biàntōng: 变通 - To be Flexible, Adaptable, Pragmatic

• Keywords: biantong, 变通 meaning, Chinese flexibility, adapt to circumstances, Chinese pragmatism, how to say flexible in Chinese, Chinese business culture, resourcefulness, workaround, bend the rules, 随机应变
• Summary: Discover the deep cultural meaning of 变通 (biàntōng), a key concept in Chinese society that goes beyond simple “flexibility.” This page explains how `变通` is the art of pragmatically adapting methods and navigating rules to achieve a goal. Learn why this skill is highly valued in Chinese business and daily life, and how it differs from Western ideas of following standard procedures. This guide offers practical examples, cultural insights, and related terms to help you master this essential Chinese term.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): biàn tōng
• Part of Speech: Verb, Adjective
• HSK Level: HSK 6
• Concise Definition: To adapt methods or rules to suit circumstances; to be flexible and pragmatic.
• In a Nutshell: `变通` is the skill of finding a clever workaround when the standard path is blocked. It’s not just about being “flexible” in a passive way; it’s about *actively* seeking an alternative, more effective solution. Think of it as being “street-smart”—finding a way to make things work by thinking outside the box. This quality is highly admired in China as a sign of intelligence and resourcefulness.

• 变 (biàn): This character means “to change,” “to transform,” or “to become.” It represents the core idea of alteration and adaptation.
• 通 (tōng): This character means “to go through,” “to connect,” or “to open up.” It evokes the image of a path or channel becoming unblocked and clear.

When combined, 变通 (biàntōng) literally means “to change in order to get through.” This perfectly captures the essence of the word: modifying your approach to overcome an obstacle and reach your destination.

`变通` is a cornerstone of Chinese pragmatism. In a culture where rules can sometimes be rigid or social structures complex, the ability to find a viable path to an objective is essential. A useful comparison is the Western, particularly American, concept of “Standard Operating Procedure” (SOP) or the “rule of law.” In many Western contexts, following the established procedure is seen as the most fair, efficient, and ethical approach. Deviating from it can be viewed with suspicion. In contrast, Chinese culture often places a higher value on the final outcome and maintaining harmony. If a rule is inefficient, impractical, or prevents a reasonable goal, then the intelligent and correct action is to `变通`. This is not necessarily about breaking the law, but about navigating bureaucracy and rigid systems. For example, if “Department A” won't approve a request, a person skilled in `变通` might find that “Department B” can authorize it through a different process. This mindset values resourcefulness and effectiveness over rigid adherence to a potentially flawed system. It is the practical application of the proverb 山不转路转 (shān bù zhuàn lù zhuàn) — “If the mountain won't turn, the road will.”

`变通` is a verb of action and a quality of character that permeates all aspects of life. In Business and Negotiation: This is where `变通` shines. A contract might state specific terms, but a good negotiator knows when to suggest a `变通` to close the deal. A project manager facing an unexpected supply chain issue must know how to `变通` to keep the project on schedule. The phrase “我们能不能变通一下？ (Wǒmen néng bu néng biàntōng yíxià?)” — “Can we be a bit flexible here?” — is a common and powerful tool in business discussions. In Daily Life: From dealing with a rigid bank policy to finding a way to get a package delivered to a tricky address, `变通` is a daily survival skill. Someone who is good at it is described as 很会变通 (hěn huì biàntōng), which is a high compliment implying they are clever and capable. Connotation: The connotation of `变通` is overwhelmingly positive. It suggests intelligence, creativity, and a results-oriented mindset. However, it can enter a gray area. If `变通` is used to justify circumventing important safety regulations or ethical principles, it can be viewed negatively. The key distinction is that `变通` is typically used to overcome *unreasonable* or *inefficient* obstacles, not fundamental moral ones.

