一目了然
一目了然 (yī mù liǎo rán) literally means “one look completely clear” and expresses “clear at a glance; obvious”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving wisdom and learning.
Also searched as: yi mu liao ran, yi mu liao ran,一目了然 meaning, 一目了然 in english
Clear at a glance; obvious
Pronunciation: yī mù liǎo rán Literal meaning: One look completely clear
Origin & Usage
Wholly clear (了然) at one (一) glance (目). 了 is to finish or complete, so 了然 is the state of a thing being settled in the mind, and the claim is that the settling took no longer than the looking did. That makes it praise for the presentation rather than for the viewer. Charts, signs, layouts and well-made summaries: it is what a designer is aiming at, the standard being that no second look was required.
Examples
English: "The chart makes the data immediately understandable."
Chinese: 这张图表让数据一目了然。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about wisdom & learning
一针见血
yī zhēn jiàn xiě
Hit the nail on the head; incisive
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深入浅出
shēn rù qiǎn chū
Explain profound ideas in simple terms
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不求甚解
bù qiú shèn jiě
Content with superficial understanding
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从善如流
cóng shàn rú liú
Readily accept good advice
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循循善诱
xún xún shàn yòu
Draw a learner on step by step
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诲人不倦
huì rén bù juàn
Teach with tireless patience
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言传身教
yán chuán shēn jiào
Teach by word and deed
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承上启下
chéng shàng qǐ xià
Serve as a link between preceding and following
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 一目了然 mean in English?
一目了然 (yī mù liǎo rán) literally translates to “One look completely clear” and is used to express “Clear at a glance; obvious”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Wisdom & Learning category.
When is 一目了然 used?
Situation: The chart makes the data immediately understandable.
What is the pinyin for 一目了然?
The pinyin pronunciation for 一目了然 is “yī mù liǎo rán”.