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多多益善

다다익선 多多益善

The more there is of something, the better it becomes. It describes a situation where utility or value increases as quantity grows.

Korean Idiom 4-character idiom Learn with Music
Quick Answer

다다익선 (多多益善) means "The more there is of something, the better it becomes. It describes a situation where utility or value increases as quantity grows.". This idiom originates from the 'Biography of the Marquis of Huaiyin' in the Records of the Grand His

1 Meaning

다다익선 (多多益善) means “The more there is of something, the better it becomes. It describes a situation where utility or value increases as quantity grows.”.

Dadaikseon (多多益善) literally translates to 'the more, the better.' It refers to situations where an increase in quantity leads to greater effectiveness, utility, or value.

The Western Equivalent

“The more, the merrier”

Similar in spirit. Both mean a greater quantity is better. The nuance differs slightly: 多多益善 (from general Han Xin boasting he could command any number of troops) stresses capacity and advantage, while "the more, the merrier" stresses enjoyment.

2 Examples

1

A large-scale community project requiring a high volume of volunteers.

The organizers accepted far more applicants than initially planned and delegated specific roles to everyone.

2

A professional seeking to enhance their career through diverse self-development.

In addition to their core field, they acquired skills in foreign languages, coding, and video editing.

3

Launching a social media campaign for environmental protection.

Rather than relying on a few individuals, the campaign gathered tens of thousands of hashtag shares to create awareness.

Which situation fits this idiom?

Pick the everyday scene where “다다익선” fits best.

3 Origin

This idiom originates from the 'Biography of the Marquis of Huaiyin' in the Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji). During a conversation between Emperor Gaozu (Liu Bang) of the Han Dynasty and his legendary general Han Xin, the Emperor asked, 'How many troops do you think I can command?' Han Xin replied, 'Perhaps a hundred thousand.' When the Emperor asked how many Han Xin himself could lead, the general confidently replied, 'For me, the more there are, the better' (臣多多益善耳). This showcased his peerless confidence in his military leadership. In a modern context, this energy of demanding more passion and more voices represents the positive power of infinite expansion and synergy.

4 Key Lessons

1

Developing your personal capacity allows you to manage greater responsibilities and resources with confidence.

2

Positive energy and collaborative voices create a massive synergy that grows stronger as more people join in.

3

Sometimes, boldly pursuing abundance rather than settling for the bare minimum serves as a powerful engine for growth.

5 English Expression

English Vocabulary

The more, the better

많을수록 좋다 (다다익선)

"When it comes to volunteers for the event, the more, the better."

Till dawn

새벽까지

"We danced till dawn at the summer festival."

No doubt

의심의 여지 없이, 확실히

"She is, no doubt, the best singer in our class."

Roar

포효하다, 크게 울리다

"The crowd began to roar when the goal was scored."

6 Learn with Music

다다익선 track image

다다익선 Track

The More, The Better (多多益善)

“많을수록 더 좋다”는 다다익선처럼 사랑도 에너지도 한 번 더, 한 번 더 쌓을수록 밤이 더 뜨겁게 빛난다는 메시지를 “The more, the better” 훅으로 중독성 있게 반복한 노래

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