美不胜收

美不勝收

měibúshèngshōu

idiom #39,502

Meanings

1 so many beautiful things one can't take them all in
2 a feast for the eyes
3 breathtakingly beautiful

Characters

to bear; to be equal to

to receive; to take in

Examples

西湖的景色美不胜收，让人流连忘返。

Xīhú de jǐngsè měibúshèngshōu, ràng rén liúliánwàngfǎn.

The scenery of West Lake is so beautiful you can't take it all in — it makes you reluctant to leave.

展览上的艺术品美不胜收。

Zhǎnlǎn shàng de yìshùpǐn měibúshèngshōu.

The artworks at the exhibition are a feast for the eyes.

Tips

usage

胜 here means 'to be able to bear/endure,' pronounced shèng (in some older readings, shēng). The idiom literally means 'the beauty is more than one can take in.' Used for landscapes, art collections, elaborate banquets — not for a single beautiful thing.

mistakes

Don't use for single objects or people — 那个女孩美不胜收 is wrong. Use for sights with many elements: gardens, galleries, fireworks, scenery.

Stroke Order

美 měi

不 bù

胜 shèng

收 shōu