耳濡目染 (ěr rú mù rǎn)

idiom (chengyu) HSK 6

ěr rú mù rǎn

to be influenced by what one constantly sees and hears · imperceptible influence · unconscious assimilation through constant exposure

Meaning

This chengyu describes the gradual, unconscious influence one receives from being constantly exposed to something in their environment. It emphasizes how people naturally absorb ideas, habits, and behaviors through repeated observation and hearing, without deliberate study or conscious effort.

Usage

Commonly used in educational or cultural contexts to describe how children learn from parents, how traditions are passed down, or how one's environment shapes character. It typically has a neutral or positive connotation, suggesting natural learning through immersion. Often appears in written Chinese or formal speech rather than casual conversation.

Examples

01
他从小生活在音乐世家，耳濡目染，自然也喜欢上了音乐。
Tā cóng xiǎo shēnghuó zài yīnyuè shìjiā, ěr rú mù rǎn, zìrán yě xǐhuan shàngle yīnyuè.
Growing up in a musical family, he was naturally influenced by what he constantly heard and saw, and came to love music too.
02
孩子的行为习惯往往是耳濡目染父母的结果。
Háizi de xíngwéi xíguàn wǎngwǎng shì ěr rú mù rǎn fùmǔ de jiéguǒ.
Children's behavioral habits are often the result of being unconsciously influenced by their parents.

Characters

Common collocations

受到耳濡目染
shòu dào ěr rú mù rǎn
to be influenced by constant exposure
耳濡目染之下
ěr rú mù rǎn zhī xià
under the influence of constant exposure
从小耳濡目染
cóng xiǎo ěr rú mù rǎn
influenced since childhood by constant exposure

Origin

Literally means 'ears soaked, eyes dyed.' The imagery suggests that just as fabric absorbs dye and becomes colored, a person's mind absorbs influences from what they repeatedly hear and see. This classical expression appears in ancient Chinese texts discussing education and character formation.