不言而喻

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Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"不言而喻" is a formal Chinese idiom meaning "it goes without saying" or "it is self-evident." It is used to express that something is so obvious that it does not need to be explained.

Contexts

This phrase is often used in written and formal spoken Chinese, such as in news reports, speeches, or serious discussions. It emphasizes the clarity or undeniability of a fact or situation.

Common Collocations

Usage Tips

When using 不言而喻, the subject is usually something widely recognized or logically clear. Avoid using it for subjective opinions or uncertain facts. It often appears in the middle or at the end of a sentence to conclude a statement.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse 不言而喻 with phrases like 明显 (obvious) or 显然 (evident), which are adjectives. 不言而喻 is an idiomatic expression emphasizing that explanation is unnecessary because the fact is universally accepted.

Example Sentences

His hard work and achievements go without saying; everyone admires him.

The importance of this matter is self-evident; we must handle it

The reason he didn’t attend the meeting is obvious; everyone knows it.

In this situation, the risks are obvious; we must be very careful.