得不偿失 meaning and pronunciation

得不偿失
Simplified word
得不償失
Traditional word

得不偿失 English definition

dé bù cháng shī
  • (saying) the gains do not make up for the losses

HSK level

Characters

  • 得 (dé): to obtain; to get; to gain; to catch (a disease); proper; suitable; proud; contented; to allow; to permit; ready; finished;
  • 不 (bù): (negative prefix); not; no;
  • 偿 (cháng): to repay; to compensate for; to recompense; to fulfill (hopes etc);
  • 失 (shī): to lose; to miss; to fail;