目不转睛
目不转睛 (mù bù zhuǎn jīng) literally means “eyes do not turn away” and expresses “focus intently”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving success and perseverance.
Also searched as: mu bu zhuan jing, mu bu zhuan jing,目不转睛 meaning, 目不转睛 in english
Focus intently
Pronunciation: mù bù zhuǎn jīng Literal meaning: Eyes do not turn away
Origin & Usage
This vivid description of eyes (目) that don't (不) turn (转) their gaze (睛) originates from Han Dynasty descriptions of intense focus. The phrase first appeared in historical accounts of scholars so absorbed in their studies that they remained oblivious to their surroundings. During the Song Dynasty, it became associated with the ideal learning state. The concept gained additional significance in traditional Chinese painting theory, describing the intense observation required to capture a subject's essence. In Ming Dynasty military texts, it described the unwavering attention needed by archers and strategists. Modern usage extends beyond literal focus to describe any state of complete absorption or concentration, particularly in contexts requiring sustained attention, from surgical procedures to artistic creation.
Examples
English: "The surgeon performed the delicate procedure with complete concentration"
Chinese: 外科医生全神贯注地进行着精密手术
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about success & perseverance
一鸣惊人
yī míng jīng rén
Sudden, remarkable success
Learn more →
百折不挠
bǎi zhé bù náo
Unshakeable despite adversity
Learn more →
水滴石穿
shuǐ dī shí chuān
Persistence achieves anything
Learn more →
门庭若市
mén tíng ruò shì
Extremely popular
Learn more →
天道酬勤
tiān dào chóu qín
Heaven rewards diligence
Learn more →
破釜沉舟
pò fǔ chén zhōu
Commit with no retreat
Learn more →
守时如金
shǒu shí rú jīn
Value time preciously
Learn more →
青出于蓝
qīng chū yú lán
Student surpasses master
Learn more →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 目不转睛 mean in English?
目不转睛 (mù bù zhuǎn jīng) literally translates to “Eyes do not turn away” and is used to express “Focus intently”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Success & Perseverance category.
When is 目不转睛 used?
Situation: The surgeon performed the delicate procedure with complete concentration
What is the pinyin for 目不转睛?
The pinyin pronunciation for 目不转睛 is “mù bù zhuǎn jīng”.