Chinese Conversation · Level 82
61 words
Chinese word
耳目一新
Pronunciation
Pinyiněr mù yī xīn
Meaning
- idiomrefreshing
Example
这个设计真让人耳目一新。zhè ge shè jì zhēn ràng rén ěr mù yì xīn
This design is really refreshing.
More examples
他的穿着风格总是有新意，走在街上很容易让人耳目一新。tā de chuān zhe fēng gé zǒng shì yǒu xīn yì zǒu zài jiē shàng hěn róng yì ràng rén ěr mù yì xīn
His clothing style always has a fresh touch, and people easily find it refreshing when he walks down the street.
Core concept
A familiar experience feels newly made through what the ears hear and the eyes see.
Common phrases
令人耳目一新lìng rén ěr mù yì xīn
refreshing
处处耳目一新chù chù ěr mù yì xīn
fresh at every turn
Similar words
焕然一新huàn rán yì xīn: Describes a complete change from an old state into a new and refreshed one.
眼前一亮yǎn qián yí liàng: Describes the instant lift in impression that comes from seeing something striking.
Definition in Chinese
形容听到或看到的事物带来新鲜感，常用来称赞创意、设计或表达的新颖与别致。xíng róng tīng dào huò kàn dào de shì wù dài lái xīn xiān gǎn cháng yòng lái chēng zàn chuàng yì shè jì huò biǎo dá de xīn yǐng yǔ bié zhì
Word origin
耳 (ěr, "ear") + 目 (mù, "eye") + 一 (yī, "one") + 新 (xīn, "new") joins the senses with the idea of complete renewal.
Usage tips
- In conversation, this four-syllable idiom is a polished way to praise creative work, so it suits a design or presentation better than a casual reaction to a small change.
Opposites
- 千篇一律qiān piān yí lǜmonotonousidiom
- 司空见惯sī kōng jiàn guàncommonplaceidiom