戏言 (xì yán) — joke; witticism; jest
Definition
Literary/formal term for a playful or careless remark meant as a joke — stronger and more written than 玩笑 (yán wán). Often used to contrast with serious intent ("just a jest").
noun
jokewitticismjest
Examples
- 戏言，。Tā ài shuō xì yán, dà jiā jīng cháng bèi tā dòu xiào.He likes to tell jokes; everyone often gets amused by him.
- 戏言，。Bié bǎ wǒ de huà dāng xì yán, wǒ shì rèn zhēn de.Don't take my words as a joke; I'm serious.
- 戏言，。Nà zhǐ shì yí jù xì yán, nǐ bié dàng zhēn.That was just a jest; don't take it seriously.
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