影响深远
Far-reaching influence
Literally: Influence deep far
Use this phrase to describe events or people that permanently changed the course of things.
In 15 Seconds
- Describes a deep, long-lasting impact on the future.
- Commonly used for history, technology, and major life events.
- Structure: A has a deep influence on B.
Meaning
This phrase describes something that has a deep, lasting, and widespread impact that continues to be felt for a very long time.
Key Examples
3 of 6Discussing a historical figure
孔子的思想对中国文化影响深远。
Confucius's thoughts have a far-reaching influence on Chinese culture.
Talking about a childhood teacher
那位老师的一句话对我影响深远。
A single sentence from that teacher had a far-reaching influence on me.
In a business meeting about a new strategy
这个决定将对公司未来的发展影响深远。
This decision will have a far-reaching influence on the company's future development.
Cultural Background
The phrase stems from the traditional Chinese value of 'long-termism.' In a culture that has thousands of years of recorded history, people tend to look at events through a lens of how they will affect future generations. It became a staple in modern Chinese discourse to evaluate the success of the 'Reform and Opening Up' policy and other major historical shifts.
The 'Ripple' Rule
If you can imagine the event having a 'ripple effect' that lasts for years, you can use this phrase safely.
Don't be too dramatic
Avoid using this for things that only last a week. It makes you sound like you're writing a history textbook about your breakfast.
In 15 Seconds
- Describes a deep, long-lasting impact on the future.
- Commonly used for history, technology, and major life events.
- Structure: A has a deep influence on B.
What It Means
Think of a heavy stone dropped into a still lake. The ripples don't just stop; they travel all the way to the shore. That is 影响深远. It’s about consequences that aren't just big, but also long-lasting. If something is 影响深远, it changes the course of the future. It’s not a temporary trend. It’s a fundamental shift.
How To Use It
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.
When To Use It
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.
When NOT To Use It
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.
Cultural Background
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.
Common Variations
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.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral-to-formal. It functions as a predicate (after the subject) or an adjective (before a noun with 'de'). Be careful not to use it for trivial matters.
The 'Ripple' Rule
If you can imagine the event having a 'ripple effect' that lasts for years, you can use this phrase safely.
Don't be too dramatic
Avoid using this for things that only last a week. It makes you sound like you're writing a history textbook about your breakfast.
The Power of 'Deep'
In Chinese, 'deep' (深) often implies wisdom and complexity. Using this phrase shows you appreciate the depth of a situation.
Examples
6孔子的思想对中国文化影响深远。
Confucius's thoughts have a far-reaching influence on Chinese culture.
A classic use case for historical and philosophical impact.
那位老师的一句话对我影响深远。
A single sentence from that teacher had a far-reaching influence on me.
Shows how the phrase can be used for personal, emotional growth.
这个决定将对公司未来的发展影响深远。
This decision will have a far-reaching influence on the company's future development.
Professional and forward-looking.
刚看的那部电影对我影响深远，我得重新思考人生了。
That movie I just watched had a far-reaching influence on me; I need to rethink my life.
Slightly dramatic but common among friends discussing art.
我熬夜的习惯对我发际线的影响深远。
My habit of staying up late has had a far-reaching influence on my hairline.
Using a serious phrase for a self-deprecating joke.
人工智能的发展对人类社会影响深远。
The development of AI has a far-reaching influence on human society.
Standard way to describe global technological trends.
Test Yourself
Choose the best phrase to complete the sentence about a life-changing event.
这次出国留学的经历对他的人生___。
Studying abroad is a major life event that usually changes someone's future, making 'influence deep and far' the perfect fit.
Which word correctly completes the common structure 'A 对 B ___'?
这部法律的实施对社会___。
While '影响很大' (big influence) works, '影响深远' is the more sophisticated choice for a legal context.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 影响深远
Talking about what to eat for lunch.
Too heavy for this!
Talking to friends about a great book or movie.
这部电影对我影响深远。
Business reports or academic papers.
该政策对经济影响深远。
State speeches or historical analysis.
此举对后世影响深远。
When to use 影响深远
History
Ancient inventions like paper.
Education
A mentor who changed your life.
Technology
The invention of the smartphone.
Personal Life
Deciding to move to a new country.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot at all! You can use it for negative events like a war or an economic crisis, as long as the impact is long-lasting. For example, 这场战争的影响深远.
Usually, you describe the *influence* of the person, not the person themselves. You'd say 他的思想影响深远 rather than 他影响深远.
影响很大 just means the impact is big. 影响深远 means it is big AND will last for a very long time.
It's slightly formal, but totally fine for serious or thoughtful conversations with friends. It’s not 'stiff,' just 'meaningful.'
Switch the order and add 的. For example: 这是一个深远的影响 (This is a far-reaching influence).
Generally no, unless the object represents an idea or a shift. You wouldn't say a chair is 影响深远 unless it's a revolutionary design that changed all chairs.
It's related, but 'important' (重要) is more general. 影响深远 specifically highlights the duration and scope of the impact.
Yes! It’s a great way to describe how a project you led had a lasting benefit for the company.
There isn't a direct single idiom, but you could say 影响有限 (limited influence) or 暂时的 (temporary).
Yes, it implies that the effects started in the past/present and will continue far into the future.
Related Phrases
举足轻重
To play a decisive role / hold weight.
刻骨铭心
Unforgettable / etched in one's bones.
潜移默化
A subtle, imperceptible influence over time.
意义重大
Of great significance.
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