# 与时俱进

yǔ shí jù jìn

Keep pace with the times

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Advance together with the times

**Traditional Chinese:** 與時俱進

**Register:** Positive · formal

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

## When to use it

Use for updating ideas or methods as conditions change.

It is common in formal public language.

## Behind the words

The expression pairs progress with the movement of time. It emphasizes adapting one’s approach to changing conditions.

The expression encourages adapting one's knowledge, methods, or institutions as circumstances develop. It is often used in formal discussion about modernization. It does not mean adopting every fashionable idea without judgment. A useful application identifies the change in circumstances and explains why an established approach needs updating.

## Examples

教学方法也需要与时俱进。

### Traditional Chinese

教學方法也需要與時俱進。

jiào xué fāng fǎ yě xū yào yǔ shí jù jìn 。

Teaching methods also need to keep pace with the times.

教学方法也要与时俱进，回应学生的新需求。

### Traditional Chinese

教學方法也要與時俱進，回應學生的新需求。

jiào xué fāng fǎ yě yào yǔ shí jù jìn ， huí yìng xué shēng de xīn xū qiú 。

Teaching methods should keep up with changing student needs.

这家老店与时俱进，增加了线上订购服务。

### Traditional Chinese

這家老店與時俱進，增加了線上訂購服務。

zhè jiā lǎo diàn yǔ shí jù jìn ， zēng jiā le xiàn shàng dìng gòu fú wù 。

The long-established shop adapted to the times by adding online ordering.

法律教育需要与时俱进，关注新的社会问题。

### Traditional Chinese

法律教育需要與時俱進，關注新的社會問題。

fǎ lǜ jiào yù xū yào yǔ shí jù jìn ， guān zhù xīn de shè huì wèn tí 。

Legal education needs to respond to emerging social issues.

## Sources & reference checks

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

- [Wiktionary · usage cross-check](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E8%88%87%E6%99%82%E4%BF%B1%E9%80%B2)

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E8%88%87%E6%99%82%E4%BF%B1%E9%80%B2)

## Keep exploring

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