Definition
This is a four-character idiom (成语) meaning 'words do not come from the heart' — you say something that you don't truly believe or feel. It describes a situation where someone speaks insincerely, often to be polite, flatter, or avoid conflict. In a sentence, it can function as a predicate or an adverbial (e.g. 言不由衷地说).
f.e.
to speak insincerelyto say something one doesn't truly meanwords that are not from the heart
Examples
- ，言不由衷。Tā zuǐ shàng shuō zìjǐ méi shì, dàn shéi dōu kàn chū tā yán bù yóu zhōng.He said he was fine, but everyone could tell he was being insincere.
- ，言不由衷。Zài nà zhǒng chǎnghé xià, tā bùdébù yán bù yóu zhōng de shuō jǐ jù kètào huà.In that situation, she had to say a few polite words insincerely.
- 言不由衷。yán bù yóu zhōng de zànměi bǐ zhíjiē de pīpíng gèng ràng rén bù shūfu.Insincere praise is more uncomfortable than direct criticism.
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