不同寻常

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: bù tóng xún cháng
• English Translation: Unusual, extraordinary, out of the ordinary
• Idiom Composition: 「不」（Not）＋「同」（Same）＋「寻」（Ordinary）＋「常」（Common, constant）
• Meaning: Refers to something that differs from the ordinary. It describes something uncommon, special, or rare, indicating a deviation from the usual state or expected standards.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「不同寻常」 contains the following nuances:

• Uniqueness: Describes having unique qualities or characteristics that distinguish it from others.
• Excellence: Indicates being superior or outstanding, surpassing the ordinary level.
• Unexpectedness: Implies containing unexpected and surprising elements.
• Notable aspect: Suggests having special value or meaning that attracts people's attention.

3. Usage

「不同寻常」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Describing characteristics of people or things: Used to describe a person or thing that possesses special qualities or abilities different from the ordinary.
  • Example:「这个小男孩的记忆力不同寻常，他能记住所有见过的人的名字。」
    （This little boy's memory is extraordinary; he can remember the names of everyone he has met.）
• Describing situations or events: Used to describe a situation or event that is unusual, rare, or special.
  • Example:「这种植物的生长速度不同寻常，短短几个月就长成了大树。」
    （The growth rate of this plant is unusual; it grew into a large tree in just a few months.）
• Stating evaluations or impressions: Used to express an evaluation or impression that a person, thing, or situation is out of the ordinary.
  • Example:「他的演讲内容不同寻常，给人留下了深刻印象。」
    （His speech content was extraordinary, leaving a deep impression on people.）

Additional Examples:

1. 这部电影的拍摄手法不同寻常，让人耳目一新。
   （The filming technique of this movie is unusual, giving people a fresh impression.）
2. 她的设计总是不同寻常，充满了创意。
   （Her designs are always out of the ordinary, full of creativity.）
3. 这次会议的议题不同寻常，引起了广泛关注。
   （The topic of this meeting was unusual, attracting widespread attention.）
4. 他以不同寻常的毅力克服了重重困难，最终取得了成功。
   （He overcame many difficulties with extraordinary perseverance and finally achieved success.）
5. 这家餐厅的菜肴味道不同寻常，让人回味无穷。
   （The taste of the dishes at this restaurant is exceptional, leaving an endless aftertaste.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• Appreciation for uniqueness: In Chinese culture, individuality and originality are often valued. '不同寻常' reflects this cultural background by giving a positive evaluation to things that are out of the ordinary.
• Contextual usage: '不同寻常' can be used in both positive and negative senses. Its nuance depends on the context. For example, if a criminal's modus operandi is described as '不同寻常', it carries a negative connotation.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 独树一帜 (dú shù yì zhì): To establish a unique style, to be original.
  • 别具一格 (bié jù yì gé): To have a unique style, to be distinctive.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 平淡无奇 (píng dàn wú qí): Ordinary and unremarkable.
  • 千篇一律 (qiān piān yí lǜ): Monotonous, all the same.

6. Summary

'不同寻常' is a versatile idiom that describes anything—people, things, or situations—that is out of the ordinary. When using this phrase, specifying how the subject is 'unusual' makes the expression more convincing. Also, in Chinese, 'unusual' does not always carry a negative connotation, so it is important to interpret its nuance based on the context.