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Vivian
Community TutorHi everyone 👋
Hope you’re having a great day learning Chinese!
Today let’s look at two similar-sounding phrases that often confuse learners:
一五一十 vs 二五一十
Yī wǔ yī shí vs Èr wǔ yī shí
These two phrases sound almost the same, but they are totally different!
一五一十 (yī wǔ yī shí)
Type: Chinese Idiom (成语)
Meaning:
to tell something fully, honestly, in detail, with nothing hidden
原原本本、清清楚楚、毫无隐瞒地说出来
Origin:
In ancient China, people counted money in groups of five: 5, 10, 15...
So it means “counting clearly, no mistakes, no omissions.”
Example:
• 他把事情一五一十地告诉了我。
• He told me everything yī wǔ yī shí.
二五一十 (èr wǔ yī shí)
Type: Multiplication Rhyme (乘法口诀)
Meaning:
2 × 5 = 10
Only used in math, not an idiom!
Example:
• 小朋友背:二五一十,三五十五……
• Kids recite: Two times five is ten, three times five is fifteen...
Cultural Note
• 一五一十 shows Chinese value: honesty & thoroughness
• 二五一十 shows traditional Chinese math wisdom
Next time you hear them, you won’t mix them up!
If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below 😊
Apr 10, 2026 1:21 AM
Vivian
Language Skills
Chinese (Mandarin), Chinese (Cantonese), English
Learning Language
Chinese (Cantonese)
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