入木三分
rù mù sān fēn
forceful (of calligraphy); penetrating (of analysis)
Character by character
入rù
enter
enter
木mù
wood
wood
三sān
three
three
分fēn
tenths of an inch
tenths of an inch
Example
这篇文章对社会问题的分析入木三分。
This essay’s analysis of social problems cuts deep.
Tone: positive (praise).
Usage and origin
王羲之’s ink was said to have soaked three tenths of an inch into the board.
Learn this in Lesson 82 · HSK 6–7: 汉字的演变 (How the characters evolved)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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