不言而喻
不言而喻 (bù yán ér yù) literally means “not speak yet understood” and expresses “self-evident requiring no explanation”. 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: bu yan er yu, bu yan er yu,不言而喻 meaning, 不言而喻 in english
Self-evident requiring no explanation
Pronunciation: bù yán ér yù Literal meaning: Not speak yet understood
Origin & Usage
Han Dynasty Confucian scholars celebrated this ideal of matters that without (不) being spoken (言) are nevertheless understood (喻). It represented the height of efficient communication, where shared understanding makes explicit explanation unnecessary. Tang Dynasty writers frequently used it to acknowledge common ground before introducing new arguments. The phrase elegantly captures how some truths communicate more powerfully through strategic silence than explicit declaration.
When to Use
Situation: The implications of the research findings were so clear they required no explanation
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Related Chinese Idioms
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 不言而喻 mean in English?
不言而喻 (bù yán ér yù) literally translates to “Not speak yet understood” and is used to express “Self-evident requiring no explanation”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 不言而喻 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving self-evident requiring no explanation.
What is the pinyin for 不言而喻?
The pinyin pronunciation for 不言而喻 is “bù yán ér yù”.