# 千篇一律

qiān piān yī lǜ

Be monotonously repetitive

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** A thousand pieces follow one pattern

**Register:** Critical · general

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

## When to use it

Criticize lack of variety or individuality.

Consistency can be useful when standardization is the aim.

## Understanding the expression

A thousand written pieces arranged by one rule suggest repetition so extensive that individual differences disappear. The expression criticizes formulaic articles, products, performances, or designs. The reader or user feels that encountering one is much like encountering all the others. It does not condemn every shared standard. A consistent safety checklist can be valuable, while creative work may need variety. The context should show why sameness limits meaning, enjoyment, or usefulness in this case.

## Examples

这些广告千篇一律，没人记得。

### Traditional Chinese

這些廣告千篇一律，沒人記得。

zhè xiē guǎng gào qiān piān yī lǜ ， méi rén jì de 。

The repetitive advertisements are forgettable.

菜单不再千篇一律，加入了当地菜。

### Traditional Chinese

菜單不再千篇一律，加入了當地菜。

cài dān bú zài qiān piān yī lǜ ， jiā rù le dāng dì cài 。

The menu gained variety with local dishes.

她讨厌千篇一律的模板回复。

### Traditional Chinese

她討厭千篇一律的模板回覆。

tā tǎo yàn qiān piān yī lǜ de mú bǎn huí fù 。

She dislikes formulaic template replies.

作业要求一样，答案却不必千篇一律。

### Traditional Chinese

作業要求一樣，答案卻不必千篇一律。

zuò yè yāo qiú yí yàng ， dá àn què bú bì qiān piān yī lǜ 。

The assignment is shared, but answers need not be identical.

## 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%8D%83%E7%AF%87%E4%B8%80%E5%BE%8B)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=613&webMd=1&la=0)

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