Meanings of 一目了然
By ear
Play it, then pick what 一目了然 means.
About 一目了然
Podcast: 一目了然
Podcast: 一目了然
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 一目了然
明显 (míngxiǎn) vs 清楚 (qīngchǔ) — use 一目了然 when emphasizing immediate clarity at a glance, while 明显 suggests something is evident or conspicuous, and 清楚 indicates something is clear but may require more explanation.
This idiom is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more common in written language. Be careful not to confuse it with similar phrases that imply uncertainty. Common collocations include '信息' (information) or '结果' (results) being 一目了然.
As an HSK Level 6 phrase, students should focus on its usage in complex sentences and recognize it in written texts. This idiom connects well with other advanced level expressions about clarity and understanding, such as 明白 (míng bái) and 清楚 (qīng chǔ).
Learners often misuse this idiom in contexts where something is complicated rather than clear. For example, saying '这个问题一目了然' (This problem is obvious at a glance) when it is actually quite complex would be incorrect; instead, they should use '这个问题很复杂' (This problem is very complex).
Pronunciation of 一目了然
Drill the tone of 一目了然 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 一目了然 to You
Let me explain 一目了然 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 一目了然 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 一目了然?
Learning Lab
Knowing 一目了然 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
Idiom Spotlight: 一目了然
Component Characters
How to say obvious at a glance (idiom) in Chinese
“obvious at a glance (idiom)” in Chinese is一目了然
The idiom 一目了然 (yī mù liǎo rán) means that something is clear or obvious at a glance. It is often used to describe information or situations that are straightforward, requiring little to no explanation for understanding. This phrase conveys a sense of clarity and immediacy in comprehension.
When to use 一目了然
This idiom is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more common in written language. Be careful not to confuse it with similar phrases that imply uncertainty. Common collocations include '信息' (information) or '结果' (results) being 一目了然.
一目了然 or something close to it
明显 (míngxiǎn) vs 清楚 (qīngchǔ) — use 一目了然 when emphasizing immediate clarity at a glance, while 明显 suggests something is evident or conspicuous, and 清楚 indicates something is clear but may require more explanation.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse this idiom in contexts where something is complicated rather than clear. For example, saying '这个问题一目了然' (This problem is obvious at a glance) when it is actually quite complex would be incorrect; instead, they should use '这个问题很复杂' (This problem is very complex).
Write 一目了然
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 一目了然 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 一目了然
一目了然 functions as a four-character idiom (成语). Treat it as a fixed unit; it usually plays the role of a single adjective, adverb, or noun phrase inside the larger sentence. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
那组特写照片和附带的评论____，毫无含糊之处。
The close-up photography and commentary are clear and unambiguous.
Example Sentences for 一目了然 (1)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 一目了然?
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 300 AI credits.
Frequently Asked Questions about 一目了然
Yes, while it is more common in writing, you can use it in spoken language to emphasize clarity.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 一目了然?
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.