# 平分秋色

píng fēn qiū sè

Be equally matched or share distinction equally

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Share the autumn colors evenly

**Register:** General · spoken & written

[People & connection](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/relationships)

## When to use it

Compare two sides whose merits are closely balanced.

It need not describe exact numerical equality.

## The image & its use

Two gardens may appeal in different ways: one has graceful paths, while the other has a richer variety of flowers. A viewer can find their overall merits closely balanced. This expression captures that sense of equal distinction. It can describe competitors, works, or complementary strengths. The comparison should make clear which qualities are being judged. Equal appreciation does not require identical features, and a figurative judgment of balance is different from reporting a measured tie in a formal result.

## Examples

这两幅画各有特色，可以说平分秋色。

### Traditional Chinese

這兩幅畫各有特色，可以說平分秋色。

zhè liǎng fú huà gè yǒu tè sè ， kě yǐ shuō píng fēn qiū sè 。

The two paintings have different strengths and are equally impressive.

两位选手表现出色，平分秋色。

### Traditional Chinese

兩位選手表現出色，平分秋色。

liǎng wèi xuǎn shǒu biǎo xiàn chū sè ， píng fēn qiū sè 。

Both participants performed excellently and were evenly matched.

这两座花园在景致上平分秋色。

### Traditional Chinese

這兩座花園在景緻上平分秋色。

zhè liǎng zuò huā yuán zài jǐng zhì shàng píng fēn qiū sè 。

The two gardens are equally appealing in their scenery.

传统材料与现代设计在这件作品中平分秋色。

### Traditional Chinese

傳統材料與現代設計在這件作品中平分秋色。

chuán tǒng cái liào yǔ xiàn dài shè jì zài zhè jiàn zuò pǐn zhōng píng fēn qiū sè 。

Traditional materials and modern design share equal distinction in this work.

## 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=1367&webMd=1&la=0)

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E5%B9%B3%E5%88%86%E7%A7%8B%E8%89%B2)

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