Chinese Conversation · Level 82
61 words
Chinese word
耳濡目染
Pronunciation
Pinyiněr rú mù rǎn
Meaning
- idiombe influenced by
Example
在学校里，学生们常常耳濡目染老师的做法。zài xué xiào lǐ xué shēng men cháng cháng ěr rú mù rǎn lǎo shī de zuò fǎ
At school, students are often influenced by their teacher's way of doing things.
More examples
孩子在家里经常耳濡目染父母的言行。hái zi zài jiā lǐ jīng cháng ěr rú mù rǎn fù mǔ de yán xíng
At home, children are often influenced by their parents' words and actions.
Core concept
A surrounding world leaves a gradual trace that becomes part of a person's conduct and outlook.
Similar words
潜移默化qián yí mò huà: Shaping thoughts or habits little by little without people realizing they are being influenced.
润物细无声rùn wù xì wú shēng: Nurturing a good change gradually through a quiet influence that does not seek notice.
Definition in Chinese
因长期接触某种环境或言行，而不自觉地受到影响，逐步形成类似的行为或观念。yīn cháng qī jiē chù móu zhǒng huán jìng huò yán xíng ér bú zì jué dì shòu dào yíng xiǎng zhú bù xíng chéng lèi sì de xíng wéi huò guān niàn
Word origin
耳 (ěr, "ear") and 目 (mù, "eye") mark what enters through hearing and sight, and 濡 (rú, "moisten") plus 染 (rǎn, "dye") create the image of repeated exposure leaving a lasting color.
Usage tips
- Its time span is part of the meaning, so it works well when explaining how a person's behavior develops through long contact with other people or a setting.