耳聪目明
耳聪目明 (ěr cōng mù míng) literally means “keen ears, sharp eyes” and expresses “perceptive and insightful”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving wisdom and learning.
Also searched as: er cong mu ming, er cong mu ming,耳聪目明 meaning, 耳聪目明 in english
Perceptive and insightful
Pronunciation: ěr cōng mù míng Literal meaning: Keen ears, sharp eyes
Origin & Usage
The idiom 耳聪目明 (ěr cōng mù míng) is commonly used in classical Chinese to describe someone with acute senses and clear thinking. The phrase combines 耳 (ěr, ear) and 聪 (cōng, keen hearing) with 目 (mù, eye) and 明 (míng, sharp sight), emphasizing both sensory acuity and mental clarity. While its earliest known appearance is in the Han dynasty text 《易林》 by Jiao Gan, it has been referenced in various classical works, including the 《周易》. In traditional Chinese medicine, the idiom is linked to the health of the liver and kidneys, which are believed to influence the sharpness of the senses. In modern usage, 耳聪目明 can describe someone who is perceptive and insightful, or even advanced technologies that enhance human capabilities.
Examples
English: "Her sharp hearing and keen sight make her an excellent detective."
Chinese: 她耳聪目明，是一位出色的侦探。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about wisdom & learning
融会贯通
róng huì guàn tōng
Master something completely
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学海无涯
xué hǎi wú yá
Learning is limitless
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知行合一
zhī xíng hé yī
Practice what you know
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举一反三
jǔ yī fǎn sān
Learn many from one example
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温故知新
wēn gù zhī xīn
Learn new through studying old
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画龙点睛
huà lóng diǎn jīng
Add crucial finishing touch
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读万卷书
dú wàn juǎn shū
Read extensively for knowledge
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抛砖引玉
pāo zhuān yǐn yù
Offer modest view to inspire better
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 耳聪目明 mean in English?
耳聪目明 (ěr cōng mù míng) literally translates to “Keen ears, sharp eyes” and is used to express “Perceptive and insightful”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Wisdom & Learning category.
When is 耳聪目明 used?
Situation: Her sharp hearing and keen sight make her an excellent detective.
What is the pinyin for 耳聪目明?
The pinyin pronunciation for 耳聪目明 is “ěr cōng mù míng”.