视微知着 shì wēi zhī zhuó

see small signs, know the big trend

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
视 shì HSK 1
to look at; to regard; to inspect
微 wēi HSK 4
tiny; slightly; micro-
知 zhī HSK 2
to know; to be aware
着 zhuó HSK 2
aspect particle indicating action in progress