# 一波三折

yī bō sān zhé

Undergo many twists and setbacks

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** One wave has three bends

**Register:** Descriptive · general

[Change & possibility](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/change)

## When to use it

Describe a process that repeatedly changes direction.

Can be engaging in stories or frustrating in real projects.

## Understanding the expression

A wave or flowing stroke does not proceed in a perfectly straight line. The expression compares those turns to a narrative or undertaking with repeated complications. It often describes an application, trip, or negotiation that meets more than one setback before reaching its result. The number is figurative, not a required count. In storytelling, such turns may be enjoyable; in practical arrangements, they commonly make the process tiring and unpredictable.

## Examples

这次搬家一波三折。

### Traditional Chinese

這次搬家一波三折。

zhè cì bān jiā yī bō sān zhé 。

This move faced repeated complications.

申请过程一波三折，终于获批。

### Traditional Chinese

申請過程一波三折，終於獲批。

shēn qǐng guò chéng yī bō sān zhé ， zhōng yú huò pī 。

The application finally succeeded after several setbacks.

电影情节一波三折。

### Traditional Chinese

電影情節一波三折。

diàn yǐng qíng jié yī bō sān zhé 。

The film's plot has many twists.

婚礼筹备一波三折，但大家都到了。

### Traditional Chinese

婚禮籌備一波三折，但大家都到了。

hūn lǐ chóu bèi yī bō sān zhé ， dàn dà jiā dōu dào le 。

The wedding preparations were complicated, but everyone arrived.

## 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=%E4%B8%80%E6%B3%A2%E4%B8%89%E6%8A%98)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=549&webMd=1&la=0)

## Keep exploring

- [一成不变 yī chéng bù biàn Remain fixed and unchanged ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/yi-cheng-bu-bian)

- [一帆风顺 yī fān fēng shùn Proceed smoothly without obstacles ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/yi-fan-feng-shun)

- [移风易俗 yí fēng yì sú Reform established customs and habits ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/yi-feng-yi-su)

- [衣锦还乡 yī jǐn huán xiāng Return home after achieving success ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/yi-jin-huan-xiang)

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