目中无人

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: mù zhōng wú rén
• English Translation: To be arrogant and dismissive of others; to act as if no one else exists or matters
• Idiom Composition: 「目」（Eye）＋「中」（Inside, within）＋「无」（Without, none）＋「人」（Person, people）
• Meaning: Literally meaning 'no one in one's eyes,' this idiom describes a person who ignores the existence of others and arrogantly believes they alone are important. It expresses looking down on others and displaying an arrogant attitude.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「目中无人」 contains the following nuances:

• Arrogance: Expresses an attitude of believing oneself superior and looking down on others.
• Self-centeredness: Indicates a tendency to think only of oneself and ignore others' opinions or feelings.
• Rudeness: Means a lack of respect and consideration for others.
• Exclusiveness: Implies an attitude of excluding those with different opinions or values.

3. Usage

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

• Character evaluation: Used to criticize someone who looks down on others and behaves arrogantly.
  • Example:「他总是目中无人，从来不听别人的意见。」
    （He is always arrogant and dismissive of others, never listening to anyone else's opinion.）
• Criticism of attitude: Used to criticize a self-centered attitude that shows no respect for others.
  • Example:「尽管他才华横溢，但目中无人的态度让人难以接受。」
    （Although he is talented, his arrogant and dismissive attitude is hard to accept.）
• Describing behavior: Used to describe behavior that ignores or belittles others.
  • Example:「在团队合作中，目中无人的行为是不可取的。」
    （In teamwork, arrogant and dismissive behavior is unacceptable.）

Additional Examples:

1. 她总是目中无人，认为自己比别人都强。
   （She is always arrogant and dismissive of others, believing she is better than everyone else.）
2. 他因为目中无人，最终失去了很多朋友。
   （Because of his arrogant and dismissive attitude, he eventually lost many friends.）
3. 这位年轻的政治家，目中无人，对前辈毫无敬意。
   （This young politician is arrogant and dismissive, showing no respect to his seniors.）
4. 他在公司里目中无人，随意指使同事，引起了大家的反感。
   （He behaved arrogantly and dismissively at work, ordering colleagues around freely, which caused resentment.）
5. 尽管取得了很大的成就，但他依然谦虚谨慎，从不目中无人。
   （Despite great achievements, he remains humble and cautious, never arrogant or dismissive of others.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• Emphasis on humility: In traditional Chinese culture, humility is considered an important virtue, and attitudes like those described by '目中无人' are strongly criticized. This idiom reflects Confucian values.
• Impact on relationships: The attitude of '目中无人' can negatively affect interpersonal relationships and may lead to social isolation.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 自高自大 (zì gāo zì dà): To be conceited and arrogant.
  • 目空一切 (mù kōng yí qiè): To be arrogant and disregard everything else.
  • 狂妄自大 (kuáng wàng zì dà): To be arrogantly conceited.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 谦虚谨慎 (qiān xū jǐn shèn): Humble and cautious.
  • 平易近人 (píng yì jìn rén): Approachable and friendly.
  • 虚怀若谷 (xū huái ruò gǔ): Humble and open-minded.

6. Summary

'目中无人' is an idiom that strongly criticizes an arrogant and self-centered attitude, which is the opposite of the traditional Chinese value of humility. When using this term, it is important to understand that it implies not only self-centeredness but also looking down on and despising others. Additionally, this idiom can negatively affect interpersonal relationships, so it should be used with caution.