nhục nhãn nan tri

Definition
  1. Idiom (Thành ngữ):
    • The fleshly eye is hard to discern: A classical idiom describing the inherent limitation of ordinary human perception. It means that with our flawed, physical eyes, we often fail to recognize talent, virtue, or truth that is right in front of us. It contrasts the "fleshly eye" with the enlightened, all-seeing "eye" of a sage or deity.
Usage Examples
  • Idiom:
    • Thật đúng là nhục nhãn nan tri, tôi đã không nhìn ra tài năng của anh ấy ngay bên cạnh mình. (It truly is a case of "the fleshly eye is hard to discern"; I failed to recognize his talent right beside me.)
    • Đừng trách họ, nhục nhãn nan tri mà, mấy ai nhìn thấu được lòng người. (Don't blame them; "the fleshly eye is hard to discern," few can see through a person's heart.)
Advanced Usage & Cultural Context
  • This idiom originates from classical Sino-Vietnamese philosophy and literature. It reflects a traditional worldview that distinguishes between the superficial perception of common people ("người trần mắt thịt" - mundane people with fleshly eyes) and the profound insight of enlightened beings.
  • It is often used to express humility, to criticize superficial judgment, or to explain why someone's merits were overlooked.
Related Phrases and Concepts
  • Người trần mắt thịt: Mundane people with fleshly eyes; ordinary, unenlightened people.
    • Chúng ta là người trần mắt thịt, sao có thể đoán được ý trời? (We are but mundane people with fleshly eyes; how can we guess the will of heaven?)
Synonyms
  • Short-sighted: Lacking foresight or discernment.
  • To fail to see what is right under one's nose: To be unaware of something obvious nearby.
Related Idioms
  • Mắt thịt: (literally "flesh eye") A term denoting ordinary, imperfect human vision and judgment.
  • Có mắt như mù: (to have eyes but be blind) To be incapable of seeing or understanding something obvious.