察言观色
察言观色 (chá yán guān sè) literally means “watch words observe face” and expresses “read between lines”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving wisdom and learning. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
Also searched as: cha yan guan se, cha yan guan se,察言观色 meaning, 察言观色 in english
Read between lines
Pronunciation: chá yán guān sè
Literal meaning: Watch words observe face
Origin & Usage
This psychological idiom combines watching words (察言) and observing expressions (观色), reflecting ancient Chinese diplomatic practices where court officials needed acute skills in reading both verbal and non-verbal cues. The practice became crucial during the Warring States period, where misreading an emperor's mood could prove fatal. Historical records detail how skilled diplomats used these observational abilities to navigate complex political situations. Today, it's commonly used in business negotiations and interpersonal relationships, highlighting the importance of emotional intelligence and being attuned to both spoken words and unspoken signals.
Examples
English: "The experienced negotiator could read subtle shifts in the room"
Chinese: 经验丰富的谈判代表能够察觉房间里细微的氛围变化
Discover a new Chinese idiom every day with our iOS app.
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about wisdom & learning
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 察言观色 mean in English?
察言观色 (chá yán guān sè) literally translates to “Watch words observe face” and is used to express “Read between lines”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Wisdom & Learning category.
When is 察言观色 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving read between lines.
What is the pinyin for 察言观色?
The pinyin pronunciation for 察言观色 is “chá yán guān sè”.