不可思议
不可思议 (bù kě sī yì) literally means “cannot be thought discussed” and expresses “beyond comprehension or explanation”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving wisdom and learning.
Also searched as: bu ke si yi, bu ke si yi,不可思议 meaning, 不可思议 in english
Beyond comprehension or explanation
Pronunciation: bù kě sī yì Literal meaning: Cannot be thought discussed
Origin & Usage
Not (不) able to be (可) thought (思) or spoken (议). The phrase is Buddhist and technical in origin, describing what lies beyond the reach of conceptual thought and language — the standard Chinese rendering of the Sanskrit acintya. That is a strong claim, and ordinary use has worn it down considerably: modern Chinese reaches for 不可思议 wherever English would say incredible, including about football results. The original sense survives only in religious writing.
Examples
English: "The quantum phenomenon defied all conventional understanding of physics"
Chinese: 这种量子现象违背了对物理学的所有常规理解
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about wisdom & learning
暗度陈仓
àn dù chén cāng
Achieve secretly through misdirection
Learn more →
枕戈待旦
zhěn gē dài dàn
Maintain high vigilance awaiting challenge
Learn more →
按图索骥
àn tú suǒ jì
Rigidly following outdated methods
Learn more →
深谋远虑
shēn móu yuǎn lǜ
Plan far ahead
Learn more →
披荆斩棘
pī jīng zhǎn jí
Overcome all obstacles
Learn more →
步步为营
bù bù wéi yíng
Advance methodically with caution
Learn more →
釜底抽薪
fǔ dǐ chōu xīn
Eliminate root cause of problem
Learn more →
虚张声势
xū zhāng shēng shì
Bluffing with fake display
Learn more →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 不可思议 mean in English?
不可思议 (bù kě sī yì) literally translates to “Cannot be thought discussed” and is used to express “Beyond comprehension or explanation”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Wisdom & Learning category.
When is 不可思议 used?
Situation: The quantum phenomenon defied all conventional understanding of physics
What is the pinyin for 不可思议?
The pinyin pronunciation for 不可思议 is “bù kě sī yì”.
Curated Lists Featuring 不可思议
10 Chinese Idioms From The Art of War & Military Strategy
Strategic Chinese idioms inspired by Sun Tzu and ancient military wisdom - timeless tactics for modern challenges.
10 Chinese Idioms About Strategic Planning & Foresight
Wise Chinese idioms about planning ahead, strategic thinking, and anticipating future challenges.
10 Chinese Idioms About Chess, Go & Strategy Games
Strategic Chinese idioms from chess (象棋) and Go (围棋) about thinking ahead, outmaneuvering opponents, and game theory.