Definition
不苟言笑 is a four-character set phrase (chengyu) describing someone who is always serious and reserved, never joking or chatting frivolously. The literal meaning is 'not casually speak or laugh'. It characterizes a person's demeanor, often in formal or respectful contexts.
f.e.
serious and reserved in mannertaciturnnot given to frivolity
Examples
- 不苟言笑，。Tā zhège rén bú, hěn shǎo gēn tóngshì kāi wánxiào.He is always serious and rarely jokes with colleagues.
- 不苟言笑，。Lǎoshī yí jìn jiàoshì jiù bú, dàjiā dōu bù gǎn shuōhuà.As soon as the teacher entered the classroom, he was so serious that everyone dared not speak.
- 不苟言笑，。Zhè wèi jīnglǐ yìzhí bú, dàjiā dōu pà tā.This manager has always been serious and reserved; everyone is afraid of him.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.