# 另眼相看

lìng yǎn xiāng kàn

Regard someone differently, often more favorably

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Look with another eye

**Register:** Standard · expressive

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

## When to use it

Describe special regard or a changed favorable assessment.

Can imply favoritism if unrelated to merit.

## Understanding the expression

A different eye represents a different way of assessing someone. The expression often means treating a person with special appreciation after discovering ability or character, but it can also describe preferential treatment. Context explains what changed and whether the preference is justified. It differs from merely noticing someone for the first time. The important feature is a shift in regard, or a distinction between how that person and others are treated.

## Examples

她的表现让经理另眼相看。

### Traditional Chinese

她的表現讓經理另眼相看。

tā de biǎo xiàn ràng jīng lǐ lìng yǎn xiāng kàn 。

Her performance made the manager regard her more favorably.

老师对勤奋的他另眼相看。

### Traditional Chinese

老師對勤奮的他另眼相看。

lǎo shī duì qín fèn de tā lìng yǎn xiāng kàn 。

The teacher had special regard for him because of his diligence.

别因家境就对人另眼相看。

### Traditional Chinese

別因家境就對人另眼相看。

bié yīn jiā jìng jiù duì rén lìng yǎn xiāng kàn 。

Do not treat people differently merely because of their family circumstances.

这次救援使大家对他另眼相看。

### Traditional Chinese

這次救援使大家對他另眼相看。

zhè cì jiù yuán shǐ dà jiā duì tā lìng yǎn xiāng kàn 。

The rescue changed everyone’s opinion of him for the better.

## 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%8F%A6%E7%9C%BC%E7%9B%B8%E7%9C%8B)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=758&webMd=1&la=0)

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