# 殊途同归

shū tú tóng guī

Reach the same result by different routes

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Different paths return to one destination

**Traditional Chinese:** 殊途同歸

**Register:** Standard · expressive

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

## When to use it

Compare distinct methods with a shared endpoint.

Same endpoint does not imply equal quality or cost.

## Understanding the expression

Different roads can lead travelers to the same place. The expression applies that familiar possibility to methods, arguments, or experiences that produce a shared conclusion. It highlights convergence despite differences along the way. Those differences may still matter: one route can be safer, cheaper, or more suitable for a particular person. Use the phrase to identify the common destination without assuming that every method leading there deserves the same evaluation.

## Examples

两种算法殊途同归。

### Traditional Chinese

兩種算法殊途同歸。

liǎng zhǒng suàn fǎ shū tú tóng guī 。

The two algorithms reach the same result by different methods.

他们的观点起初不同，最后殊途同归。

### Traditional Chinese

他們的觀點起初不同，最後殊途同歸。

tā men de guān diǎn qǐ chū bù tóng ， zuì hòu shū tú tóng guī 。

Their views began differently but reached the same conclusion.

自学与课堂学习也可能殊途同归。

### Traditional Chinese

自學與課堂學習也可能殊途同歸。

zì xué yǔ kè táng xué xí yě kě néng shū tú tóng guī 。

Self-study and classroom learning may reach the same goal.

两条路线殊途同归，都到湖边。

### Traditional Chinese

兩條路線殊途同歸，都到湖邊。

liǎng tiáo lù xiàn shū tú tóng guī ， dōu dào hú biān 。

The two routes lead to the same lakeside destination.

## 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=%E6%AE%8A%E9%80%94%E5%90%8C%E6%AD%B8)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=910&webMd=1&la=0)

## Keep exploring

- [水落石出 shuǐ luò shí chū The truth becomes clear ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/shui-luo-shi-chu)

- [司空见惯 sī kōng jiàn guàn So familiar that it no longer surprises ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/si-kong-jian-guan)

- [四通八达 sì tōng bā dá Have routes or connections in every direction ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/si-tong-ba-da)

- [随声附和 suí shēng fù hè Echo others without independent judgment ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/sui-sheng-fu-he)

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