知人之明

zhīrénzhīmíng

the ability to identify talented individuals; the ability to appreciate a person's character and capability

Wiktionary

Entry Composition

1 知人 zhīrén
  1. (archaic) to be an insightful and astute judge of character
  2. to be an insightful and astute judge of character
2 之 zhī
  1. (possessive particle, literary equivalent of 的 de)
  2. him
  3. her
  4. it
=3 明 Míng
  1. Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)
  2. surname Ming
  3. Ming (c. 2000 BC), fourth of the legendary Flame Emperors, 炎帝 Yándì descended from Shennong 神農 Shénnóng Farmer God
=3 明 míng
  1. bright
  2. opposite: dark 暗 àn
  3. (of meaning) clear
  4. to understand
  5. next
  6. public or open
  7. wise
  8. generic term for a sacrifice to the gods