不同寻常

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: bù tóng xún cháng
• English Translation: Out of the ordinary / Extraordinary
• Idiom Composition: 「不」（Not (negation).）＋「同」（Same or identical.）＋「寻常」（Ordinary, common, or usual. (Historically derived from ancient units of measurement).）
• Meaning: Describes a person, thing, or situation that is unusual or deviates from the norm. It can be used positively to mean 'outstanding' or 'exceptional,' or neutrally/negatively to mean 'strange' or 'uncommon.'

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「不同寻常」 contains the following nuances:

• Contrast with 寻常 (xún cháng): The term 寻常 (xún cháng) means 'commonplace' or 'ordinary.' By adding 不同 (bù tóng), meaning 'not the same,' the idiom emphasizes a clear deviation from the standard.
• Flexibility of Evaluation: This idiom is highly flexible. It can serve as a compliment, such as describing 'extraordinary talent,' or as a way to point out something suspicious or 'odd' depending on the context.

3. Usage

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

• Abilities or Achievements (Positive): Used to praise talent, courage, or results that are far beyond the average person.
  • Example:「他在这次比赛中表现出了不同寻常的毅力。」
    （He showed extraordinary perseverance in this match.）
• Atmosphere or Situations (Neutral/Mysterious): Used to describe an unusual atmosphere or unexpected events, often implying that something is about to happen.
  • Example:「今天办公室里的气氛有些不同寻常，大家都沉默不语。」
    （The atmosphere in the office today is somewhat unusual; everyone is keeping silent.）

Additional Examples:

1. 这件艺术品的设计构思不同寻常，令人眼前一亮。
   （The design concept of this artwork is out of the ordinary, making it truly eye-catching.）
2. 种种迹象表明，这起事故的原因不同寻常。
   （Various signs indicate that the cause of this accident is not common.）
3. 我们要走一条不同寻常的发展道路。
   （We must take an unconventional path of development.）
4. 那个陌生人的举止显得有些不同寻常，引起了警卫的注意。
   （The stranger's behavior seemed unusual, attracting the security guard's attention.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• The term 寻常 (xún cháng) originates from ancient Chinese units of length. A 寻 (xún) was eight feet, and a 常 (cháng) was sixteen feet. Because these were relatively short and common measurements, the compound word eventually came to mean 'ordinary' or 'commonplace.' 不同寻常 (bù tóng xún cháng) is the negation of this concept.
• This expression is widely used in both formal writing and daily conversation, making it one of the most versatile ways to describe something unique.
• While similar to 非同小可 (fēi tóng xiǎo kě), which implies a matter of great importance or gravity, 不同寻常 (bù tóng xún cháng) is more general and simply denotes that something is 'different from the usual.'

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 非同寻常 (fēi tóng xún cháng): Almost synonymous with the main idiom, but uses 非 (fēi) to create a more formal and emphatic tone.
  • 与众不同 (yǔ zhòng bù tóng): To be different from the crowd; to be unique or individualistic.link
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 平淡无奇 (píng dàn wú qí): Prosaic and unremarkable; lacking any special or interesting features.link
  • 司空见惯 (sī kōng jiàn guàn): A common sight; something so common that one is used to seeing it.link

6. Summary

不同寻常 (bù tóng xún cháng) is a versatile idiom used to describe anything that stands out from the everyday. Whether praising someone's **extraordinary** perseverance or noting a **strange** atmosphere in a room, this phrase highlights a departure from the expected standard.