# 目不识丁

mù bù shí dīng

Be unable to read or write

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** The eyes cannot recognize even ding

**Traditional Chinese:** 目不識丁

**Register:** Descriptive · literary

[Perspective](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/perspective)

## When to use it

Describe illiteracy in traditional language.

Can demean people denied education.

## Understanding the expression

The image takes a simple written character as a minimal test and says the person cannot recognize even that. The phrase traditionally means being unable to read, often with an emphatic or dismissive tone. In modern writing it may describe earlier generations who lacked access to school. Lack of literacy does not mean lack of intelligence or wisdom. Use the phrase carefully when discussing people's educational opportunities and dignity.

## Examples

曾祖母目不识丁，却很会算账。

### Traditional Chinese

曾祖母目不識丁，卻很會算賬。

zēng zǔ mǔ mù bù shí dīng ， què hěn huì suàn zhàng 。

Great Grandma could not read but handled accounts well.

小说中的农夫目不识丁。

### Traditional Chinese

小說中的農夫目不識丁。

xiǎo shuō zhōng de nóng fū mù bù shí dīng 。

The farmer in the novel is illiterate.

她教目不识丁的老人认字。

### Traditional Chinese

她教目不識丁的老人認字。

tā jiào mù bù shí dīng de lǎo rén rèn zì 。

She teaches older people who cannot read to recognize characters.

他不愿用目不识丁嘲笑别人。

### Traditional Chinese

他不願用目不識丁嘲笑別人。

tā bú yuàn yòng mù bù shí dīng cháo xiào bié rén 。

He refuses to mock others as illiterate.

## 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=%E7%9B%AE%E4%B8%8D%E8%AD%98%E4%B8%81)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=108&webMd=1&la=0)

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