耳濡目染
耳濡目染 (ěr rú mù rǎn) literally means “ears soaked, eyes dyed” and expresses “learning unconsciously through constant exposure”. 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 ru mu ran, er ru mu ran,耳濡目染 meaning, 耳濡目染 in english
Learning unconsciously through constant exposure
Pronunciation: ěr rú mù rǎn
Literal meaning: Ears soaked, eyes dyed
Origin & Usage
This idiom emerged from Han Dynasty educational philosophy, describing how the ears (耳) are soaked (濡) and the eyes (目) are dyed (染) by constant exposure. It gained particular relevance in families of traditional craftsmen, where children learned complex skills through constant exposure rather than formal instruction. The Tang Dynasty saw it adopted into Buddhist teachings about the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences. Modern usage spans from cultural immersion to professional development, acknowledging how prolonged exposure shapes us more profoundly than explicit teaching.
When to Use
Situation: Growing up in a musical family, she absorbed advanced techniques without formal training
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Work with great ease; have complete mastery
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Be very familiar with; handle with expertise
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Perfectly appropriate; fitting exactly
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Just right; perfectly appropriate
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Stop at the right point; practice moderation
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 耳濡目染 mean in English?
耳濡目染 (ěr rú mù rǎn) literally translates to “Ears soaked, eyes dyed” and is used to express “Learning unconsciously through constant exposure”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Wisdom & Learning category.
When is 耳濡目染 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving learning unconsciously through constant exposure.
What is the pinyin for 耳濡目染?
The pinyin pronunciation for 耳濡目染 is “ěr rú mù rǎn”.