目瞪口呆

mù dèng kǒu dāi
Literal: "eyes stare, mouth open"

📖 Meaning

Dumbfounded, completely speechless with shock or astonishment.

📜 Origin Story

From Yuan Dynasty drama describing characters struck speechless.

💡 Example Usage

这个消息让他目瞪口呆。

The news left him dumbfounded—eyes staring, mouth hanging open.

🏷️ Category

➕ Similar Idioms

➖ Opposite Idioms

🔤 Quick Facts

  • Chinese: 目瞪口呆
  • Pinyin: mù dèng kǒu dāi
  • Literal Translation: eyes stare, mouth open
  • Category: Emotion
  • Characters: 4