# 精益求精

jīng yì qiú jīng

Keep improving something already good

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Seek further excellence beyond excellence

**Register:** Appreciative · expressive

[Effort & growth](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/effort)

## When to use it

Praise continuing refinement and high standards.

Should not become endless polishing that prevents delivery.

## Understanding the expression

The work is already good, but the person continues looking for ways to make it better. The expression praises refinement rather than the correction of only obvious failure. A musician improves phrasing, a craftsperson adjusts details, or an editor strengthens an accurate explanation. The pursuit has value when improvements serve the purpose. Without limits, however, perfectionism can consume time without meaningful benefit. Good judgment includes knowing which refinements matter most.

## Examples

她对每道菜都精益求精。

### Traditional Chinese

她對每道菜都精益求精。

tā duì měi dào cài dōu jīng yì qiú jīng 。

She keeps refining every dish.

团队精益求精，提升了阅读体验。

### Traditional Chinese

團隊精益求精，提升了閱讀體驗。

tuán duì jīng yì qiú jīng ， tí shēng le yuè dú tǐ yàn 。

The team kept improving and enhanced the reading experience.

工匠精益求精，反复打磨细节。

### Traditional Chinese

工匠精益求精，反覆打磨細節。

gōng jiàng jīng yì qiú jīng ， fǎn fù dǎ mó xì jié 。

The craftsperson repeatedly refined details in pursuit of greater excellence.

精益求精也要按时交付。

### Traditional Chinese

精益求精也要按時交付。

jīng yì qiú jīng yě yào àn shí jiāo fù 。

Continual refinement must still allow timely delivery.

## 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=%E7%B2%BE%E7%9B%8A%E6%B1%82%E7%B2%BE)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=901&webMd=1&la=0)

## Keep exploring

- [鞠躬尽瘁 jū gōng jìn cuì Devote oneself with utmost effort ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/ju-gong-jin-cui)

- [聚精会神 jù jīng huì shén Concentrate one's attention fully ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/ju-jing-hui-shen)

- [聚沙成塔 jù shā chéng tǎ Small amounts accumulate into a substantial whole ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/ju-sha-cheng-ta)

- [开卷有益 kāi juàn yǒu yì Reading brings benefit ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/kai-juan-you-yi)

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