Chinese Idiom: 刮目相看 (Gua Mu Xiang Kan)
English Translation: Look at someone with newly opened eyes
pīn yīn: guā mù xiāng kàn
Idiom Meaning: One should not view others with outdated perspectives; instead, recognize and appreciate their progress.
Historical Source: Records of the Three Kingdoms (《三国志 · 吴书 · 吕蒙传》) and cited in Jiang Biao Zhuan (《江表传》).
Idiom Story:
The idiom “刮目相看” is rooted in the story of Lü Meng, a general from Eastern Wu during the Three Kingdoms period. At the age of fifteen or sixteen, Lü Meng began his military career and rose to the rank of commander by the age of thirty-one. However, due to his impoverished upbringing, he had limited educational opportunities and could not read or write well. When he reported military matters to Sun Quan, he could only communicate verbally, which proved to be a significant inconvenience.
One day, after a court meeting, Sun Quan encountered Lü Meng and another general, Jiang Qin. He advised them, “Now that you both hold positions of authority, it’s important to study diligently to expand your knowledge and thinking.”
Lü Meng, not accustomed to reading, dismissed the advice, saying, “I’m too busy with military affairs to study.” Sun Quan, shaking his head, responded, “You say you’re busy, but I’m just as busy. I’ve read many books, including the Records of the Grand Historian, Book of Han, and various military treatises. I’ve found it very beneficial. At your young age, you should be learning. Even Emperor Guangwu of Han studied while leading troops, and Cao Cao considered himself a lifelong learner. Why not take them as examples to motivate yourself?”
Encouraged by Sun Quan, Lü Meng began to read voraciously. He spent his days immersed in books and often read late into the night, striving to surpass the typical scholar in knowledge to better serve his duties.
Years later, after Lü Meng had replaced Zhou Yu as a commander, he discussed strategies against the Shu general Guan Yu with Lu Su, another general. Lü Meng analyzed the situation clearly and proposed five countermeasures with great insight. Lu Su was impressed and remarked, “I used to think you were only skilled in martial matters, but now I see your wisdom and extensive knowledge. You are no longer the simple Lü Meng of the past.”
In a humorous and sincere response, Lü Meng replied, “A gentleman who has not seen someone for three days should look at them with new eyes. Why has it taken you so long to realize my growth?”
From this story, the phrase “士别三日,即更刮目相待” became simplified to the idiom “刮目相看,” emphasizing the importance of recognizing others’ development and achievements rather than relying on past impressions.