Definition
听而不闻 is a four-character idiom meaning 'to hear but not pay attention; to turn a deaf ear to'. It describes a situation where someone hears the words but deliberately ignores them or fails to react. Often used in formal or literary contexts with a critical tone toward the listener.
f.e.
to hear but ignoreto turn a deaf ear to
Examples
- 听而不闻。Tā duì biérén de jiànyì zǒngshì tīng ér bù wén.He always turns a deaf ear to others' suggestions.
- ,听而不闻。Lǎoshī fǎnfù jiǎngjiě, dàn tā què tīng ér bù wén.The teacher explained repeatedly, but he just turned a deaf ear.
- 听而不闻,。Rúguǒ lǐngdǎo duì qúnzhòng de yìjiàn tīng ér bù wén, hòuguǒ huì hěn yánzhòng.If the leader turns a deaf ear to the public's opinions, the consequences will be serious.
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