一成不变 yìchéng-búbiàn immutable
(idiom) immutable; impervious to change; set in stone
How to remember 一成不变: 一 one + 成 to become + 不 not + 变 change = immutable.
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How it is used
- 'Fixed and never changing' - usually a criticism of rigidity - 方法一成不变就会落后 (fāngfǎ yìchéng-búbiàn jiù huì luòhòu) if methods never change you fall behind.
- Carries a negative edge: stuck, inflexible, set in stone. Often in warnings against being 一成不变.
- Do not confuse with the positive 一如既往 (steadfast as always); 一成不变 implies harmful stagnation.