# 一目了然

yī mù liǎo rán

Understand clearly at a glance

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Clear in one look

**Register:** Positive · conversational

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

## When to use it

Use for a well-organized display or an obvious situation.

It is about immediate clarity, not proof that every detail is complete.

## Behind the words

The expression links one look with complete clarity. It is especially useful when describing information organized for quick understanding.

一目 stresses a single look, and 了然 means clear understanding. The expression often praises an arrangement, chart, or explanation that makes relevant information immediately visible. It concerns ease of comprehension, not necessarily simplicity of the underlying subject. A complicated system can become 一目了然 through a well-designed presentation of the part being examined.

## Examples

数据整理成表格后，就一目了然了。

### Traditional Chinese

數據整理成表格後，就一目了然了。

shù jù zhěng lǐ chéng biǎo gé hòu ， jiù yī mù liǎo rán liǎo 。

Once the data is arranged in a table, it becomes clear at a glance.

把费用做成图表以后，总额一目了然。

### Traditional Chinese

把費用做成圖表以後，總額一目了然。

bǎ fèi yòng zuò chéng tú biǎo yǐ hòu ， zǒng é yī mù liǎo rán 。

Putting the expenses in a chart makes the total clear at a glance.

房间里的物品摆放整齐，找什么都一目了然。

### Traditional Chinese

房間裡的物品擺放整齊，找什麼都一目了然。

fáng jiān lǐ de wù pǐn bǎi fàng zhěng qí ， zhǎo shén me dōu yī mù liǎo rán 。

The items are arranged neatly, so it is easy to see where everything is.

这张地图标记清楚，路线一目了然。

### Traditional Chinese

這張地圖標記清楚，路線一目了然。

zhè zhāng dì tú biāo jì qīng chǔ ， lù xiàn yī mù liǎo rán 。

The clear map markings make the route immediately apparent.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 4, 2026.

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=980&q=1&webMd=1&la=0)

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E4%B8%80%E7%9B%AE%E4%BA%86%E7%84%B6)

## Keep exploring

- [一窍不通 yī qiào bù tōng Understand absolutely nothing about something ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/yi-qiao-bu-tong)

- [异曲同工 yì qǔ tóng gōng Use different approaches with equally good effects ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/yi-qu-tong-gong)

- [异想天开 yì xiǎng tiān kāi Imagine something wildly unconventional ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/yi-xiang-tian-kai)

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