# 一气呵成

yī qì hē chéng

Complete smoothly in one continuous flow

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Accomplish it in one breath

**Traditional Chinese:** 一氣呵成

**Register:** Appreciative · general

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

## When to use it

Praise fluent work or coherent expression.

May describe flow rather than literal absence of pauses.

## Understanding the expression

A breath links the whole action into one continuous movement. Modern use praises writing, performance, or work that proceeds fluently without awkward interruption. It can also describe a finished piece whose parts feel naturally connected. The emphasis is continuity and coherence, unlike simple speed alone. Preparation may take a long time before the final action flows smoothly, and revision can preserve that unity rather than automatically weaken the achievement described.

## Examples

她一气呵成地写完短文。

### Traditional Chinese

她一氣呵成地寫完短文。

tā yī qì hē chéng dì xiě wán duǎn wén 。

She wrote the short piece in one fluent flow.

这段舞蹈一气呵成。

### Traditional Chinese

這段舞蹈一氣呵成。

zhè duàn wǔ dǎo yī qì hē chéng 。

This dance sequence flows smoothly as a whole.

他一气呵成录好了旁白。

### Traditional Chinese

他一氣呵成錄好了旁白。

tā yī qì hē chéng lù hǎo le páng bái 。

He recorded the narration in one continuous take.

文章虽经修改，读来仍一气呵成。

### Traditional Chinese

文章雖經修改，讀來仍一氣呵成。

wén zhāng suī jīng xiū gǎi ， dú lái réng yī qì hē chéng 。

Though revised, the article still reads as one coherent flow.

## 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%B0%A3%E5%91%B5%E6%88%90)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=331&webMd=1&la=0)

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