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
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”.