赞不绝口

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: zàn bù jué kǒu
• English Translation: Praising without end (to be full of praise)
• Idiom Composition: 「赞」（To praise or commend）＋「不」（Not (negation)）＋「绝」（To stop, cease, or end）＋「口」（Mouth (referring to speech or words)）
• Meaning: To praise something or someone so highly that the words of admiration flow from one's mouth without stopping. It expresses sincere wonder, high satisfaction, and strong approval.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「赞不绝口」 contains the following nuances:

• Incessant Admiration: This idiom describes more than just a single compliment; it depicts a continuous stream of praise, emphasizing that the subject is exceptionally remarkable.
• High Level of Satisfaction: It indicates that the speaker is extremely satisfied with a sensory experience (like taste) or a concrete achievement (like a professional performance).

3. Usage

「赞不绝口」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Food and Taste: A standard expression used to rave about the flavor of a dish after eating something delicious.
  • Example:「客人们尝了这道特色菜后，都赞不绝口。」
    （After tasting this signature dish, the guests were all full of praise.）
• Skills and Achievements: Used to emphasize that someone's work performance, technique, or results are outstanding.
  • Example:「老板对他的工作效率赞不绝口。」
    （The boss is full of praise for his work efficiency.）
• Art and Scenery: Describes being deeply moved by the beauty of a movie, painting, or natural landscape.
  • Example:「游客们对这里的迷人景色赞不绝口。」
    （Tourists are full of praise for the charming scenery here.）

Additional Examples:

1. 对于这位年轻钢琴家的演奏，观众们赞不绝口。
   （The audience was full of praise for the young pianist's performance.）
2. 虽然是第一次做饭，但大家都对她的手艺赞不绝口。
   （Even though it was her first time cooking, everyone was full of praise for her skills.）
3. 这款新手机的设计让很多科技博主赞不绝口。
   （The design of this new smartphone has left many tech bloggers full of praise.）
4. 爷爷对这壶好茶赞不绝口，连喝了好几杯。
   （Grandpa was full of praise for this pot of fine tea and drank several cups in a row.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• Literary Origins: This expression can be found in classic literature such as the Qing Dynasty novel Dream of the Red Chamber (红楼梦) and the Ming Dynasty collection Stories to Caution the World (警世通言). It remains one of the most frequently used idioms in modern Mandarin.
• Social Etiquette: In Chinese culture, which values 'Face' (面子 - miàn zi), giving someone 赞不绝口 (zàn bù jué kǒu) in a social or public setting is a powerful way to show respect and build rapport.
• Grammar Tip: It is most commonly used with the preposition 对 (duì) to indicate the object of praise, or with causative verbs like 让 (ràng) or 令 (lìng) to describe the effect something has on an audience.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 交口称誉 (jiāo kǒu chēng yù): Many people praising something with one voice; universal acclaim.
  • 拍案叫绝 (pāi àn jiào jué): To slap the table and shout 'Bravo!'; an intense, often surprised form of praise.
  • 赞叹不已 (zàn tàn bù yǐ): To praise someone or something repeatedly and enthusiastically.link
  • 叹为观止 (tàn wéi guān zhǐ): To exclaim in admiration at the excellence of something.link
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 骂不绝口 (mà bù jué kǒu): To curse or scold incessantly; the literal opposite of 赞不绝口 (zàn bù jué kǒu).
  • 嗤之以鼻 (chī zhī yǐ bí): To turn up one's nose at; to treat something with contempt or disdain.
  • 一无是处 (yī wú shì chù): To be good for nothing; to be utterly useless.link
  • 不屑一顾 (bù xiè yī gù): To disdain to cast a glance; to think something not worth seeing.link

6. Summary

赞不绝口 (zàn bù jué kǒu) is a highly positive idiom used when someone is so impressed that they cannot stop offering compliments. It is versatile and can be applied to delicious food, artistic works, professional skills, or beautiful scenery. It is most commonly used in the structure 对 (duì) ... 赞不绝口 (zàn bù jué kǒu), meaning 'to be full of praise for' something.