顾全大局

• Pinyin: gù quán dà jú
• Hanzi breakdown: 顾 = to consider, attend to; 全 = 入 + 王 — complete, whole; 大 = large; 局 = overall arrangement, situation

Meaning

To take the overall situation into account; to put the bigger picture first; to subordinate personal or partial interests to the greater good. A key concept in Chinese political, organizational, and ethical discourse.

A deeply valued concept in Chinese culture and politics, emphasizing collective interests over individual ones. Frequently invoked in political speeches, organizational management, and interpersonal conflicts to encourage compromise and collective thinking. The phrase carries strong moral weight — refusing to 顾全大局 implies selfishness or short-sightedness.

Examples

1. 在谈判陷入僵局时，双方都应顾全大局，以合作共赢为最终目标。 When negotiations reach a stalemate, both sides should keep the bigger picture in mind and make cooperation and mutual benefit the ultimate goal.
2. 他虽然对调动安排有异议，但为了顾全大局，最终还是服从了组织决定。 He had objections to the reassignment plan, but for the sake of the bigger picture, he ultimately complied with the organization’s decision.
3. 真正成熟的领导者懂得在关键时刻顾全大局，而不是计较个人得失。 Truly mature leaders know how to put the overall situation first at critical moments, instead of obsessing over personal gains and losses.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, organizational management, negotiation, ethics, conflict resolution

Tone: positive

Do Say

• 面对内部分歧，公司高层呼吁各部门顾全大局，将整体战略目标置于部门利益之上。(Facing internal divisions, company leadership called on all departments to take the bigger picture into account and place overall strategic goals above departmental interests.)
• 他在这次合并谈判中主动让步，充分体现了顾全大局的胸怀与担当。(His voluntary concessions during this merger negotiation fully demonstrated the broad-mindedness and sense of responsibility needed to put the overall situation first.)

Don't Say

• 将'顾全大局'仅理解为妥协退让 — the phrase emphasizes active wisdom in protecting collective interests, not passive submission; it implies moral strength and strategic thinking, not mere concession

Origin & History

顾全 (to safeguard; to maintain; to preserve completely) + 大局 (the overall situation; the bigger picture). Together: to preserve and maintain the overall situation.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Professional, political, and organizational contexts