Definition
言外之意 is a four-character set phrase (成语) meaning 'the meaning behind the words' — the implication or subtext that a speaker doesn't state directly. It's used when someone hints at something rather than saying it outright. Unlike English 'implication', which can be neutral, 言外之意 often carries a tone of subtle suggestion or indirect communication.
n.
implicationwhat is meant but not explicitly statedthe subtext or hidden meaning behind someone's words
Examples
- 言外之意，。Tā de huà li yǒu yán wài zhī yì, nǐ yào zǐxì xiǎng xiang.There's an implication in his words; you need to think carefully.
- ，言外之意。Tā suīrán méi míngshuō, dàn yán wài zhī yì shì ràng tā bú yào zài lái le.Although she didn't say it directly, the implication was that she shouldn't come again.
- 言外之意？Nǐ tīng chū zhè duàn huà de yán wài zhī yì le ma?Did you catch the implication in this passage?
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