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以貌取人
yǐ mào qǔ rén◆idiom
judge by appearances
不要以貌取人，她看起來很普通，其實很有才華。
Don't judge by appearances; she looks ordinary but is actually very talented.
formal
To judge someone's character or worth based solely on their physical appearance.
招聘時，有些公司会以貌取人，忽略了真正的能力。
During hiring, some companies judge by appearances and overlook actual abilities.
以貌取人是一种不公平的做法，因为外表并不能反映内在的品质。
Judging by appearances is unfair because looks don't reflect inner qualities.
Often used to criticize superficial judgments in social or professional contexts.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Cultural Insight
This idiom reflects Confucian values emphasizing inner virtue over superficial traits. It's often cited in modern debates about diversity and inclusion in workplaces.
Gold Rule
When to Use
Use this idiom when criticizing someone for making unfair judgments based on looks, or when advising against such behavior.
Word Origin
Originates from the Analects of Confucius (论语·卫灵公篇), where Confucius criticizes judging others solely by their appearance.
Usage Notes
Commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese to advise against superficial judgments. Often appears in discussions about hiring practices, social interactions, or personal relationships.
Word Breakdown
以
by means of / according to
preposition貌
appearance / looks
noun取
to take / to judge
verb人
person / people
noun汉英词典