← IDIOMS · WISDOM
HSK 7-9
Ministerkōngof Public Worksjiànseeguànaccustomed
A common sight; nothing new; often seen.

Literal meaning

Minister (司) — of Public Works (空) — see (见) — accustomed (惯)

Origin

Derived from a story about a Minister of Public Works who was accustomed to seeing certain performances.

Examples

Zhè zhǒng xiànxiàng zài chéngshì lǐ yǐjīng sīkōngjiànguàn le.这种现象在城市里已经司空见惯了。
This phenomenon is already a common sight in the city.
Duìyú tā chídào, wǒmen yǐjīng sīkōngjiànguàn le.对于他迟到,我们已经司空见惯了。
We are already used to him being late.

Usage & nuances

Implies something is so common that it is no longer surprising or noteworthy.

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