悦耳动听

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: yuè ěr dòng tīng
• English Translation: Pleasing to the ear and moving to listen to
• Idiom Composition: 「悦」（To please or make someone feel comfortable）＋「耳」（Ear）＋「动」（To move or touch someone emotionally）＋「听」（To listen or hear）
• Meaning: Describes voices, music, or sounds that are exceptionally beautiful, pleasant to the ear, and emotionally resonant.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「悦耳动听」 contains the following nuances:

• Auditory Beauty: The first half, 悦耳 (yuè ěr), literally means 'to please the ear.' It refers to the physical quality of the sound—clear, harmonious, and the opposite of harsh noise.
• Emotional Resonance: The second half, 动听 (dòng tīng), means 'moving to hear.' It emphasizes that the sound is not just technically good but has a charm that captures the listener's heart.

3. Usage

「悦耳动听」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Singing and Musical Performance: Commonly used to praise the voice of a singer or the performance of a musical instrument.
  • Example:「她的歌声婉转，悦耳动听，让在场的观众都陶醉了。」
    （Her voice was melodious and pleasing to the ear, leaving the entire audience spellbound.）
• Speaking Voice and Rhetoric: Used to describe a beautiful speaking voice or someone who speaks in a very persuasive, charming manner.
  • Example:「虽然他说的话悦耳动听，但我们不能只听表面，要看他的实际行动。」
    （Although his words were sweet-sounding, we shouldn't just listen to the surface; we must look at his actual actions.）
• Natural Sounds: Used to describe beautiful sounds in nature, such as birdsong or flowing water.
  • Example:「清晨，窗外传来了几声悦耳动听的鸟鸣。」
    （In the early morning, the beautiful chirping of birds could be heard from outside the window.）

Additional Examples:

1. 这首钢琴曲旋律优美，悦耳动听。
   （This piano piece has a beautiful melody that is pleasant to listen to.）
2. 广播员的声音磁性而悦耳动听。
   （The broadcaster's voice is magnetic and very pleasing to the ear.）
3. 不管他说得多么悦耳动听，由于缺乏诚意，大家都不相信。
   （No matter how sweetly he speaks, no one believes him because he lacks sincerity.）
4. 山间溪流的声音清脆悦耳动听。
   （The sound of the mountain stream is clear and pleasing to the ear.）
5. 那悦耳动听的风铃声，让人感到心情平静。
   （The beautiful sound of those wind chimes makes one feel peaceful.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• The idiom follows a parallel structure, combining two synonymous phrases: 悦耳 (yuè ěr) and 动听 (dòng tīng) to reinforce the idea of a perfect sound.
• In modern Chinese, there is a common sarcastic expression: 说得比唱得还悦耳动听 (shuō de bǐ chàng de hái yuè ěr dòng tīng), which literally means 'speaking even more beautifully than singing.' It is used to mock someone who is a smooth talker but cannot be trusted.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 娓娓动听 (wěi wěi dòng tīng): Describes a way of speaking that is vivid, tireless, and engaging.
  • 余音绕梁 (yú yīn rào liáng): Literally 'the resonance curls around the beams'; describes music so wonderful that the effect lingers long after it stops.
  • 抑扬顿挫 (yì yáng dùn cuò): The modulation of tone and rhythm in speech or singing.link
  • 扣人心弦 (kòu rén xīn xián): To be fascinating and gripping.link
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 不堪入耳 (bù kān rù ěr): Unbearable to the ear; usually refers to foul language or extremely offensive noise.
  • 刺耳难听 (cì ěr nán tīng): Harsh, grating, or unpleasant to listen to.
  • 平淡无奇 (píng dàn wú qí): Ordinary, nothing special.link

6. Summary

悦耳动听 (yuè ěr dòng tīng) is used to describe sounds—such as music, singing, speaking voices, or natural sounds—that are both pleasant and touching. While it is primarily a compliment for a beautiful sound, it can occasionally be used sarcastically to describe someone who uses 'sweet-sounding' words to hide a lack of sincerity.