# 历历在目

lì lì zài mù

Remain vividly present in memory

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Each detail stands clearly before the eyes

**Traditional Chinese:** 歷歷在目

**Register:** Reflective · general

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

## When to use it

Describe a remembered scene that feels visually clear.

Vivid memory does not guarantee perfect factual accuracy.

## Understanding the expression

The remembered details appear almost as clearly as something presently seen. The expression describes scenes that remain vivid after time has passed, often childhood moments, dramatic events, or meaningful encounters. It does not mean the scene is physically present. The feeling of clarity belongs to memory, which can still be imperfect. A reflective sentence can preserve the emotional force of remembering while avoiding the assumption that every recalled detail is beyond correction.

## Examples

毕业那天的场景仍历历在目。

### Traditional Chinese

畢業那天的場景仍歷歷在目。

bì yè nà tiān de chǎng jǐng réng lì lì zài mù 。

Graduation day remains vivid in my memory.

事故虽过去多年，细节仍历历在目。

### Traditional Chinese

事故雖過去多年，細節仍歷歷在目。

shì gù suī guò qù duō nián ， xì jié réng lì lì zài mù 。

The accident's details remain vivid after years.

奶奶的笑容历历在目。

### Traditional Chinese

奶奶的笑容歷歷在目。

nǎi nai de xiào róng lì lì zài mù 。

Grandma's smile remains clearly in my mind.

重回故乡，童年往事历历在目。

### Traditional Chinese

重回故鄉，童年往事歷歷在目。

zhòng huí gù xiāng ， tóng nián wǎng shì lì lì zài mù 。

Returning home brought childhood scenes vividly back.

## 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=%E6%AD%B7%E6%AD%B7%E5%9C%A8%E7%9B%AE)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=654&webMd=1&la=0)

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