Meanings of 目瞪口呆
By ear
Play it, then pick what 目瞪口呆 means.
About 目瞪口呆
Podcast: 目瞪口呆
Podcast: 目瞪口呆
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 目瞪口呆
This idiom is informal and often used in spoken language. A common mistake is using it in overly formal writing, where a more straightforward expression might be appropriate. Be cautious of tone when saying it; the fourth tone used in '呆' can easily be mispronounced.
While this idiom may not be part of the official HSK vocabulary, it enhances conversational skills at HSK level 4 and above. Students should focus on understanding idiomatic expressions to convey emotions and reactions more naturally.
Learners often confuse the tone of '呆' and say it with a rising tone instead of the correct falling tone. Additionally, they may use it too liberally, applying it in contexts where a simpler expression suffices, like saying '我目瞪口呆' (I am dumbstruck) instead of providing context.
Pronunciation of 目瞪口呆
Drill the tone of 目瞪口呆 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 目瞪口呆 to You
Let me explain 目瞪口呆 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 目瞪口呆 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 目瞪口呆?
Learning Lab
Knowing 目瞪口呆 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: 目瞪口呆
Component Characters
How to say dumbstruck (idiom); stupefied in Chinese
“dumbstruck (idiom); stupefied” in Chinese is目瞪口呆
目瞪口呆 (mù dèng kǒu dāi) is an idiomatic expression used to describe a state of being dumbstruck or stupefied, often due to shock or disbelief. It conveys the image of someone staring wide-eyed and having nothing to say, commonly used in situations of surprising news or unexpected events.
When to use 目瞪口呆
This idiom is informal and often used in spoken language. A common mistake is using it in overly formal writing, where a more straightforward expression might be appropriate. Be cautious of tone when saying it; the fourth tone used in '呆' can easily be mispronounced.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse the tone of '呆' and say it with a rising tone instead of the correct falling tone. Additionally, they may use it too liberally, applying it in contexts where a simpler expression suffices, like saying '我目瞪口呆' (I am dumbstruck) instead of providing context.
Write 目瞪口呆
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 目瞪口呆 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 目瞪口呆?
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 目瞪口呆
It's best to avoid using 目瞪口呆 in formal contexts, as it is more suited for informal conversation.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 目瞪口呆?
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.