Definition
言辞 (yán cí) is a formal, literary noun meaning 'words, speech, or wording' — it is used in written or elevated spoken contexts, not casual conversation. It is more refined than the everyday 言语 (yán yǔ), and less technical/academic than 话语 (huà yǔ, 'discourse/utterance'). It focuses on the expression and impact of what is said.
noun
wordsspeech (formal/literary)expressionwording
Examples
- 言辞。Tā zài huìyì shàng de yán cí hěn yǒu shuōfúlì.His words at the meeting were very persuasive.
- 言辞，。Fāyán zhě yīngdāng zhùyì zìjǐ de yán cí, tārén shìfǒu néng jiēshòu.Speakers should pay attention to their wording — whether others can accept it.
- 言辞。Tā yánlì de yán cí ràng quánchǎng rén ānjìng xiàlái.Her stern words made the whole room quiet down.
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