整齐划一

zhěngqí huà yī◆idiom

uniform and standardized

这个工厂的生产流程非常整齐划一，每个步骤都有严格的标准。

The production process in this factory is highly uniform and standardized, with strict standards for every step.

◆ What It Really Means

A system, group, or process that adheres strictly to a single standard, leaving no room for variation or individuality. It emphasizes conformity and precision, often in contexts where uniformity is essential for efficiency or control.

¶ Literal Meaning

Neat and uniform in arrangement or procedure.

Literal Breakdown

整齐neat; orderly+划一uniform; consistent

◇ Mental Image

A perfectly aligned formation of soldiers marching in unison, or a factory assembly line where every machine and worker follows the exact same steps.

◈ When to Use

A manager inspecting a factory might say, '这个车间的生产流程整齐划一，每个步骤都经过严格培训。' (This workshop's production process is uniform and standardized; every step has been rigorously trained.)

◉ Cultural Note

The idiom reflects China's historical emphasis on order and hierarchy, combined with modern organizational principles. It is often used in state-run enterprises or military contexts to describe idealized systems of control and efficiency.

formal

Conforming to a single standard or pattern; highly organized and consistent in appearance, structure, or procedure.

军队的队列训练要求士兵动作整齐划一，步伐一致。

Military drills require soldiers to move in uniform and synchronized steps.

现代企业管理强调流程整齐划一，以提高效率和减少错误。

Modern enterprise management emphasizes standardized processes to improve efficiency and reduce errors.

Often used in organizational, military, or industrial contexts to describe systems or groups that follow identical procedures or designs.

Collocations

整齐划一的队伍uniform ranks整齐划一的步伐synchronized steps整齐划一的管理standardized management

Synonyms

统一规范化标准化

Antonyms

参差不齐杂乱无章

Related Phrases

整齐如一phrase

uniform and consistent

步调一致phrase

in step; synchronized

Pro Tip

Avoid literal interpretation

Do not confuse this idiom with its literal components ('整齐' = neat, '划一' = uniform). The idiom conveys a sense of strict standardization, not just tidiness.

Gold Rule

Use in structured contexts

This idiom is best suited for describing systems, groups, or processes that follow identical procedures or designs, such as military drills, corporate workflows, or manufacturing standards.

Word Origin

The term combines '整齐' (zhěngqí, meaning 'neat' or 'orderly') and '划一' (huà yī, meaning 'uniform' or 'consistent'). It emerged in modern Chinese as a compound to describe systems or groups that adhere strictly to a single standard. The idiom reflects the influence of Western organizational principles on Chinese language during the early 20th century.

Usage Notes

Primarily used in formal contexts, such as military, industrial, or administrative settings. Avoid using it in casual conversations unless referring to highly structured systems.

Word Breakdown

整齐

neat; orderly; tidy

root

划一

uniform; consistent; standardized

root

汉英词典

Browse more Chinese→English words →