When combined, the characters literally mean “in the eye, there is no person.” This creates a powerful and intuitive image: someone who is so self-absorbed and arrogant that their eyes fail to register the presence and importance of other human beings around them.
The idiom `目中无人` is a particularly sharp criticism in Chinese culture due to the high value placed on humility (谦虚, qiānxū), respect (尊重, zūnzhòng), and group harmony. Chinese society is traditionally collectivistic, meaning an individual's actions are judged by their effect on the group, the family, or the company. To be `目中无人` is to fundamentally violate this social contract. It signifies a person who puts their own ego far above the feelings and status of others, disrupting harmony and showing profound disrespect. A useful comparison for a Western learner is the difference between “confident” and “arrogant.” In the West, strong self-confidence can sometimes be seen as a positive leadership trait. However, the behavior described by `目中无人` crosses a line far beyond confidence into a realm of social blindness and disrespect. It’s the difference between thinking “I am very good at my job” and acting “No one else here is even worth listening to.” The latter is a perfect example of a `目中无人` attitude.
`目中无人` is a common and potent descriptor used in various modern contexts.
Its connotation is always negative and it serves as a strong form of social critique. It's a label that nobody wants to be given.