Chinese word

触目惊心

Pronunciation

Pinyinchù mù jīng xīn

Meaning

  • idiomshocking

Example

触目惊心的照片在网上传播开来。chù mù jīng xīn de zhào piān zài wǎng shàng chuán bō kāi lái

Shocking photos spread online.

Illustration for 触目惊心 (shocking)

More examples

灾后现场的情形令人触目惊心，救援人员连连叹息。zāi hòu xiàn chǎng de qíng xíng lìng rén chù mù jīng xīn jiù yuán rén yuán lián lián tàn xī

The scene after the disaster was shocking, and the rescuers sighed repeatedly.

Core concept

Something seen causes such a strong inner jolt that looking at it feels emotionally painful.

Common phrases

  • 令人触目惊心lìng rén chù mù jīng xīn

    shocking

  • 触目惊心的真相chù mù jīng xīn de zhēn xiàng

    the shocking truth

  • 触目惊心的后果chù mù jīng xīn de hòu guǒ

    the shocking consequences

Similar words

骇人听闻hài rén tīng wén: A shocking and frightening story that alarms people when they hear it.
惨不忍睹cǎn bù rén dǔ: A terrible scene or condition that is too tragic to watch.
惊心动魄jīng xīn dòng pò: An experience filled with intense surprise and tension that shakes the heart.
毛骨悚然máo gú sǒng rán: A frightening feeling that makes the whole body tingle and shiver.

Definition in Chinese

形容所见的事极为震惊或令人痛心，使人不愿直视。xíng róng suǒ jiàn de shì jí wéi zhèn jīng huò lìng rén tòng xīn shǐ rén bú yuàn zhí shì

Word origin

The idiom 触目惊心 (chùmùjīngxīn, "shocking to see and feel") joins 触目 (chùmù, "come before the eyes") and 惊心 (jīngxīn, "shock the heart"), linking the sight itself with its effect on the viewer.

Usage tips

  • Native English speakers often use broad words for both mild and severe surprises, but this Chinese idiom normally signals a grave subject and a strong emotional response.

Other meanings

  • horrifyingidiom
  • distressingidiom

Opposites

  • 赏心悦目shǎng xīn yuè mùpleasing to the eyeidiom
  • 平淡无奇píng dàn wú qíordinary and unremarkableidiom

Word lists with this word