言不由衷
言不由衷 (yán bù yóu zhōng) literally means “words not from heart” and expresses “speak without meaning it”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving relationships and character. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
Also searched as: yan bu you zhong, yan bu you zhong,言不由衷 meaning, 言不由衷 in english
Speak without meaning it
Pronunciation: yán bù yóu zhōng
Literal meaning: Words not from heart
Origin & Usage
First appearing in Han Dynasty court records, this idiom describes words (言) not originating (不由) from within one's heart (衷). It gained particular significance during the Tang Dynasty when court intrigue made distinguishing sincere from insincere speech crucial for survival. Historical accounts tell of ministers using this phrase to warn emperors about flattering but false reports. The concept became central to Confucian discussions of moral character, where alignment between speech and inner feeling was considered essential for virtue. Modern usage often describes diplomatic niceties or corporate communications where public statements may not reflect private thoughts.
Examples
English: "His praise felt empty because it didn't match his actions"
Chinese: 他的赞美感觉空洞，因为与他的行动不符
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 言不由衷 mean in English?
言不由衷 (yán bù yóu zhōng) literally translates to “Words not from heart” and is used to express “Speak without meaning it”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 言不由衷 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving speak without meaning it.
What is the pinyin for 言不由衷?
The pinyin pronunciation for 言不由衷 is “yán bù yóu zhōng”.