# 刮目相看

guā mù xiāng kàn

Regard someone with fresh respect after improvement

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Scrape the eyes and look anew

**Register:** Appreciative · expressive

[Change & possibility](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/change)

## When to use it

Recognize growth that overturns an old judgment.

Usually responds to demonstrated change.

## Understanding the expression

Cleaning the eyes represents clearing away an outdated view. The expression commonly describes renewed respect after someone’s ability or achievements improve. A former beginner may produce excellent work, forcing others to revise their assumptions. It differs from special favoritism because the new regard is grounded in a changed assessment. The phrase also encourages openness: people develop, and a judgment made years ago should not automatically determine how their present work is received.

## Examples

她的进步让老师刮目相看。

### Traditional Chinese

她的進步讓老師刮目相看。

tā de jìn bù ràng lǎo shī guā mù xiāng kàn 。

Her progress made the teacher view her with new respect.

这份作品令人刮目相看。

### Traditional Chinese

這份作品令人刮目相看。

zhè fèn zuò pǐn lìng rén guā mù xiāng kàn 。

This work inspires a new level of respect.

他半年后的表现让我刮目相看。

### Traditional Chinese

他半年後的表現讓我刮目相看。

tā bàn nián hòu de biǎo xiàn ràng wǒ guā mù xiāng kàn 。

His performance six months later changed my opinion for the better.

别轻视新人，他会让你刮目相看。

### Traditional Chinese

別輕視新人，他會讓你刮目相看。

bié qīng shì xīn rén ， tā huì ràng nǐ guā mù xiāng kàn 。

Do not underestimate the newcomer; he may earn your fresh respect.

## 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=%E5%88%AE%E7%9B%AE%E7%9B%B8%E7%9C%8B)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=992&webMd=1&la=0)

## Keep exploring

- [瓜熟蒂落 guā shú dì luò Results arrive when conditions are ready ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/gua-shu-di-luo)

- [好事多磨 hǎo shì duō mó Good outcomes often come after setbacks ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/hao-shi-duo-mo)

- [后来居上 hòu lái jū shàng Overtake those who started earlier ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/hou-lai-ju-shang)

- [化险为夷 huà xiǎn wéi yí Turn danger into safety ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/hua-xian-wei-yi)

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