Meanings of 不言而喻
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Podcast: 不言而喻
Podcast: 不言而喻
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AI Study Notes for 不言而喻
显而易见 vs 明摆着 — use 不言而喻 when emphasizing that something is understood without needing to be expressed, whereas 显而易见 focuses more on clarity and ease of understanding.
Imagine a wise old owl that doesn't need to speak to convey its wisdom; the truth is evident to all who see it. The characters break down as 不 (not) 言 (speak) 而 (and) 喻 (to imply), creating a visual of understanding without words.
This idiom is typically used in formal contexts, such as academic or serious discussions. Common mistakes include using it in overly casual conversations or misplacing the characters, which can change the meaning. Make sure to use it when the situation truly indicates something is obvious.
As an HSK 6 idiom, 不言而喻 connects to other advanced expressions that emphasize clarity and understanding. Focus on situations where you can apply this idiom to reinforce its meaning and proper usage.
In Chinese culture, there is a strong emphasis on context and non-verbal communication, making the use of idioms like 不言而喻 particularly relevant in conveying shared understanding without needing to elaborate.
Learners often confuse 不言而喻 with similar idioms, leading to misuse. For example, saying '不言而喻' when discussing something that requires explanation is incorrect; it should only be used when the point is truly obvious.
Pronunciation of 不言而喻
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Idiom Spotlight: 不言而喻
Component Characters
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Grammar Patterns of 不言而喻
不言而喻 functions as a four-character idiom (成语). Treat it as a fixed unit; it usually plays the role of a single adjective, adverb, or noun phrase inside the larger sentence. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
由此可见，教育的重要性____。
From this, we can see that the importance of education goes without saying.
Example Sentences for 不言而喻 (1)
Cultural Notes for 不言而喻
In Chinese culture, there is a strong emphasis on context and non-verbal communication, making the use of idioms like 不言而喻 particularly relevant in conveying shared understanding without needing to elaborate.
Frequently Asked Questions about 不言而喻
It's best reserved for more formal or serious contexts, as it emphasizes clarity without the need for discussion.