見微知著 jiàn wēi zhī zhù

see the big trend from small signs

Word data

HSK Not in HSK
Frequency Unknown

Definitions

  1. 1. one tiny clue reveals the general trend (idiom); small beginnings show how things will develop

Characters

Character Meaning
見 jiàn
to see; to meet; to appear (to be sth)
微 wēi HSK 4
tiny; slightly; micro-
知 zhī HSK 2
to know; to be aware
著 zhù HSK 4
aspect particle indicating action in progress