Definition
知无不言 is a four-character idiom (成语) meaning 'to say everything one knows' — it describes someone who speaks openly and honestly, without holding back any information or opinion. It's often used in contexts of discussion, consultation, or when someone is invited to speak freely. The literal translation ('know, not, not, speak') is misleading because the focus is on complete transparency, not just saying all one knows.
f.e.
to say everything one knowsto speak one's mind without reservation
Examples
- ，，。Zài huìyì shàng, dàjiā zhī, chàng suǒ yù yán.At the meeting, everyone spoke freely and said everything on their minds.
- ，。Zhè wèi lǎo jiàoshòu duì xuésheng zhī, háo wú bǎoliú.This old professor tells his students everything he knows, holding nothing back.
- ，，。Zuòwéi péngyou, tā duì wǒ zhī, ràng wǒ hěn gǎndòng.As a friend, he was completely open with me, which moved me deeply.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.