Introduction to 無影無蹤 (wú yǐng wú zōng)
The idiom 無影無蹤 (wú yǐng wú zōng) translates literally to “without a shadow, without a trace.” This captivating expression holds significant meaning in the Chinese language, often used to describe something or someone that has disappeared completely, leaving no evidence behind. In this article, we will delve deeper into its meaning, grammatical structure, and provide example sentences to illustrate its usage effectively.
Understanding the Meaning of 無影無蹤
In Chinese culture, the concept of disappearance is often wrapped in mystique. The phrase 無影無蹤 encapsulates this notion succinctly. It conveys the idea that something has vanished entirely, as if it never existed or was never there. It’s commonly used in various contexts, from describing a person who has fled the scene to objects that are lost or elusive.
Literal Translation
The phrase consists of four characters: 無 (wú) meaning “without,” 影 (yǐng) meaning “shadow,” and 無 (wú) again followed by 蹤 (zōng), meaning “trace.” Thus, the literal translation suggests a state of lacking both a shadow and a trace, highlighting total invisibility.
Common Contexts
無影無蹤 is often employed in storytelling, conversations about mysteries, police reports regarding missing persons, or even in daily chatter when something unexpectedly goes missing. For instance, one might say it when a thief escapes quickly without leaving any signs behind.
Grammatical Structure of 無影無蹤
Grammatically, 無影無蹤 is a fixed expression, akin to many idiomatic phrases in Chinese. It’s important to note the structure of the phrase reflects both negation and absence, which is a common theme in Chinese idioms.
Breaking Down the Structure
- 無 (wú): This is a negation particle implying “not” or “without.”
- 影 (yǐng): Refers to “shadow,” contributing to the imagery of invisibility.
- 蹤 (zōng): Means “footprints” or “traces,” reinforcing the absence of any evidence.
Examples of Similar Idioms
In a similar vein, phrases like 運行無蹤 (yùn xíng wú zōng) meaning “to move without a trace” or 鳥獸散去 (niǎo shòu sàn qù) meaning “birds and beasts have scattered” offer further insight into the theme of disappearance prevalent in the language.
Example Sentences Using 無影無蹤
To provide clarity on how to use 無影無蹤 in everyday conversations, here are some example sentences:
1. Where Did He Go?
他一出門就無影無蹤,讓我們擔心得不行。
(Tā yī chūmén jiù wú yǐng wú zōng, ràng wǒmen dānxīn dé bùxíng.)
Translation: He disappeared without a trace as soon as he went out, leaving us terribly worried.
2. The Missing Jewelry
那件珠寶在聚會上無影無蹤,大家都在找。
(Nà jiàn zhūbǎo zài jùhuì shàng wú yǐng wú zōng, dàjiā dōu zài zhǎo.)
Translation: The jewelry vanished without a trace at the party, and everyone is searching for it.
3. Ghost Stories
據說這棟房子裡有個幽靈,曾經經常出現,後來卻無影無蹤。
(Jù shuō zhè dòng fángzi lǐ yǒu gè yōulíng, céngjīng jīngcháng chūxiàn, hòulái què wú yǐng wú zōng.)
Translation: It is said that there is a ghost in this house that used to appear frequently, but later vanished without a trace.
Conclusion
無影無蹤 (wú yǐng wú zōng) is more than just a phrase; it reflects deep cultural nuances associated with disappearance and absence in Chinese language. Understanding its meaning and usage can deepen one’s appreciation for the richness of Chinese idioms. Whether you’re a language learner or simply fascinated by Chinese culture, embracing such expressions can enhance your linguistic skills significantly.

Sứ mệnh của Chuyên là giúp đỡ và truyền cảm hứng cho các bạn trẻ Việt Nam sang Đài Loan học tập, sinh sống và làm việc. Là cầu nối để lan tỏa giá trị tinh hoa nguồn nhân lực Việt Nam đến với Đài Loan và trên toàn cầu.
CÓ THỂ BẠN QUAN TÂM
Du học Đài Loan
Lao Động Đài Loan
Việc Làm Đài Loan
Đơn Hàng Đài Loan
Visa Đài Loan
Du Lịch Đài Loan
Tiếng Đài Loan
KẾT NỐI VỚI CHUYÊN
Zalo: https://zalo.me/0936126566
Website: www.dailoan.vn