Definition
外交辞令 literally means 'diplomatic language' — the formal, polite, and often deliberately vague or evasive language used in diplomatic settings. It refers to statements that sound impressive or agreeable but may avoid direct commitment, similar to 'diplomatic speak' or 'diplomatic jargon' in English. You'll encounter this term in news and political discussions, where it often carries a slightly critical tone, implying that the speaker is being careful not to say anything too direct or revealing.
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diplomatic languagediplomatic rhetoric (often evasive or non-committal)
Examples
- 外交辞令，。Jìzhěmen tīng chū le tā huà lǐ de wài jiāo cí líng, méiyǒu zhuīwèn.The reporters recognized the diplomatic language in his words and didn't press further.
- 外交辞令，。Tā de huídá chōngmǎn le wài jiāo cí líng, ràng rén cāi bù tòu zhēnshí xiǎngfǎ.His answer was full of diplomatic jargon, making it hard to guess his real thoughts.
- ，外交辞令。Liǎng guó lǐngdǎo rén de huìtán jìlù lǐ, wài jiāo cí líng suí chù kě jiàn.Diplomatic language can be seen everywhere in the records of the two leaders' talks.
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