Skip to content

不求有功，但求无过

bù qiú yǒu gōng , dàn qiú wú guò

Definitions

  1. 1. lit. not aiming to achieve the best possible result, but rather trying to avoid making mistakes (idiom)
  2. 2. fig. to take a risk-averse approach

Stop forgetting what you study. Build recall daily.

Try HanyuGuide's Chinese review system with multiple choice, typed recall, tone-aware practice, and reviews scheduled before memory fades.

Start Free Trial $9.99 / year
Try the 30-second demo

Child Words of 不求有功，但求无过

不
bù

no; not so

但
dàn

but; yet; however; still

功
gōng

meritorious deed or service

有
yǒu

to have; there is

求
qiú

to seek

无
wú

not to have

过
guò

to cross

过
guo

(experienced action marker)