# 异曲同工

yì qǔ tóng gōng

Use different approaches with equally good effects

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Different tunes with equal craftsmanship

**Traditional Chinese:** 異曲同工

**Register:** Appreciative · expressive

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

## When to use it

Compare distinct works or methods that achieve similar excellence.

More complimentary than merely sharing an outcome.

## Understanding the expression

Two different melodies can display equally skillful artistry. The expression carries that comparison to methods, designs, or ideas that differ in form but have similar successful effects. It often praises ingenuity rather than treating the approaches as interchangeable. Their separate strengths may still matter in different situations. The central point is that difference in expression does not prevent comparable quality, allowing appreciation of more than one way to accomplish something well.

## Examples

两款设计异曲同工。

### Traditional Chinese

兩款設計異曲同工。

liǎng kuǎn shè jì yì qǔ tóng gōng 。

The two designs achieve equally effective results in different ways.

这两首诗有异曲同工之妙。

### Traditional Chinese

這兩首詩有異曲同工之妙。

zhè liǎng shǒu shī yǒu yì qǔ tóng gōng zhī miào 。

The two poems have a similarly excellent effect despite their differences.

她们的方法异曲同工，都很清楚。

### Traditional Chinese

她們的方法異曲同工，都很清楚。

tā men de fāng fǎ yì qǔ tóng gōng ， dōu hěn qīng chǔ 。

Their different methods are equally clear and effective.

木桥与石桥的布局异曲同工。

### Traditional Chinese

木橋與石橋的佈局異曲同工。

mù qiáo yǔ shí qiáo de bù jú yì qǔ tóng gōng 。

The wooden and stone bridges have similarly effective layouts despite different forms.

## 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=%E7%95%B0%E6%9B%B2%E5%90%8C%E5%B7%A5)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=941&webMd=1&la=0)

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