振聋发聩

振聾發聵

zhènlóngfākuì

idiom #65,587

Meanings

1 so loud that even the deaf can hear
2 (fig.) to awaken the ignorant; profoundly eye-opening

Characters

to shake; to rouse

to emit; to issue

congenitally deaf

Examples

他的演讲振聋发聩，让人深思。

Tā de yǎnjiǎng zhènlóngfākuì, ràng rén shēnsī.

His speech was thunderously eye-opening and left people deep in thought.

这篇文章振聋发聩，发人深省。

Zhè piān wénzhāng zhènlóngfākuì, fārénshēnxǐng.

This article is resoundingly thought-provoking, deeply stirring.

老师的一席话振聋发聩。

Lǎoshī de yì xí huà zhènlóngfākuì.

The teacher's words were like a thunderclap that woke everyone up.

Tips

history

From Yuan Mei's Qing-dynasty 《随园诗话补遗》, volume 1: 此数言，振聋发聩 — praising a few words as thunderous enough to rouse the deaf. 聩 specifically means congenital deafness, making the image stronger: even those who have never heard a sound would be stirred.

usage

Only for words, writing, or speech — not for noises. Describes content so powerful it shakes complacent or ignorant listeners awake. Avoid using for merely loud sound; for that use 震耳欲聋.

Stroke Order

振 zhèn

聋 lóng

发 fā

聩 kuì