Definition
一本正经 is a four-character idiom describing someone who appears serious, solemn, or earnest — often with a hint that the seriousness is exaggerated, feigned, or slightly humorous. You can use it to describe someone putting on a straight face while saying something funny, or behaving with an overly formal attitude in a casual context. It's often used in a slightly teasing or ironic tone.
idiom
putting on a serious facein all earnestness (often ironically)
Examples
- 一本正经，。Tā yī běn zhèng jīng de gēn wǒ shuō le yí gè xiàohua, wǒ chàdiǎn méi rěn zhù xiào.He told me a joke with a completely straight face, and I almost couldn't help laughing.
- ，一本正经。Bié kàn tā píngshí xīxīhāhā, yí dào kāihuì jiù biàn de yī běn zhèng jīng qǐlái.Don't mind his usual joking — once the meeting starts, he turns all serious.
- ，一本正经。Tā shuō zìjǐ cónglái bù zhuī xīng, nà fù yī běn zhèng jīng de yàngzi fǎn'ér ràng rén hěn xiǎng xiào.She claimed she never fangirled anyone, but her dead serious expression just made people want to laugh.
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