约定俗成
yuē dìng sú chéng
established by common usage
Character by character
约yuē
agreed
agreed
定dìng
settled
settled
俗sú
by custom
by custom
成chéng
formed
formed
Example
很多词的用法是约定俗成的，没有什么道理可讲。
The usage of many words is simply established by convention; there is no particular logic to it.
Tone: neutral.
Usage and origin
From 荀子, on how names get their meanings.
Learn this in Lesson 82 · HSK 6–7: 汉字的演变 (How the characters evolved)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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