Definition
反语 is a rhetorical device where you say the opposite of what you mean, often for sarcastic or humorous effect. It corresponds to 'verbal irony' in English. Note that it does not mean 'prevarication' (lying), and it differs from a straightforward rhetorical question, though it can appear in one. You'll encounter it in both literary and everyday conversational contexts.
n.
verbal ironysaying the opposite of one's actual meaning for effect (sarcasm, humor, or emphasis)
Examples
- 反语‘’，。Tā yòng fǎn yǔ shuō ‘nǐ zhēn shì gè dà hǎo rén,’ qíshí zài fěngcì wǒ.He used irony to say 'You're such a good person,' but he was actually mocking me.
- 反语，。Zhè piān wénzhāng chōngmǎn le fǎn yǔ, dú qǐlái hěn yǒu fěngcì yìwèi.This essay is full of irony and reads as very satirical.
- ，反语。Zài Zhōngwén xiūcí zhōng, fǎn yǔ shì yì zhǒng chángjiàn de biǎodá fāngshì.In Chinese rhetoric, verbal irony is a common mode of expression.
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