# 因材施教

yīn cái shī jiào

Teach according to each learner’s needs

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Teach according to the material

**Register:** Positive · education

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

## When to use it

Use for adjusting instruction to a learner’s strengths and needs.

材 refers figuratively to the learner’s qualities, not a fixed limit on potential.

## Behind the words

Traditional discussions of teaching connect guidance with the learner’s particular qualities. The expression values responsive instruction.

材 refers here to a learner's qualities and capacities rather than physical materials. The idiom describes adjusting teaching to the individual. It can include different explanations, pacing, tasks, or support. It does not justify permanently labeling students as incapable: the aim is to help each learner develop through an appropriate approach.

## Examples

这位老师善于因材施教，让每个学生都能进步。

### Traditional Chinese

這位老師善於因材施教，讓每個學生都能進步。

zhè wèi lǎo shī shàn yú yīn cái shī jiào ， ràng měi gè xué shēng dōu néng jìn bù 。

This teacher adapts instruction so every student can improve.

老师为基础不同的学生安排不同练习，做到因材施教。

### Traditional Chinese

老師為基礎不同的學生安排不同練習，做到因材施教。

lǎo shī wèi jī chǔ bù tóng de xué shēng ān pái bù tóng liàn xí ， zuò dào yīn cái shī jiào 。

The teacher assigned different exercises to students with different foundations, adapting instruction to their needs.

这所学校重视因材施教，不要求每个人用同一种方式学习。

### Traditional Chinese

這所學校重視因材施教，不要求每個人用同一種方式學習。

zhè suǒ xué xiào zhòng shì yīn cái shī jiào ， bú yāo qiú měi gè rén yòng tóng yì zhǒng fāng shì xué xí 。

The school adapts instruction instead of requiring everyone to learn in the same way.

她先了解孩子的困难，再因材施教。

### Traditional Chinese

她先了解孩子的困難，再因材施教。

tā xiān liǎo jiě hái zi de kùn nán ， zài yīn cái shī jiào 。

She first identifies each child's difficulties and then adapts her teaching.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 4, 2026.

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=978&q=1&webMd=1&la=0)

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E5%9B%A0%E6%9D%90%E6%96%BD%E6%95%99)

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