眼前一亮

yǎnqiányīliàng
phrase

Meanings

  1. 1 one's eyes light up
  2. 2 to be pleasantly surprised by what one sees

Examples

Kàn dào zhège shèjì, wǒ yǎnqiányīliàng.
When I saw this design, my eyes lit up.
Tā de biǎoyǎn ràng píngwěi yǎnqiányīliàng.
Her performance made the judges sit up and take notice.
Zhè jiā diàn de zhuāngxiū ràng rén yǎnqiányīliàng.
This shop's decor really catches the eye.

Tips

usage
Reserved for genuine, fresh-feeling delight — a clever design, a standout candidate, an unexpected dish. Don't use it for things that are merely pretty; the surprise element matters.
grammar
Very common with / : 眼前一亮 ('makes one's eyes light up') is the go-to compliment template in product reviews, talent shows, and pitches.

Stroke Order

yǎn
qián
liàng