影响深远

You usually use it to describe events, people, or ideas. The most common structure is "A 对 B 影响深远" (A has a far-reaching influence on B). You can also use it as a standalone description after a noun. It sounds sophisticated but isn't overly stiff. It shows you’re thinking about the big picture.

Use this when discussing history, technology, or major life turning points. Talk about how the internet changed communication. Mention how a specific mentor changed your career path. It’s perfect for job interviews when discussing your proudest achievements. It also works when debating movies or books that defined a generation. If it changed the world or your life, this is your phrase.

Don't use this for trivial, everyday things. If you chose a blue shirt instead of a red one, that’s not 影响深远. Unless, of course, that shirt led to you meeting your soulmate. Using it for small stuff makes you sound like a drama queen. Avoid it when talking about short-term fixes or fleeting feelings. It’s a "heavy" phrase, so save it for heavy topics.

Chinese culture places a massive emphasis on legacy and history. There is a deep respect for things that stand the test of time. This phrase reflects that worldview. It’s often used in academic and political contexts to evaluate the success of a policy or a philosopher. It suggests that true value is measured in decades or centuries, not days.

You might hear 深远的影响 (shēnyuǎn de yǐngxiǎng). This is just the noun version: "a far-reaching influence." For example, 这是一次深远的影响. Both are very common. Another similar vibe is 意义重大, which means "of great significance," but 影响深远 specifically focuses on the ripple effect over time.