不言而喻
It goes without saying
직역: Not (不) speak (言) yet (而) understand (喻)
Use this to describe logical conclusions or deep emotions that are perfectly clear without saying a word.
15초 만에
- Used for truths so obvious they don't need verbal explanation.
- Common in formal writing, speeches, and logical arguments.
- Conveys a sense of 'it goes without saying' with elegance.
뜻
This phrase describes something so clear and obvious that you don't even need to put it into words. It's that 'everyone knows this' feeling where further explanation would just be overkill.
주요 예문
3 / 6Discussing a successful business project
这次合作带来的好处是不言而喻的。
The benefits brought by this cooperation go without saying.
Talking about a couple's chemistry
他们两人之间的默契不言而喻。
The chemistry between the two of them is self-evident.
Formal writing about education
不言而喻，教育对孩子的发展至关重要。
It goes without saying that education is vital to a child's development.
문화적 배경
Originating from the works of Mencius, this idiom originally described how a gentleman's virtues naturally manifest in his physical appearance. Today, it has evolved into a versatile expression for any self-evident truth, reflecting a deep-seated cultural appreciation for non-verbal communication and intuitive understanding.
Pair it with '的'
When using it to describe a noun (like 'importance' or 'benefits'), always stick a `的` at the end: `不言而喻的`.
Don't be a robot
It's a high-level phrase. If you use it three times in one conversation, you'll sound like a dictionary. Save it for the big moments!
15초 만에
- Used for truths so obvious they don't need verbal explanation.
- Common in formal writing, speeches, and logical arguments.
- Conveys a sense of 'it goes without saying' with elegance.
What It Means
Imagine you see a couple holding hands and looking into each other's eyes. You don't need them to tell you they're in love. That feeling is 不言而喻. It is the art of the obvious. It describes a truth that is self-evident. It suggests that the facts speak for themselves. You use it when words are redundant. It's a sophisticated way to say 'Duh!' without being rude.
How To Use It
This phrase usually functions as an adjective or a predicate. You will often see it followed by the particle 的. For example, you can say 'The importance of this is 不言而喻的.' You can also use it to start a sentence. '不言而喻，we need to work harder.' It fits perfectly when you're summarizing a logical conclusion. It adds a layer of intellectual weight to your speech. It makes you sound like you've really thought things through.
When To Use It
Use it in professional settings to highlight clear benefits. It works great in written reports or persuasive essays. Use it with friends when discussing deep, shared emotions. It’s perfect for describing the chemistry between people. If you're at a restaurant and the food is amazing, the joy is 不言而喻. It's also useful in debates to point out a logical win. It feels very natural in a graduation speech or a wedding toast.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for mundane, physical observations. Saying 'The sun is bright is 不言而喻' sounds a bit weird. It’s too grand for small talk about the weather. Avoid using it if the person you're talking to actually doesn't understand. It can come off as condescending if the point isn't actually obvious. Don't over-rely on it in casual texting. It might make you sound like a walking textbook. Keep it for things that have some conceptual depth.
Cultural Background
This phrase actually traces back to the ancient philosopher Mencius. He used it to describe how a person's inner virtue shows. He believed that if you are a good person, it shows in your face. It spreads to your limbs and becomes clear to everyone. Over centuries, it shifted from describing virtue to describing any obvious truth. It reflects the Chinese cultural value of 'showing rather than telling.' Sometimes, silence carries more weight than a thousand words.
Common Variations
You might also hear 显而易见, which means 'plain to see.' That one is a bit more visual and direct. There is also 心照不宣, which is specifically about a 'tacit understanding' between people. Use 不言而喻 when you want to sound more formal and objective. It’s the gold standard for describing self-evident logic. Think of it as the 'classy' version of 'obviously.' It turns a simple observation into an elegant statement.
사용 참고사항
This is a C1-level Chengyu. It is highly formal and carries an intellectual tone. Avoid using it for very simple, physical observations to prevent sounding overly dramatic or unnatural.
Pair it with '的'
When using it to describe a noun (like 'importance' or 'benefits'), always stick a `的` at the end: `不言而喻的`.
Don't be a robot
It's a high-level phrase. If you use it three times in one conversation, you'll sound like a dictionary. Save it for the big moments!
The Power of Silence
In Chinese culture, being 'explicit' isn't always the goal. Using this phrase shows you appreciate the nuance of what is left unsaid.
예시
6这次合作带来的好处是不言而喻的。
The benefits brought by this cooperation go without saying.
Using the phrase as an adjective to describe 'benefits'.
他们两人之间的默契不言而喻。
The chemistry between the two of them is self-evident.
Describes a deep, non-verbal connection.
不言而喻，教育对孩子的发展至关重要。
It goes without saying that education is vital to a child's development.
Used as an introductory phrase for a logical statement.
累了一整天，我现在想睡觉的心情是不言而喻的。
After a long day, my desire to sleep is pretty obvious.
A slightly more formal way to express a simple feeling.
看这乱七八糟的房间，你昨晚玩得有多疯是不言而喻了。
Looking at this messy room, it's self-evident how crazy you went last night.
Using a formal idiom for a messy, casual situation for comedic effect.
你对我的帮助，我心中的感激之情不言而喻。
The gratitude in my heart for your help goes without saying.
Conveys that the emotion is too big for words.
셀프 테스트
Choose the correct phrase to complete the sentence regarding a clear logical conclusion.
我们要保护环境，这对下一代的重要性是___的。
The importance of protecting the environment for future generations is a self-evident truth, making `不言而喻` the perfect fit.
Which phrase best describes a situation where everyone knows the answer without being told?
看到他满脸笑容，考试通过的好消息已经___了。
His smile makes the news of passing the exam obvious, so it 'goes without saying' (`不言而喻`).
🎉 점수: /2
시각 학습 자료
Formality Spectrum of 'Obviousness'
Very casual, like 'Duh' or 'Obviously'.
显而易见 (Xiǎn ér yì jiàn)
Standard way to say something is clear.
很明显 (Hěn míngxiǎn)
Sophisticated, used in literature and speeches.
不言而喻 (Bù yán ér yù)
When to use 不言而喻
Business Strategy
The market potential is obvious.
Romantic Chemistry
They are clearly in love.
Logical Truths
Hard work leads to success.
Deep Gratitude
Thanks that words can't express.
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문Not exclusively, but it is definitely more common in formal contexts like essays, speeches, or business meetings. In casual talk, people might use 很明显 instead.
No, you can't say 'He is 不言而喻.' You use it to describe facts, truths, emotions, or importance.
显而易见 is more about what you can see with your eyes (visual), while 不言而喻 is more about what you understand with your mind (logical/abstract).
Generally, no. It's a neutral to positive phrase. However, if used sarcastically, it can imply that someone is being painfully obvious.
It doesn't really work as an adverb. It's almost always a predicate or an adjective modifying a noun.
Yes, if you want to sound a bit more eloquent or if you're talking about something serious. For a joke, it's also great.
It comes from the book 'Mencius' (孟子), specifically referring to how a person's character is naturally revealed through their physical presence.
Not really. If someone asks 'Is it raining?' you wouldn't say 不言而喻. You'd just say 当然 (of course).
Yes, it is a classic four-character idiom (Chengyu).
No, it just implies that speaking is unnecessary because the truth is already so clear.
관련 표현
显而易见 (Obvious/Plain to see)
心照不宣 (Tacit understanding)
众所周知 (As everyone knows)
理所当然 (Goes without saying/Naturally)
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