扣人心弦

• Pinyin: kòu rén xīn xián
• Hanzi breakdown: 扣 = pluck; 人 = person; 心 = heart; 弦 = 弓 (bow) + 玄 (string)

Meaning

Gripping; heart-stirring; thrilling. Describes something so captivating it tugs at the heartstrings.

A literary expression used to describe narratives, performances, or moments that create intense emotional engagement. Often used for suspenseful stories, moving performances, or tense competition moments.

Examples

1. 这部电影的结局扣人心弦，观众都屏住了呼吸。 The movie's ending was so gripping that the audience held their breath.
2. 决赛最后五分钟扣人心弦，双方比分交替领先。 The last five minutes of the final were heart-stopping, with both sides trading the lead.
3. 她的演讲扣人心弦，不少听众感动得流下了眼泪。 Her speech was so moving that many listeners were brought to tears.

Usage Guide

Context: entertainment, sports, literature

Tone: dramatic

Do Say

• 比赛过程扣人心弦。(The match was absolutely gripping.)
• 这个故事情节扣人心弦。(This plot is heart-stirring.)

Don't Say

• 用扣人心弦形容日常小事，如'今天的午饭扣人心弦'。(Don't use this idiom for mundane things — it's for emotionally intense moments)

Origin & History

Classical phrase meaning 'to pluck at the heartstrings.' 扣 (knock/pluck) + 人心弦 (the strings of one's heart).

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal