扣人心弦

kòurénxīnxián

to excite

HSK 7

漢字分解

Meaning and Usage

"扣人心弦" literally means "to pluck the heartstrings," and it is used to describe something that deeply moves or captivates the emotions of a person. It often appears in contexts related to art, literature, speeches, music, or any experience that strongly affects the listener or viewer emotionally.

Common Contexts

This idiom is frequently used to praise movies, stories, speeches, or songs that evoke strong feelings such as suspense, excitement, or inspiration. It conveys a sense of emotional engagement that holds the audience's attention tightly.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 扣人心弦剧情: gripping plot, used to describe stories or movies that keep the audience emotionally hooked.
  • 扣人心弦演讲: moving speech, used when a speaker's words deeply inspire or affect listeners.
  • 扣人心弦旋律: touching melody, used for music that leaves a lasting emotional impression.

Nuances

Using 扣人心弦 implies a positive emotional impact, often intense and memorable. It is more literary and formal than everyday expressions like 感动 (gǎndòng). Avoid using it for trivial or casual situations.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse 扣人心弦 with words that mean simply "interesting" or "exciting" without emotional depth. 扣人心弦 emphasizes emotional resonance rather than just entertainment value.

例文

这部电影的剧情扣人心弦,让人一直紧张到最后。

Zhè bù diànyǐng de jùqíng kòurénxīnxián, ràng rén yīzhí jǐnzhāng dào

The plot of this movie is gripping, keeping people tense until the very end.

他的演讲扣人心弦,激励了在场的每一个人。

Tā de yǎnjiǎng kòurénxīnxián, jīlìle zàichǎng de měi yīgè rén.

His speech was moving and inspired everyone present.

这首歌的旋律扣人心弦,让人久久不能忘怀。

Zhè shǒu gē de xuànlǜ kòurénxīnxián, ràng rén jiǔjiǔ bùnéng wànghuái.

The melody of this song is touching and unforgettable.