源源不断

• Pinyin: yuán yuán bù duàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 源 = 氵 + 原 (water + original — source, spring; reduplicated for continuous flow); 不 = negation; 断 = 斤 + 糸 (axe + thread/silk — to cut, to sever; 不断 = uncut, unceasing)

Meaning

Continuously flowing without interruption; in a constant, unceasing stream. Describes a steady, unbroken supply or flow of things, people, or resources.

A four-character idiom (成语) describing a continuous, unbroken flow — whether of water, resources, talent, investment, information, or any sustained supply. Commonly used in positive contexts: 源源不断的资金 (a continuous flow of funding), 源源不断的人才 (an unceasing stream of talent), 源源不断的支持 (unceasing support). 源源 is a reduplication of 源 (source/spring), evoking the image of water welling up continuously; 不断 means unceasing.

Examples

1. 互联网能以低成本吸引全球用户注意力和数据，源源不断地变现。 The internet can attract global user attention and data at low cost, and continuously turn them into profit.
2. 科举把源源不断的才学之士纳入治理体系，维持了中华文明的连续性。 The imperial examination system brought a continuous stream of talented people into governance and sustained the continuity of Chinese civilisation.
3. 极地科考站要正常运转，物资必须源源不断地补给，靠的是精密后勤体系。 For a polar research station to function normally, supplies must be replenished continuously, relying on a precise logistics system.

Usage Guide

Context: supply chains, talent, resources, investment, general description

Tone: positive

Do Say

• 完善的职教体系让这里源源不断地输送高素质技工，也是吸引外资的优势。(A strong vocational education system here continuously supplies highly skilled technicians, which is also an advantage in attracting foreign investment.)
• 全球顶尖大学对知识创新的贡献，不只在重大突破，也在源源不断培养研究者和实践者。(The contribution of the world's top universities to knowledge innovation lies not only in major breakthroughs, but also in continuously training researchers and practitioners.)

Don't Say

• 他源源不断地说了三句话 — 源源不断 describes a sustained, ongoing flow over a significant period or in notable quantity; for a mere three sentences use 连续说了三句话 or 接连说了几句; applying 源源不断 to a tiny, brief sequence sounds incongruous

Origin & History

源源 (flowing from source to source — reduplication of 源 spring/source, evoking the sense of continuous welling) + 不断 (not breaking/ceasing — 不 not + 断 to cut/sever). Together: flowing like an uninterrupted spring, continuously without cessation.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal