Definition
失言 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to say something you shouldn't have' — a slip of the tongue or an indiscreet remark. You can insert measure words, durations, or complements between 失 and 言, like 失过一次言 ('made a slip of the tongue once'), or attach 了/过 after 失: 失了言. In daily use it's often preceded by 一时 (yīshí, for the moment) to stress it was unintentional.
v.o.
to make an indiscreet remarkto have a slip of the tongue
Examples
- ，失言。Duìbuqǐ, wǒ yìshí shī yán le.Sorry, I spoke indiscreetly in the heat of the moment.
- ，。Tā zài huì shàng shī le yí cì yán, chàdiǎn rě chū máfan.He slipped up once at the meeting and almost caused trouble.
- ，失言。Lǐngdǎorén shuōhuà yào xiǎoxīn, bìmiǎn shī yán.Leaders must speak carefully to avoid making indiscreet remarks.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.