里程碑

• Pinyin: lǐ chéng bēi
• Hanzi breakdown: 里 = 田 (field) + 土 (earth — unit of distance); 程 = 禾 (grain) + 呈 (present — measure/extent); 碑 = 石 (stone) + 卑 (humble — marker)

Meaning

Milestone; a significant marker of progress or achievement. Literally, a stone marker on a road indicating distance.

Used both literally (historical road markers) and, in modern usage, almost always metaphorically — marking a landmark achievement, breakthrough, or historical turning point. Common in business, science, history, and personal development contexts.

Examples

1. 这项技术的研发成功是该领域发展史上的一座重要里程碑。 The successful development of this technology is an important milestone in the history of the field.
2. 公司成立二十周年是一个重要的里程碑，也是展望未来的起点。 The company’s 20th anniversary is a major milestone and also a starting point for looking ahead.
3. 此次谈判达成协议被国际社会视为外交史上的重大里程碑。 The agreement reached in these talks is widely regarded by the international community as a major milestone in diplomatic history.

Usage Guide

Context: business, history, science, achievement

Tone: celebratory

Do Say

• 人类首次登上月球是二十世纪最重要的里程碑之一。(The first human landing on the moon is one of the most important milestones of the twentieth century.)
• 完成第一笔融资是这家创业公司发展历程中的关键里程碑。(Securing the first round of funding was a key milestone in the development of this start-up.)

Don't Say

• 将里程碑用于描述日常小事 — 里程碑专指具有重大历史或发展意义的事件，不应用于形容普通或微小的进展

Origin & History

里程 (mileage/distance) + 碑 (stone tablet/stele)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal