必先利其器

bì xiān lì qí qì

quotation

Meanings

1 must first sharpen one's tools — preparation is prerequisite to success
2 literally: must first sharpen his tools

Characters

tool / implement

Examples

想搞好研究，必先利其器，先把实验室建好。

Xiǎng gǎohǎo yánjiū, bìxiānlìqíqì, xiān bǎ shíyànshì jiàn hǎo.

To do good research, you must first sharpen your tools — start by setting up a proper lab.

学编程之前先选好电脑和编辑器，必先利其器。

Xué biānchéng zhīqián xiān xuǎn hǎo diànnǎo hé biānjí qì, bìxiānlìqíqì.

Before learning to code, pick a good computer and editor — first sharpen your tools.

Tips

history

Second half of Confucius' saying in 《论语·卫灵公》 (Analects, Wei Ling Gong): 工欲善其事，必先利其器 — 'An artisan who wants to do his work well must first sharpen his tools.' The two halves often appear separately; this half is the more actionable punchline.

usage

Paired couplet — the complete form is 工欲善其事，必先利其器. Using just the second half assumes the listener knows the first. Common in tech/business rhetoric about investing in equipment, training, or infrastructure before tackling a task.

Stroke Order

必 bì

先 xiān

利 lì

其 qí

器 qì