显眼

• Pinyin: xiǎn yǎn
• Hanzi breakdown: 显 = 日 + 业 (clearly visible); 眼 = 目 + 艮 (eye socket)

Meaning

Conspicuous; eye-catching; standing out prominently so as to attract attention.

Used to describe something or someone that stands out due to colour, size, position, or behaviour. Can be positive or negative depending on context.

Examples

1. 她穿了一件显眼的红色外套，在人群中非常突出。 She wore a bright red coat that really stood out in the crowd.
2. 店铺的招牌设计得十分显眼，路过的人都会注意到。 The shop’s sign is designed to be very eye-catching, so everyone who passes by notices it.
3. 会议室里那幅巨大的画作格外显眼。 That enormous painting in the conference room is especially noticeable.

Usage Guide

Context: appearance, design, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 他的发型太显眼了，所有人都盯着他看。(His hairstyle was too conspicuous — everyone stared at him.)
• 把重要信息放在页面最显眼的位置。(Place important information in the most prominent position on the page.)

Don't Say

• 这个地方很显眼 when meaning 'beautiful' — use 漂亮 or 好看 instead; 显眼 means conspicuous, not attractive

Origin & History

显 (obvious/prominent) + 眼 (eye) — literally 'obvious to the eye'

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal