The literal meaning of "mù bù shí dīng" is that one's eyes cannot even recognize the simplest character "dīng," describing a person who has received no education at all and cannot read a single word. This idiom comes from the "Old Book of Tang: Biography of Zhang Hongjing," which records Zhang Hongjing saying to his subordinates: "Now that the realm is at peace, your ability to draw a two-dan-strength bow is not as good as recognizing a single 'dīng' character." Its original meaning was to satirize military officers who knew only martial force and were ignorant of letters, and later it evolved to describe illiteracy. In terms of usage, it is often used in written language or formal occasions to criticize or tease someone for lacking cultural knowledge, and is sometimes used in self-deprecation. Its emotional coloring tends toward the derogatory, but the tone can be either light or heavy: in serious contexts it emphasizes the severity of a lack of education, while in relaxed contexts it carries a slight touch of humor or self-mockery. As for its cultural background, it reflects the importance placed on literacy and study in ancient society, as well as the traditional notion that "all pursuits are of low value; only reading is high." It should be noted that this idiom emphasizes "being completely illiterate," is relatively strong in degree, and is not suitable for describing someone who knows only a few characters.
📝 Example
1. He grew up in a poor family and never went to school. To this day, he is completely illiterate and cannot even write his own name. (Describing someone who is completely uneducated and cannot read a single character.)
2. Although he is completely illiterate, he is remarkably shrewd when it comes to doing business, and the villagers all admire him. (Describing someone who has received no education and cannot read.)