隔墙有耳
隔墙有耳 (gé qiáng yǒu ěr) literally means “walls have ears” and expresses “be discreet”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving life philosophy.
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Be discreet
Pronunciation: gé qiáng yǒu ěr Literal meaning: Walls have ears
Origin & Usage
Commonly used in classical Chinese, the idiom 隔墙有耳 (gé qiáng yǒu ěr) warns us that secrets are rarely safe, as even walls (墙, qiáng) have ears (耳, ěr). This phrase serves as a cautionary reminder to be mindful of our words and actions, as they might be overheard or observed by others. The idiom suggests that even when we believe we are in private, there is always a possibility that someone is listening. In modern usage, it emphasizes the importance of discretion and vigilance, especially in sensitive situations where confidentiality is crucial.
Examples
English: "Be careful what you say; walls have ears in this office."
Chinese: 在这个办公室里，你要小心说话，隔墙有耳。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about life philosophy
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 隔墙有耳 mean in English?
隔墙有耳 (gé qiáng yǒu ěr) literally translates to “Walls have ears” and is used to express “Be discreet”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Life Philosophy category.
When is 隔墙有耳 used?
Situation: Be careful what you say; walls have ears in this office.
What is the pinyin for 隔墙有耳?
The pinyin pronunciation for 隔墙有耳 is “gé qiáng yǒu ěr”.