耳目一新
耳目一新 (ěr mù yī xīn) literally means “ears and eyes completely renewed” and expresses “a refreshing new experience”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving wisdom and learning. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
Also searched as: er mu yi xin, er mu yi xin,耳目一新 meaning, 耳目一新 in english
A refreshing new experience
Pronunciation: ěr mù yī xīn Literal meaning: Ears and eyes completely renewed
Origin & Usage
This idiom appears in classical texts describing the sensation of encountering something refreshingly new. The ears (耳) and eyes (目) represent one's senses and perception, while 'completely renewed' (一新) suggests a total refresh of one's experience. The phrase emphasizes the delight of fresh perspectives after encountering innovative ideas, places, or creations. It celebrates novelty and the pleasure of having one's expectations pleasantly subverted. Modern usage commonly describes innovative designs, fresh approaches, or transformative experiences.
When to Use
Situation: The redesigned website gave visitors a refreshing new experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 耳目一新 mean in English?
耳目一新 (ěr mù yī xīn) literally translates to “Ears and eyes completely renewed” and is used to express “A refreshing new experience”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Wisdom & Learning category.
When is 耳目一新 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving a refreshing new experience.
What is the pinyin for 耳目一新?
The pinyin pronunciation for 耳目一新 is “ěr mù yī xīn”.