眼观四面，耳听八方 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
观 guān HSK 4
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)
听 tīng HSK 1
to listen; to hear; to obey
八 bā HSK 1
eight; 8
方 fāng HSK 3
method; direction; side