赞不绝口

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: zàn bù jué kǒu
• English Translation: To praise endlessly, to give continuous high praise, to speak highly of something without stopping
• Idiom Composition: 「赞」（To praise, to commend）＋「不」（Not）＋「绝」（To cease, to stop）＋「口」（Mouth）
• Meaning: To continuously praise something or someone verbally. It describes expressing very high appreciation and speaking repeatedly about the excellence of a person or thing.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「赞不绝口」 contains the following nuances:

• High appraisal: Indicates that the person or thing being praised is outstanding and genuinely admired.
• Continuous praise: Describes praising repeatedly, not just once but continuously.
• Expression of strong emotion: Emphasizes that the praise is sincere and reflects genuine admiration, not just flattery.
• Admiration and emotion: Often conveys feelings of surprise and deep emotion.

3. Usage

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

• Praising people or things: Used when praising a person's talent, ability, achievements, or the excellence and beauty of things.
  • Example:「他对这部新电影赞不绝口，认为这是近年来最好的国产片之一。」
    （He praised this new movie endlessly, considering it one of the best domestic films in recent years.）
• Expressing admiration for experiences: Also used when talking about personal experiences such as delicious food, beautiful scenery, or moving events.
  • Example:「这道菜色香味俱全，让人赞不绝口。」
    （This dish is perfect in appearance, aroma, and taste, making everyone who tries it praise it endlessly.）
• Evaluating artistic works: Used to express high appreciation for artistic works such as movies, music, paintings, and literature.
  • Example:「她的歌声美妙动听，让人赞不绝口。」
    （Her beautiful singing voice captivates listeners, who praise it endlessly.）

Additional Examples:

1. 老师对学生的作文赞不绝口，认为其构思独特，文笔流畅。
   （The teacher praised the student's essay endlessly, appreciating its unique ideas and smooth writing.）
2. 他的演讲非常精彩，赢得了在场观众的赞不绝口。
   （His speech was excellent and received continuous praise from the audience.）
3. 参观完故宫后，他对中国古代建筑的精湛技艺赞不绝口。
   （After visiting the Forbidden City, he praised endlessly the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient Chinese architecture.）
4. 这家餐厅的服务态度非常好，每位顾客都赞不绝口。
   （The service at this restaurant is excellent, and every customer praises it endlessly.）
5. 朋友们对他的新发明赞不绝口，认为这将给人们的生活带来极大的便利。
   （His friends praise endlessly his new invention, believing it will bring great convenience to people's lives.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• In Chinese culture, where maintaining face is important, praising others publicly plays a key role in building good relationships. The idiom '赞不绝口' reflects this cultural background.
• Compared to the general term for praise '赞美 (zàn měi)', '赞不绝口' expresses a stronger and continuous feeling of admiration.
• If used too frequently, the phrase may lose its impact and come across as insincere. It is best reserved for moments of genuine admiration.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 交口称赞 (jiāo kǒu chēng zàn): Everyone praises something unanimously.
  • 赞声不绝 (zàn shēng bù jué): Voices of praise never cease.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 嗤之以鼻 (chī zhī yǐ bí): To sneer at or show contempt.
  • 不屑一顾 (bú xiè yí gù): To consider something unworthy of attention or to disdain it.

6. Summary

'赞不绝口' is a highly positive idiom used to express heartfelt admiration and amazement. Using this phrase effectively conveys respect and praise towards others. It is a valuable expression to incorporate into your Chinese communication.