不可思议

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: bù kě sī yì
• English Translation: Inconceivable, unbelievable, incomprehensible
• Idiom Composition: 「不」（Not）＋「可」（Can）＋「思」（To think）＋「议」（To discuss）
• Meaning: Refers to something so mysterious or extraordinary that it is beyond common sense, understanding, or imagination. Originally a Buddhist term expressing the profound nature of the Dharma, it is now commonly used to describe events or phenomena that surpass ordinary comprehension.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「不可思议」 contains the following nuances:

• Transcendence of common sense: Indicates something beyond the scope of normal thought or understanding.
• Surprise and admiration: Conveys feelings of surprise and admiration towards unexpected or unbelievable phenomena.
• Mysteriousness: Can refer to mysterious events or phenomena that are difficult to explain rationally.
• Difficulty of explanation: Describes situations where it is hard to explain why or how something happened.

3. Usage

「不可思议」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Amazing event: Used to describe miraculous events or phenomena that seem too unlikely to be coincidental.
  • Example:「他从那么高的地方摔下来竟然毫发无损，真是不可思议。」
    （It's unbelievable that he fell from such a high place and was completely unharmed.）
• Phenomenon beyond comprehension: Used to refer to mysterious phenomena that cannot be explained by science.
  • Example:「这个古老遗迹的建造方式至今仍然是个不可思议的谜。」
    （The construction method of this ancient ruin is still an incomprehensible mystery.）
• Extraordinary ability: Also used to describe extraordinary talent or phenomenal ability.
  • Example:「这个孩子小小年纪就能演奏如此复杂的乐曲，真是不可思议。」
    （It's incredible that this child can play such a complex piece of music at such a young age.）

Additional Examples:

1. 他的魔术表演真是不可思议，让人目瞪口呆。
   （His magic show was truly amazing, leaving the audience dumbfounded.）
2. 这个科学发现太不可思议了，完全颠覆了我们的认知。
   （This scientific discovery is so incredible that it completely overturns our understanding.）
3. 她竟然在一天之内完成了所有工作，真是不可思议。
   （It's unbelievable that she finished all her work in one day.）
4. 这个小男孩的记忆力真是不可思议，他能记住所有看过的书。
   （This little boy's memory is truly phenomenal; he can remember every book he has read.）
5. 这个案件的真相令人不可思议，充满了悬念和谜团。
   （The truth of this case is incomprehensible, full of suspense and mystery.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• '不可思议' was originally a Buddhist term expressing the profundity of Buddhist law and realms beyond human understanding. This nuance remains today, sometimes carrying a sense of awe beyond mere surprise.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 难以置信 (nán yǐ zhì xìn): Hard to believe.
  • 难以捉摸 (nán yǐ zhuō mō): Elusive, difficult to grasp or predict.
  • 神秘莫测 (shén mì mò cè): Mysterious and unpredictable.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 一目了然 (yí mù liǎo rán): Obvious at a glance.
  • 一清二楚 (yì qīng èr chǔ): Crystal clear, perfectly plain.

6. Summary

'不可思议' is a word used to describe amazing events or phenomena that are beyond our common sense and understanding. It is a profound expression that conveys not only surprise at something 'unbelievable' but also a sense of the mystery and awe behind it. By using this idiom, you can enrich your Chinese expressions and leave a strong impression on your listeners.