一举

• Pinyin: yī jǔ
• Hanzi breakdown: 一 = 一 (one); 举 = 举 (raise/action)

Meaning

One move; single action. As an adverb, at one stroke, in one fell swoop.

Emphasizes accomplishing something with a single decisive action. Often appears in set phrases like 一举成名 (become famous overnight) or 一举两得 (kill two birds with one stone).

Examples

1. 他凭借这部作品一举成名。 He became famous overnight thanks to this work.
2. 警方一举捣毁了这个犯罪团伙。 In one sweep, the police smashed the criminal gang.
3. 这项政策一举解决了多个难题。 This policy solved multiple tough problems in one stroke.

Usage Guide

Context: achievements, decisive actions, news

Tone: emphatic

Do Say

• 这家公司一举拿下三个国际大奖。(This company won three international awards in one fell swoop.)
• 她一举打破了世界纪录。(She broke the world record in a single attempt.)

Don't Say

• 我一举吃了饭 — 一举 implies significant achievement, not routine actions like eating

Origin & History

一 (one) + 举 (action/move)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal