莫名其妙

Pronunciation: mò míng qí miào
Literal meaning: Cannot name its wonder

Origin & Usage

Originating in Daoist texts describing inexplicable mysteries, this phrase captures the sensation of encountering something whose wonder (妙) cannot (莫) be named (名). During the Six Dynasties period, it was frequently used in poetry and philosophical writings to describe transcendent experiences. Buddhist translators later adopted it to express concepts of ineffable enlightenment. In contemporary usage, it's evolved to describe confusing or inexplicable situations, though it retains a subtle appreciation for life's mysteries that distinguishes it from purely negative expressions of confusion.

Examples

English: "The teacher's patient guidance slowly transformed the struggling student"

Chinese: 老师耐心的引导慢慢改变了这个困难学生

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