口是心非
口是心非 (kǒu shì xīn fēi) literally means “mouth yes heart no” and expresses “words differ from thoughts”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving relationships and character. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
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Words differ from thoughts
Pronunciation: kǒu shì xīn fēi
Literal meaning: Mouth yes heart no
Origin & Usage
Originating in Tang Dynasty Buddhist texts discussing the alignment of speech and thought, this idiom describes when the mouth (口) says yes (是) but the heart (心) means no (非). It became a key concept in Song Dynasty moral philosophy, where scholars debated the ethics of social courtesy versus absolute honesty. Historical accounts tell of officials using this phrase to criticize colleagues who publicly supported policies they privately opposed. Modern usage often describes social situations where politeness and true feelings conflict, highlighting the universal tension between social harmony and personal authenticity.
Examples
English: "The politician's public support contradicted his private actions"
Chinese: 这位政治家的公开支持与他的私下行为相矛盾
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 口是心非 mean in English?
口是心非 (kǒu shì xīn fēi) literally translates to “Mouth yes heart no” and is used to express “Words differ from thoughts”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 口是心非 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving words differ from thoughts.
What is the pinyin for 口是心非?
The pinyin pronunciation for 口是心非 is “kǒu shì xīn fēi”.