旁观者清
旁观者清 (páng guān zhě qīng) literally means “onlookers see clearly” and expresses “unbiased perspective”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving wisdom and learning.
Also searched as: pang guan zhe qing, pang guan zhe qing,旁观者清 meaning, 旁观者清 in english
Unbiased perspective
Pronunciation: páng guān zhě qīng Literal meaning: Onlookers see clearly
Origin & Usage
The other half of 当局者迷，旁观者清, from the same passage of the Old Book of Tang and the same chess image: the onlooker (旁观者) sees clearly (清) precisely because nothing turns on their seeing it. English has no single expression for this, which is why it is worth learning as a unit. Used of yourself it is a modest offer of an opinion; used of someone else it can be an invitation, and it is the standard polite preface to telling a friend something about their own situation that they have not noticed.
Examples
English: "Sometimes, those not involved can offer the best advice."
Chinese: 旁观者清，局内人却看不明白。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about wisdom & learning
当局者迷
dāng jú zhě mí
Seek outside perspective
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触类旁通
chù lèi páng tōng
Apply knowledge broadly
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旁征博引
páng zhēng bó yǐn
Backing a case with wide-ranging citation
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冰清玉洁
bīng qīng yù jié
Impeccable moral character and integrity
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冷冷清清
lěng lěng qīng qīng
Deserted and lifeless atmosphere
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有志者事竟成
yǒu zhì zhě shì jìng chéng
Perseverance leads to success
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旁敲侧击
páng qiāo cè jī
Approach indirectly to achieve goal
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察言观色
chá yán guān sè
Read between lines
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 旁观者清 mean in English?
旁观者清 (páng guān zhě qīng) literally translates to “Onlookers see clearly” and is used to express “Unbiased perspective”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Wisdom & Learning category.
When is 旁观者清 used?
Situation: Sometimes, those not involved can offer the best advice.
What is the pinyin for 旁观者清?
The pinyin pronunciation for 旁观者清 is “páng guān zhě qīng”.