Definition
令人神往 is a four-character fixed expression meaning 'so captivating that one's mind flies toward it' — used for places, scenes, experiences, or ideas that are exceptionally attractive and inspire longing. The literal breakdown is 令 (to cause) + 人 (person) + 神 (spirit) + 往 (to go toward), but the whole functions as a vivid adjective-like phrase. Note that the standard pronunciation is lìng rén shén wǎng (not líng), even though the source data lists an abbreviated pinyin.
f.e.
breathtakingenchantingfascinating (of sights, experiences, or ideas that stir the imagination)
Examples
- 令人神往。Xīzàng de zhuànglì fēngguāng zhēn ràng rén líng.Tibet's magnificent scenery is truly breathtaking.
- 令人神往。Nà bù kēhuàn diànyǐng miáohuì de wèilái shìjiè lìng rén líng.The future world depicted in that sci-fi movie is fascinating.
- 令人神往，。Tā duì gǔdài wénmíng de miáoshù lìng rén líng, wǒ hènbude mǎshàng qù kànkan.His description of ancient civilizations is so fascinating that I can't wait to go see for myself.
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