# 耳提面命

ěr tí miàn mìng

Give earnest, repeated personal guidance

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Lift the ear and instruct face to face

**Register:** Earnest · literary

[People & connection](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/relationships)

## When to use it

Describe direct, insistent advice from a mentor or elder.

Can feel patronizing between equals; not literal ear-pulling.

## Understanding the expression

The expression imagines instruction delivered very close to the learner, with attention directed firmly toward the message. It describes earnest personal guidance, often repeated by a teacher or elder. The intention is usually protective or educational. Modern use can also sound intrusive when a speaker claims authority over someone who does not want it. The favorable sense depends on helpful content and a suitable relationship, rather than the mere frequency or force of the advice.

## Examples

老师耳提面命，强调实验安全。

### Traditional Chinese

老師耳提面命，強調實驗安全。

lǎo shī ěr tí miàn mìng ， qiáng diào shí yàn ān quán 。

The teacher repeatedly stresses laboratory safety.

父亲耳提面命，劝他诚实做人。

### Traditional Chinese

父親耳提面命，勸他誠實做人。

fù qīn ěr tí miàn mìng ， quàn tā chéng shí zuò rén 。

His father earnestly teaches him to be honest.

师傅耳提面命地传授操作要领。

### Traditional Chinese

師傅耳提面命地傳授操作要領。

shī fu ěr tí miàn mìng dì chuán shòu cāo zuò yào lǐng 。

The master personally emphasizes essential techniques.

面对成年人，不必总是耳提面命。

### Traditional Chinese

面對成年人，不必總是耳提面命。

miàn duì chéng nián rén ， bú bì zǒng shì ěr tí miàn mìng 。

Adults do not always need repeated authoritative instruction.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E8%80%B3%E6%8F%90%E9%9D%A2%E5%91%BD)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=674&webMd=1&la=0)

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