Example 1: 规定是死的，人是活的，我们得学会变通。 Pinyin: Guīdìng shì sǐ de, rén shì huó de, wǒmen děi xuéhuì biàntōng. English: Rules are rigid, but people are flexible; we have to learn to adapt. Analysis: This is a classic saying that perfectly encapsulates the philosophy behind `变通`. It highlights the idea that human ingenuity should be able to overcome inflexible rules. Example 2: 这个计划太死板了，我们需要变通一下。 Pinyin: Zhège jìhuà tài sǐbǎn le, wǒmen xūyào biàntōng yíxià. English: This plan is too rigid; we need to be a bit more flexible with it. Analysis: Here, `变通` is used as a verb. The phrase `变通一下 (biàntōng yíxià)` is a common, softened suggestion to find an alternative approach. Example 3: 他是个很会变通的经理，总能找到解决问题的办法。 Pinyin: Tā shì ge hěn huì biàntōng de jīnglǐ, zǒng néng zhǎodào jiějué wèntí de bànfǎ. English: He is a very resourceful manager who can always find a way to solve problems. Analysis: Here, `变通` functions as an adjective describing the manager. 很会变通 (hěn huì biàntōng) is a common phrase used to praise someone's resourcefulness. Example 4: 在目前的情况下，我们别无选择，只能变通处理。 Pinyin: Zài mùqián de qíngkuàng xià, wǒmen bié wú xuǎnzé, zhǐ néng biàntōng chǔlǐ. English: Under the current circumstances, we have no other choice but to handle it flexibly. Analysis: This sentence shows `变通` being used in a situation where external factors force a change in plans. It's a pragmatic response to a challenge. Example 5: 虽然公司的政策很严格，但他还是想办法变通了一下，帮我解决了问题。 Pinyin: Suīrán gōngsī de zhèngcè hěn yángé, dàn tā háishì xiǎng bànfǎ biàntōng le yíxià, bāng wǒ jiějué le wèntí. English: Although the company policy is very strict, he still found a way to be flexible and helped me solve the problem. Analysis: This example illustrates how `变通` is often used to navigate bureaucracy or strict rules for a positive, helpful outcome. Example 6: 要想在这个行业成功，你必须懂得如何变通。 Pinyin: Yào xiǎng zài zhège hángyè chénggōng, nǐ bìxū dǒngdé rúhé biàntōng. English: If you want to succeed in this industry, you must know how to be adaptable. Analysis: This highlights `变通` as a crucial skill for professional success, emphasizing strategy over simple rule-following. Example 7: 有时候，法律的执行也需要一定的变通。 Pinyin: Yǒushíhou, fǎlǜ de zhíxíng yě xūyào yídìng de biàntōng. English: Sometimes, the enforcement of the law also requires a certain degree of flexibility. Analysis: In this context, `变通` takes on a more formal and serious tone, suggesting pragmatic application of rules rather than blind enforcement. It acts as a noun here: “a degree of flexibility.” Example 8: 客户的要求很特殊，我们必须在设计上做些变通。 Pinyin: Kèhù de yāoqiú hěn tèshū, wǒmen bìxū zài shèjì shàng zuò xiē biàntōng. English: The client's request is very particular; we must make some accommodations/adjustments in the design. Analysis: This shows `变通` being applied to a creative or technical field. “做些变通 (zuò xiē biàntōng)” means “to make some flexible adjustments.” Example 9: 他这个人脑子太死，一点儿也不懂变通。 Pinyin: Tā zhège rén nǎozi tài sǐ, yìdiǎnr yě bù dǒng biàntōng. English: This person is too rigid; he doesn't know how to be flexible at all. Analysis: This is a common criticism. Someone who 不懂变通 (bù dǒng biàntōng) is seen as stubborn, uncreative, and difficult to work with. Example 10: 面对这个突发状况，我们需要一个变通的方案。 Pinyin: Miànduì zhège tūfā zhuàngkuàng, wǒmen xūyào yíge biàntōng de fāng'àn. English: Facing this unexpected situation, we need a flexible plan. Analysis: Here, `变通` is used as an adjective to describe a noun (`方案`, plan). A `变通的方案` is a contingency plan or a more adaptable alternative.

• “Flexible” is not enough: The most common mistake is to equate `变通` with the English word “flexible.” While related, “flexible” can be passive (e.g., “my schedule is flexible”). `变通` is an active, strategic process. It implies intelligence and creativity in finding a *new path*. It's about problem-solving, not just being easy-going.
• Not necessarily dishonest: Foreigners sometimes mistake `变通` for a willingness to be corrupt or dishonest. This is a misunderstanding. `变通` operates in the “gray area” of rules and bureaucracy, not ethics. For example, finding a different regulation that allows you to achieve your goal is `变通`. Bribing an official is 贿赂 (huìlù), a completely different and illegal act. `变通` is about being clever, not criminal.
• Incorrect Usage: You wouldn't use `变通` to describe a flexible material. For that, you would use words like 有弹性的 (yǒu tánxìng de). `变通` applies to methods, plans, rules, and people's thinking, not physical objects.
  • Incorrect: 这个塑料很变通。 (This plastic is very `biàntōng`.)
  • Correct: 这个塑料很有弹性。 (This plastic is very elastic/flexible.)

• 灵活 (línghuó) - Flexible, agile. This is a more general term for flexibility. `变通` is a specific, strategic application of being `灵活`.
• 随机应变 (suí jī yìng biàn) - A popular idiom meaning “to adapt to changing circumstances.” It's the philosophical principle behind the action of `变通`.
• 权宜之计 (quányí zhī jì) - An expedient measure; a stopgap solution. This is often the *result* of a `变通` decision—the temporary, practical solution you come up with.
• 通融 (tōngróng) - To accommodate; to stretch the rules for someone. Very similar to `变通`, but often implies one person making an exception for another out of goodwill or as a favor. It has a stronger interpersonal element.
• 山不转路转 (shān bù zhuàn lù zhuàn) - “If the mountain doesn't turn, the road will.” A famous proverb that perfectly captures the spirit of `变通`—always find another way.
• 走后门 (zǒu hòumén) - “To go in through the back door.” This is a specific, and often negative, type of `变通`. It refers to using personal connections (关系) to unfairly bypass rules and procedures. While it's a form of finding an alternative path, it carries a strong connotation of unfairness or corruption.