左思右想
左思右想 (zuǒ sī yòu xiǎng) literally means “think to the left, think to the right” and expresses “ponder thoroughly”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving wisdom and learning.
Also searched as: zuo si you xiang, zuo si you xiang,左思右想 meaning, 左思右想 in english
Ponder thoroughly
Pronunciation: zuǒ sī yòu xiǎng Literal meaning: Think to the left, think to the right
Origin & Usage
Thinking (思) to the left (左) and considering (想) to the right (右). Its value is in the picture of the head physically turning. What it describes is not depth of thought but its restless, unresolved quality — turning a matter over repeatedly without arriving. That is how it works: usually a sleepless night, and usually followed by whatever the person finally decided, or by the admission that they did not.
Examples
English: "She pondered over the decision from every angle before making a choice."
Chinese: 她在做决定之前，左思右想了很久。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about wisdom & learning
左右逢源
zuǒ yòu féng yuán
Handle everything with practised ease
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左右为难
zuǒ yòu wéi nán
In a dilemma; caught between difficulties
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百思不解
bǎi sī bù jiě
Unable to understand despite much thought
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朝思暮想
zhāo sī mù xiǎng
Think about constantly; yearn for
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若有所思
ruò yǒu suǒ sī
Lost in thought with a contemplative expression
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洞若观火
dòng ruò guān huǒ
Understand with absolute clarity
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入木三分
rù mù sān fēn
Profoundly penetrating insight
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意想不到
yì xiǎng bù dào
Unexpected; unforeseen
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 左思右想 mean in English?
左思右想 (zuǒ sī yòu xiǎng) literally translates to “Think to the left, think to the right” and is used to express “Ponder thoroughly”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Wisdom & Learning category.
When is 左思右想 used?
Situation: She pondered over the decision from every angle before making a choice.
What is the pinyin for 左思右想?
The pinyin pronunciation for 左思右想 is “zuǒ sī yòu xiǎng”.