转眼

• Pinyin: zhuǎn yǎn
• Hanzi breakdown: 转 = 车 + 专 (turn); 眼 = 目 + 艮 (eye)

Meaning

In the blink of an eye; in an instant; before you know it. Describing how quickly time passes.

An adverb expressing the rapid passage of time, often with a sense of surprise or nostalgia. Used to reflect on how quickly circumstances change or time flies. Common in narratives and reflections.

Examples

1. 转眼间，孩子们都长大了。 In the blink of an eye, the kids have all grown up.
2. 转眼就到了年底。 In the blink of an eye, it was the end of the year.
3. 我们相识转眼已经十年了。 We’ve known each other for ten years before we knew it.

Usage Guide

Context: narrative, reflection, daily life

Tone: nostalgic

Do Say

• 转眼之间，春天已经过去了。(In the blink of an eye, spring has passed.)
• 转眼她已经退休五年了。(Before you know it, she has been retired for five years.)

Don't Say

• 转眼做完作业 — 转眼 describes perceived time passage, not actual speed; use 很快 for actual speed

Origin & History

转 (to turn) + 眼 (eye) — the time it takes to turn one's eyes

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal