Meaning and Usage
"半途而废" is an idiom meaning to give up halfway or leave something unfinished. It often carries a negative connotation, implying a lack of perseverance or commitment.
Common Contexts
This phrase is frequently used to describe situations where someone starts a task, project, or goal but quits before completion, often due to difficulties or loss of motivation.
Collocations and Patterns
- 半途而废 + 动词 (e.g., 半途而废学习) — to give up halfway through an activity
- 不要半途而废 — a common admonition meaning "don't give up halfway"
Usage Notes
When using 半途而废, the speaker usually wants to emphasize the importance of persistence and criticize quitting prematurely. It is often used in educational, work, or self-improvement contexts.
Common Confusion
Don't confuse 半途而废 with 放弃 (to give up), which is more general. 半途而废 specifically highlights quitting in the middle of a process rather than at the start or end.