判若两人 (pàn ruò liǎng rén) — to be completely different from one's former self; to change so much that one seems like a different person

Definition

Idiom meaning someone or something has changed so drastically they look like a different person entirely. Emphasizes a stark before-vs-after contrast, usually positive or surprising.

idiom
to be completely different from one's former selfto change so much that one seems like a different person

Examples

  • 判若两人
    Jiè yān zhī hòu tā biàn de hěn yǒu jīng shén, jiǎn zhí pàn ruò liǎng rén.
    After quitting smoking, she became very energetic, practically a different person.
  • 判若两人
    Zhè cì kǎo shì tā kǎo le dì yī míng, hé shàng cì bù jí gé de shí hou pàn ruò liǎng rén.
    He got first place in this exam, a totally different person from when he failed last time.
  • 判若两人
    Nǐ chuān shàng xī zhuāng de yàng zi hé píng shí yùn dòng zhuāng pàn ruò liǎng rén.
    The way you look in a suit is a world apart from your usual sportswear.

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