# 各有千秋

gè yǒu qiān qiū

Each has distinct merits

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Each has a thousand autumns of worth

**Register:** Appreciative · expressive

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

## When to use it

Compare alternatives with different strengths.

Does not mean every option is equally suitable.

## Understanding the expression

The expression gives each side its own lasting value instead of forcing a single ranking. It suits styles, products, places, or methods that excel in different ways. One may be lighter while another is more durable, for example. Recognizing both strengths does not remove the need to choose. The right option depends on the purpose and constraints, so the phrase opens a balanced comparison rather than declaring all differences irrelevant.

## Examples

两种字体各有千秋。

### Traditional Chinese

兩種字體各有千秋。

liǎng zhǒng zì tǐ gè yǒu qiān qiū 。

The two typefaces each have their own merits.

纸书和电子书各有千秋。

### Traditional Chinese

紙書和電子書各有千秋。

zhǐ shū hé diàn zǐ shū gè yǒu qiān qiū 。

Printed books and electronic books have different strengths.

这两位演员各有千秋。

### Traditional Chinese

這兩位演員各有千秋。

zhè liǎng wèi yǎn yuán gè yǒu qiān qiū 。

These two actors each have distinctive strengths.

两条路线各有千秋，要看天气。

### Traditional Chinese

兩條路線各有千秋，要看天氣。

liǎng tiáo lù xiàn gè yǒu qiān qiū ， yào kàn tiān qì 。

The two routes have different advantages, depending on the weather.

## 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%90%84%E6%9C%89%E5%8D%83%E7%A7%8B)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=964&webMd=1&la=0)

## Keep exploring

- [狗尾续貂 gǒu wěi xù diāo Add an inferior continuation to something excellent ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/gou-wei-xu-diao)

- [孤陋寡闻 gū lòu guǎ wén Have limited knowledge and experience ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/gu-lou-gua-wen)

- [顾名思义 gù míng sī yì Infer the meaning from the name ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/gu-ming-si-yi)

- [古色古香 gǔ sè gǔ xiāng Have the appealing character of an old style ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/gu-se-gu-xiang)

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