Meanings of 触目惊心
By ear
Play it, then pick what 触目惊心 means.
About 触目惊心
Podcast: 触目惊心
Podcast: 触目惊心
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 触目惊心
触目惊心 (chùmùjīngxīn) vs 触动心弦 (chùdòngxīnyán) — use 触目惊心 for shocking visuals, while 触动心弦 emphasizes emotional resonance.
This idiom is typically used in written and spoken language to emphasize the severity of a situation. A common mistake is to use it lightly; it should only apply to truly shocking scenarios. Be cautious with the tone, as it can imply a serious or negative connotation.
While 触目惊心 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, breaking down its components can help learners connect with similar expressions that convey strong emotions or reactions. Focus on the radicals 触 (to touch) and 目 (eye), which can help in recognizing and forming other related idioms.
Learners often misinterpret 触目惊心 as simply meaning 'eye-catching' or 'attractive', which is incorrect. For instance, saying '这幅画触目惊心' (This painting is eye-catching) should be corrected to use a more appropriate phrase like '这幅画很吸引人' (This painting is very attractive).
Pronunciation of 触目惊心
Drill the tone of 触目惊心, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 触目惊心 to you
Let me explain 触目惊心 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 触目惊心 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
How well do you know 触目惊心?
Learning Lab
Knowing 触目惊心 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Component characters
How to say lit. shocks the eye, astonishes the heart (idiom); shocking in Chinese
“lit. shocks the eye, astonishes the heart (idiom); shocking” in Chinese is触目惊心
触目惊心 (chù mù jīng xīn) is an idiomatic expression that describes something so shocking or horrifying that it captures one's attention and stirs deep emotions. Commonly used in contexts like describing distressing news, tragic events, or unsettling scenes, it conveys a strong reaction to something visually or emotionally jarring.
When to use 触目惊心
This idiom is typically used in written and spoken language to emphasize the severity of a situation. A common mistake is to use it lightly; it should only apply to truly shocking scenarios. Be cautious with the tone, as it can imply a serious or negative connotation.
触目惊心 or something close to it
触目惊心 (chùmùjīngxīn) vs 触动心弦 (chùdòngxīnyán) — use 触目惊心 for shocking visuals, while 触动心弦 emphasizes emotional resonance.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misinterpret 触目惊心 as simply meaning 'eye-catching' or 'attractive', which is incorrect. For instance, saying '这幅画触目惊心' (This painting is eye-catching) should be corrected to use a more appropriate phrase like '这幅画很吸引人' (This painting is very attractive).
Write 触目惊心
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 触目惊心 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 触目惊心?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
Frequently asked questions about 触目惊心
Generally, no. This idiom specifically describes shocking or distressing situations and is not appropriate for positive contexts.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 触目惊心?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.