiū xi 。

More practice opportunities are welcome, but remember to rest.

捐来的旧书多多益善，前提是完好。

### Traditional Chinese

捐來的舊書多多益善，前提是完好。

juān lái de jiù shū duō duō yì shàn ， qián tí shì wán hǎo 。

More donated books are welcome, provided they are in good condition.

## 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%A4%9A%E5%A4%9A%E7%9B%8A%E5%96%84)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=957&webMd=1&la=0)

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