← IDIOMS · CAUTION
HSK 6
qiānthousandpiānchapteronelaw
Following the same pattern; stereotyped; cut from the same cloth.

Literal meaning

thousand (千) — chapter (篇) — one (一) — law (律)

Origin

A classical four-character phrase, often used to describe writing or art that lacks originality.

Examples

mendeyīnyuèqiānpiānháoxīn
Their music is stereotyped and lacks any originality.
Zhèxiēbàogàoqiānpiānméiyǒugōngrènyǒujiàzhídexìn
These reports are all the same and don't provide any valuable information.

Usage & nuances

Often used in a negative context to criticize a lack of originality or creativity.

Learn idioms by speaking them

Idioms are most useful when they land in a real conversation. Practice them out loud in Kango — get instant feedback on tone and timing.

Download Kango on iOS