Definition
温文尔雅 is a four-character idiom describing someone who is gentle, refined, and well-mannered — the kind of person who speaks softly, moves gracefully, and treats others with courtesy. It's often used to praise someone's temperament or demeanor, especially in formal or literary contexts. Unlike the English 'gentlemanly,' it emphasizes both inner mildness and outward elegance.
f.e.
gentlerefinedand well-mannered (of a person's temperament or demeanor)
Examples
- 温文尔雅，。Zhè wèi jiàoshòu shuōhuà wēn wén ěr yā, ràng rén gǎnjué hěn shūfu.This professor speaks gently and elegantly, making people feel very comfortable.
- 温文尔雅，。Tā jǔzhǐ wēn wén ěr yā, yí kàn jiù zhīdào shòu guò liánghǎo de jiàoyù.His manners are refined and graceful — you can tell at a glance that he has received a good education.
- ，温文尔雅，。Suīrán tā chūshēn píngfán, dàn qìzhì wēn wén ěr yā, hěn shòu rén zūnjìng.Although she comes from a humble background, her temperament is gentle and refined, and she is highly respected.
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