言外之意 (yán wài zhī yì) — implication; what is meant but not explicitly stated; the subtext or hidden meaning behind someone's words
Definition
A four-character expression for the meaning implied but not said outright — the 'subtext' or hidden message behind someone's words, often requiring the listener to read between the lines.
noun
implicationwhat is meant but not explicitly statedthe subtext or hidden meaning behind someone's words
Examples
- 言外之意，。Tā de huà lǐ yǒu yán wài zhī yì, nǐ yào zǐ xì xiǎng xiǎng.There's an implication in his words; you need to think carefully.
- ，言外之意。Tā suī rán méi míng shuō, 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?
Appears in
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.