目中无人

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: mù zhōng wú rén
• English Translation: To have no one in one's eyes (extremely arrogant)
• Idiom Composition: 「目」（Eye or vision.）＋「中」（Inside or within.）＋「无」（To not have; without.）＋「人」（Other people or those worthy of respect.）
• Meaning: To act as if there is no one else in one's sight; a derogatory term describing someone who is extremely arrogant, treats others with contempt, and completely disregards them.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「目中无人」 contains the following nuances:

• Extreme Arrogance: This idiom goes beyond simple confidence; it describes a level of pride where one views others as worthless or beneath their notice.
• Disregard for Others: It emphasizes the act of ignoring the feelings, opinions, or existence of those around oneself to act entirely on one's own whims.

3. Usage

「目中无人」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Criticizing Arrogant Behavior: Used to describe someone whose attitude is overbearing and lacks basic respect for others.
  • Example:「他仗着家里有钱，总是目中无人，对谁都不客气。」
    （Relying on his family's wealth, he is always so arrogant that he is rude to everyone.）
• Overconfidence and Ignoring Advice: Describing someone, often young or inexperienced, who ignores the guidance of seniors or experts due to an inflated ego.
  • Example:「那个新来的实习生目中无人，连主管的建议都不听。」
    （That new intern is so full of himself that he won't even listen to the supervisor's suggestions.）

Additional Examples:

1. 你这种目中无人的态度，迟早会让你吃亏的。
   （Your condescending attitude will cause you trouble sooner or later.）
2. 虽然他很有才华，但目中无人的性格让他很难与人合作。
   （Although he is talented, his arrogant personality makes it hard for him to collaborate with others.）
3. 真正的强者往往谦逊低调，绝不会目中无人。
   （True masters are often humble and low-key; they never look down on others.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• The idiom appears in historical literature such as the Chronicles of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms (东周列国志) to describe figures like Zhao Kuo (赵括). Zhao Kuo was famous for his 'Paper Generalship' (纸上谈兵 - zhǐ shàng tán bīng), believing he was a military genius despite having no real experience, even looking down on his father, a renowned general.
• In Chinese culture, humility (谦虚 - qiān xū) is considered a fundamental virtue. Consequently, being labeled as 目中无人 (mù zhōng wú rén) is a very serious social and moral criticism of one's character.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 目空一切 (mù kōng yī qiè): To consider everything empty; carries an even stronger nuance of arrogance than 目中无人 (mù zhōng wú rén).
  • 狂妄自大 (kuáng wàng zì dà): Wildly arrogant and self-important.
  • 恃才傲物 (shì cái ào wù): To be arrogant because of one's talent or ability.link
  • 盛气凌人 (shèng qì líng rén): To be arrogant and overbearing towards others.link
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 虚怀若谷 (xū huái ruò gǔ): To have a mind as open as a valley; extremely humble and receptive to the opinions of others.
  • 平易近人 (píng yì jìn rén): Amiable and easy to approach; the opposite of being condescending.
  • 彬彬有礼 (bīn bīn yǒu lǐ): Refined and courteous.link
  • 文质彬彬 (wén zhì bīn bīn): Refined in both manner and appearance.link

6. Summary

目中无人 (mù zhōng wú rén) is a powerful idiom used to criticize an attitude of extreme arrogance. It suggests that a person is so self-centered or conceited that they literally do not 'see' or acknowledge the value and presence of others. It is often used to describe people who look down on everyone around them.