眼觀四面，耳聽八方 yǎn guān sì miàn ， ěr tīng bā fāng

fig. to be observant and alert

Word data

HSK Not in HSK
Frequency Unknown

Definitions

  1. 1. fig. to be observant and alert
  2. 2. lit. the eyes observe all sides and the ears listen in all directions (idiom)

Characters

Character Meaning
眼 yǎn HSK 2
eye; crux (of a matter); small hole
觀 guān
point of view; concept; to watch
四 sì HSK 1
four; 4
面 miàn HSK 1
face; surface; aspect
耳 ěr HSK 3
ear; handle (archaeology)
聽 tīng
to listen; to hear; to obey
八 bā HSK 1
eight; 8
方 fāng HSK 3
method; direction; side